Night Of Fated Passion

<> Demiurge says "Okay. This is post-Paris-brawl, post-Aron-supper."

Sepharlaptop beeboops thankfully as the brawl is over and falls quiet for the dinner, just an unobtrusive bit of machinery in a bag.

<> Demiurge says "For the Kyrios watching Dr Matthews' den, nobody else has come in, and nobody has left."

Sepharbird murmurs to Hitherbird, "Hey, he lives here, you think? I wonder why he isn't going home."

Aron steps out of the restaurant, somber and quiet. He says nothing as he makes his way to the car. Only after entering does he finally ask, "Any signs of activity from the esteemed Dr. Matthews?"

Sepharlaptop says, "No. It's been very still here, no cars coming in and no one leaving this store. I wonder if he lives here."

Aron says "We shall find out."

Aron drives.

Sepharlaptop flashes an LED in agreement.

With Sephar's directions, it doesn't take Aron long to reach the neighbourhood in question.

Aron stops the car and turns off the lights. "Do you suppose there is a mouse nearby? The laptop might be bulky to carry."

Sephar says "We're up in the trees, Hitherby and I, I can fly to your shoulder instead."

Aron says "Perfect."

Sepharbird murmurs to Hitherbird, "Aron's here, and I'm thinking of going with him...Do you with go to with, too? If so, then we can both just go, but otherwise, I should probably find another bird..."

Hitherbird sings, "I can wait here, and come down and alert you if anything happens."

Hitherbird sings, "Or I can come with you! Either way sounds good."

Sepharbird sings, "Come with."

Sephar bird then dives its way down to Aron's shoulder.

Sephar is going to keep the laptop, though, as well, just in case.

Aron leaves the laptop on the seat, steps out, bee-boops the doors shut and heads towards the vicinity of the shop. His sword, as ever, is inconspicuous under his coat. He keeps an eye out for birds.

Sepharlaptop will listen for incoming people.

Hitherbird dives down to land on the other shoulder.

Aron murmurs, "I'll need help with the locks."

Sepharbird bobs a nod.

Aron darts a quick look both ways and then approaches the shop. He makes for an entrance that is not the front door, if possible.

Sephar settles on Aron's shoulder quietly, neck craning a bit as they approach a door.

There is the front door to the business. There's the window. There's nothing obvious in the way of side doors. To go round the back would mean circling the block.

Aron considers the window, glances at Sephar. "Will this do?"

<> Demiurge says "No obvious bars on the window. The blinds are drawn."

Sepharbird peers at the window and bobs a nod, "Yes."

Sephar then, to be sure, possesses the window instead of just remote controlling it to see if there are any electronic sensors attached to it for an alarm system.

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 6.

<> Sephar says "Shit."

<> Aron says "Oh god."

<> Sephar *gets* it, but...

There is a burglar alarm system attached that Sephar can see, which looks as if it could be deactivated.

<> Demiurge says "Otherwise, Nothing Else Happens. That you can see."

<> Aron says "Uh oh."

Sepharwindow uses remote control to deactivate the alarm system, then unlocks itself and slides itself up a good half an inch.

Sepharbird murmurs, "There is an alarm system, but I've deactivated it."

Beyond the window, Sepharwindow can see nothing but the drawn blinds.

Aron nods. "Excellent." He levers himself up to the sill and cracks open the blinds - enough to take a peek in.

Beyond is a room whose walls are covered in bookcases. Five antique clocks tick in perfect unison. The lights are off, except for a single small lamp on the desk at the centre, and the room is dim. Nobody is there.

Sepharbird peers in, interestedly as well.

Hitherbird looks disgusted. How human.

Aron pushes through and drops to the floor as softly as he knows how. He takes another look around before stalking towards an exit.

<> Aron says "Where 'as softly as he knows how' isn't necessarily that soft, really. Aron's spoiled by how easy it is for him to sneak, Ethereally."

There are two obvious exits from the room. One is a door on the side of the front door outside, which would face the entrance corridor Sephar remembers. The other door goes further into the building.

<> Demiurge says "Okay, Aron, make a Move Silently roll, then."

<> Aron says "This will be unskilled."

<> Aron rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 6.

<> Aron says "and thus a failure, I believe"

The floor creaks. But really not that much. Only a small creak.

<> Aron says "Unless I'm walking on Super Ninja Carpetting."

<> Demiurge says "Alas, you are not walking on SNC."

<> Aron says "Dagnabbit!"

<> Aron grins.

Aron nods the all clear to his avian partners in crime, then listens at the door that leads deeper into the house.

There is silence from beyond the door. Deep silence.

Aron tests the doorknob.

Sepharbird watches quietly.

The doorknob appears unlocked.

Aron opens the door and prowls on through into the space beyond. His sword is loose in its scabbard, ready.

The space beyond is a short corridor, leading to a flight of stairs. At the head of the flight of stairs stands an elderly man, with half-glasses and thick grey hair, in a grey suit. He holds a portable phone in one hand.

Aron murmurs, pitched to Sephar, "Phone."

Sephar possesses the phone.

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

The man says, "Desist from this confrontation at *once* or I shall call the police, young man." His tone is arid.

<> Demiurge says "You get the phone, Sephar."

Aron says "This dialogue is only so much a confrontation, Dr. Matthews, as your nature requires."

<> Demiurge says "BTW, is Aron wearing gloves?"

Sepharbird murmurs, "I have it."

<> Aron says "Oh goodness no. Aron doesn't think of fingerprints."

<> Demiurge says "Figured."

<> Aron says "Aron is resonating the good Dr. Matthews, though."

Sepharphone figures out who it's connected to.

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

<> Aron says "Blast and damnation."

Sepharphone also mutes the good Doctor's side of the phone.

<> Demiurge says "The phone isn't currently in use."

The man says, dryly, "I fail to understand. I assume that you are some manner of drug-taking thief, with the peculiar affectation of wearing pigeons. Kindly do me the favour of leaving."

Aron says, coolly, "I am no such manner of vagrant."

The man says, "Then why precisely have you broken in through my front window? And why are you wearing an extremely large blade? And why have you got two pigeons on your shoulders?"

<> Aron says "He noticed the blade? Oh hell."

<> Demiurge says "Apparently."

Sepharphone doesn't quite know how long it's going to be able to be there, so shorts power to ground around the main processor in the phone.

Aron says "Dr. Matthews, I believe we need to have a talk. It's about a book."

<> Demiurge says "Given that I'm ignorant, what does that result in, Sephar?"

Aron advances steadily as he speaks.

<> Sephar says "Small fitz and then the phone can't be used."

Dr Matthews retreats backwards onto the landing. "I see no need to engage in dialogues with people who break into my establishment."

<> Demiurge says "People, try a Per roll."

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

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

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 6.

<> Demiurge laughs. Okay, you see nothing.

Aron says "Your perceptions notwithstanding, I believe this dialogue is imperative."

Aron's stride lengthens. "You see, I believe you have done a bad thing."

Dr Matthews squints, behind the half-glasses, as he steps back on the landing. "And what is that?"

The landing is dark and shadowy, with several unlit rooms opening off it.

<> Demiurge says "Is Aron ascending the stairs?"

<> Aron says "Once his steps take him there, yes."

<> Demiurge says "He's about at them now."

<> Aron says "Up he goes."

Sephar remote controls the lights to go on in the landing.

Aron says "You have placed a dark mark in the minds of innocents."

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, the lights fail to go on. Perhaps the fuse is blown or something."

<> Aron says "We're gonna diiiieee!"

Sepharbird murmurs, "I can't get the lights." softly in Aron's ear.

<> Sephar says "We are."

Aron draws his sword.

Dr Matthews' voice has a note of contempt to it. "You are simply going to cut down an unarmed man?"

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

Aron says "Absolutely not."

<> Demiurge says "As Aron reaches the head of the stairs, he gets hit by the Celestial Song of Charm. He's at a -1 to Will rolls for the next 4 rounds."

<> Aron says "Oh mah wee."

<> Demiurge says "He'd feel that. The Kyrios can make Per rolls to notice it."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 2 4 CHECK: 6.

Hitherby chirrs softly.

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 5 6 CHECK: 2.

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you perceive that someone on the landing used a Song on Aron. Hitherby, duh."

Aron's expression losses a touch of its hardness. "As of that singing, however, you are not quite unarmed, are you."

Sephar sings Cel Song of Charm in return.

<> Demiurge says "On whom, Sephar?"

Dr Matthews spreads his hands, useless phone and all, taking another step back. "I have done nothing, I assure you."

<> Sephar says "On Dr. Matthews."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 2.

Dr Matthew's face twists as the Song hits him.

<> Hitherby giggles suddenly, wondering if Dr. Matthews thinks Aron avec pigeons is a Jordian. Although he won't if he hears that Song.

As Aron steps out onto the landing, a young woman takes a pace from one of the darkened doorways. She's dark-haired, pretty - and *very* recognisable to Sephar as that damn Impudite of Fate.

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

<> Demiurge says "Aron, try a Will roll."

<> Aron spends 2 essence from watch.

<> Aron rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 3.

<> Aron says "And fail less spectacularly than I would have."

<> Demiurge says "Aron, do you wish me to summarise the effects of Ethereal Attraction? :)"

<> Aron grins. "Please."

Sephar murmurs, "It's that Impudite of Fate." to Aron.

<> Pat says "THIS IS WHY WE KILL DEMONS!"

Sepharmouse in Sarah's pocket says, "Uhm. I have to go, please take care of my Host? He'll stay in your pocket just fine."

Sepharmouse with Phineas says, "I have to go Aron's in trouble, we're at Dr. Matthew's place... help if you can."

<> Demiurge says "You are passionately devoted to that young woman. You want to be with her. Near her. All the time (for the next 6 hours). You are compelled to protect and possess her."

Sepharrat just tags on a line to its report.

Sephar pulls out of everything and everyone and concentrates *here*.

<> Demiurge says "If in a combat situation, you need to make a Will roll at -2 if forced to choose between self-preservation and protecting her."

<> Pat says "And who says chivalry is dead?"

<> Demiurge says "Gee, she's only a few feet from you, even."

Aron pauses, and turns to face the Impudite. "Lady," he murmurs, low and surprised. He bows.

The young woman blushes, charmingly. She extends her hand to be kissed.

Hitherby digs in one foot and shifts the other to avoid getting flopped off onto the floor when Aron bows. Shoulders, feh.

<> Aron says "Meanwhile, Aron's lizard brain plots this woman's inevitable destruction."

Aron takes the hand and brushes lips against it. "You are in the wrong place, Lady."

Aron says "It does not suit you."

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

Hitherby . o O ( Blandine hangs out with Dr. Matthews? )

<> Sephar says "Oh *man*."

The young woman's eyes grow big and misty. "You must have the wrong place. This is just an antique bookshop."

Aron shakes his head. "No, fair one. It is entirely more dire than that."

Sephar bird then sings Cel Song of Charm on the woman.

<> Aron says "Correct me if I'm wrong - I want her. I don't have to *agree* with her, right?"

<> Sephar says "Right."

<> Demiurge says "No. You don't have to agree with her. You can pick her up and carry her off over your shoulder if you want."

<> Aron says "I wish Aron's personality allowed that."

<> Demiurge says "But if she throws herself in between you and your target, you may have problems."

<> Aron says "Actually."

<> Demiurge says "Roll for your Song, Sephar."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 1.

<> Demiurge says "Sorry, that's a fail."

<> Hitherby says "Hey! We're using those shoulders!"

Aron then interposes himself between Matthews and the woman. "Retreat with me, fair maid, and I will guard you from this one."

Sephar then tries to possess Matthews.

The woman blinks, pressing herself against Aron from behind. "Retreat? But what is this place? Isn't it just a folklore text archive?"

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you fail."

Sephar gives up the bird and uses all nine forces.

Hitherby rotates herself a little on Aron's shoulder so she can see the woman. If this gives her away, so be it.

The bird squawks and flutters off Aron's shoulder.

<> Demiurge says "That is, the no-longer-Sepharbird."

The woman just looks like a woman, to Hitherby's keen and penetrating gaze.

Aron says, to the Impudite, "That man on landing is a fiend, and a corrupter. Away to safety; I will defend you."

Sephar then does its best to get the bird back.

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

The woman takes a step backwards, away from Aron. "But who are you? What are you doing here?"

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you get the bird back."

Aron backs towards the woman. "A humble enough part of the great plan, dear lady, and I am here to save you."

Aron says "Now, let me just take care of this villain, and we can be off."

Hitherby . o O ( Ah. She's a Habbalite. )

<> Pat says "Aren't you kind of short for an angel?"

<> Sephar just dies laughing.

The young woman gasps, "Can't we all just talk? I'm sure you're really a reasonable person, and you look so honourable..."

Aron straightens, somewhat. "Certainly, we can talk."

<> Aron says "She called me honourable.."

<> Aron says "She must really like me."

<> Demiurge says "Aron, you make me feel so guilty. :)"

<> Aron grins.

Sephar leaves the pigeon and this time tries to possess *her*.

<> Demiurge says "Roll, Sephar."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 2 3 CHECK: 6.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 4.

<> Demiurge says "Alas, you bounce."

<> Demiurge says "She makes her Will."

<> Sephar growls mildly and nods.

Hitherby bobs her head pigeonishly.

The girl looks up at Aron big-eyed. "But can't you get rid of those pigeons, or at least make them sit somewhere else? I'm sure they'll damage the books."

Sephar goes for the bird again.

Aron frowns, thoughtfully. "I assure you, fair lady, that the books are safe; and what books might be damaged here might well have earned their demise."

<> Sephar says "bounces like a pingpong ball."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 3.

Hitherby engages in the ancient art of patience.

Sephar is too young for that, admittedly.

Hitherby engages in the relatively modern art of not manifesting a unicorn unexpectedly around a Puritan.

Aron then calls to Dr. Matthews, "The lady has won your safety, for the duration of a conversation. Come and join us."

Dr Matthews coughs dryly. "Perhaps I may make a suggestion. There are chairs in the room through there. I will even bring up bowls of birdseed for your pets, as you appear to have them for such."

Dr Matthews points to one of the doorways. The girl trips across towards it.

<> Aron says "I just invited a balseraph to chat."

<> Aron says "Didn't I."

<> Sephar says "You did."

<> Pat says "I feel your pain."

<> Hitherby says "He could be a Djinn! He seems relatively low-key."

Sepharpigeon sulks.

<> Sephar just giggles.

Aron moves, instinctively, in the same direction as the girl. Then, he says, "Truly, they will not hurt anything. I vouch for these, my, ah, pets. 'Pon my honour."

<> Demiurge says "Behave, birdies. The nice Malakite has vouched for you upon his honour."

<> Sephar just covers its eyes.

The girl sweetly nods, and flicks on a light switch inside the room. It's a small sitting-room, with several dusty-looking armchairs and a small cane table in the middle.

<> Sephar says "Any windows?"

<> Hitherby dreams of the day when she has many Celestial Forces and can summon rhinoceri.

<> Demiurge says "Yes, one small bow window, currently shut."

Dr Matthews coughs. "I take it that porridge oats will suit the birds?"

Aron nods. "I imagine so."

Dr Matthews nods. He heads into one of the other rooms. Meanwhile, the girl leads the way into the sitting-room, and smiles enchantingly as she curls up in one of the armchairs.

<> Hitherby says "Could it be broken and escaped through?"

<> Demiurge says "Theoretically."

Aron settles down in the seat beside her, eyes following her every movement. "Your name, dear lady; I would have it to treasure."

<> arcangel says "You mean to put on the plaque when you mount her stuffed carcass, Aron?"

The girl looks into his eyes. "Virginia."

Aron's lips twitch into a smile. "A splendid name if ever there was one. How did you find yourself in this place?"

There are sounds of someone going through cupboards in the room that Dr Matthews went into.

Sepharbird flutters over to the window, uses remote control to open it a crack, if not widely, or at least tries it to see if it can.

The girl says, "I'm an amateur folklore student. I'm doing some research on folksong roots. My cousin recommended Dr Matthews as having some *really* old texts."

Aron nods. "Many with an innocent curiosity have been drawn here." He sounds sad.

The lock on the window clicks open, the bolt withdraws with a scratch, and the window opens a shade.

<> Aron says "Is it against the spirit of the song to resonate her at this juncture?"

The girl glances round briefly at the noise, then back at Aron.

<> Demiurge says "Oh, by all means resonate her."

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

<> Sephar says "Woo!"

<> Pat says "She's evil, but you want her anyway."

<> Aron says "So *that's* what a success looks like."

<> arcangel says "He's going to want to *redeem* her now?"

<> Aron grins at Pat. "Well, yes, I know that. I just want to know what kind of evil."

<> Aron says "Well, what does salvation mean to *you*?"

<> Sephar says "Liz wanted that, too."

<> Sephar remembers where *that* led.

<> arcangel says "Will he go to Hell for her, like Liz?"

<> Aron says "Ideally, it will not become necessary."

<> Demiurge says "Three most noble things in the past year. Cooperate with Focals Investments to channel money to Bellmans, cause the death of a old man to save her own skin, attempt to trap Zebina in Hell (as her friend!)"

<> Hitherby | "I will slay you, lady, that you may have at least a few days respite from your terrible service to Hell."

<> Sephar says "As someone that loved her beyond all doubt."

Aron frowns, suddenly. In a voice heavy with sorrow, he says, "Oh, Virginia."

Virginia blinks, reaching out to touch his wrist with delicate fingers. "What is it?"

<> Pat says "My heart, it bleeds."

Aron clasps her hand between his. "It's you."

Virginia blinks. "What's me?"

Aron says "How can you bear the weight of all that?"

Sepharpigeon hesitates mildly at the window, looks at Aron, looks at Hitherby, listens to the noises in teh other room.

There is the sound of water being poured from the room that Dr Matthews went into, the traditional gurgle of a teapot.

Hitherby looks thoughtfully at Sephar. Tries to remember if she's with Sephar anywhere.

Virginia says, a trifle disingenuously, "All... what?"

<> Sephar says "No longer."

<> Sephar pulled out of everyone to try and Possess someone.

Aron squeezes her hand, gently. "You're a demon," he says, gently.

Hitherby meets Sephar's eyes, and then moves her beak slowly to point at Aron. Probably his neck, given things.

<> Aron says "Kids, don't use the word 'gently' this much at home."

<> Sephar grins.

Virginia's eyes fill up with tears. "I didn't *ask* to be born this way!"

Sephar sighs and tries to possess Aron.

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 1.

<> Demiurge says "Try a will roll, Aron."

<> Aron rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 3.

<> Demiurge snickers. Sephar controls Aron's body, and Aron's consciousness is dumped in the Marches. Away from the beautiful, fascinating, wonderful Virginia.

<> Aron says "Am I still in love?"

Sephar's ex-Host pigeon is now free by the window.

<> Demiurge says "Oh yes. For the next five and a half hours or so."

Sephar remote controls the window to be wide open.

The window flings itself open.

Hitherby chirrs to the other pigeon in bird, "Get out. Fast."

Aron spreads bruise-black wings and soars into the air. Virginia, ill-fated soul born a demon, needs his help! He streaks towards [wait, how does he get his body back?]

Hitherby darts for the window herself.

Virginia looks across to the window, wide-eyed. "What?"

The unpossessed pigeon streams out of the window in a blur of wings.

Sephar smiles at Virginia, "Not much." and then goes for the window himself.

<> Demiurge says "You can't, Aron. You'll have to wait till Sephar lets go, at which point you snap back."

<> Aron says "Oho!"

Aron streaks for the white tower.

<> Demiurge says "As, alas, you don't have a spare Vessel."

Virginia shrieks, "No! Don't leave me!" She body-tackles Aron/Sephar.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 5.

Sephar tries to dodge...

<> Aron stares. Oh god that was close.

<> Sephar doesn't have to try to dodge?

<> Demiurge eyes that roll of Virginia's. I don't think so, Sephar, no.

<> Sephar says "It was."

Virginia goes sprawling across the floor with a thump and a skid.

Sephar goes for the window, after Hitherby... and gets out?

Hitherby pauses about ten feet from the window to look back in and see what happens. Sephar's a friend, after all, and there were no obvious guns.

With speed and elegance, Sephar flings Aron's body out of the first floor window.

<> Sephar just falls over laughing...

<> Demiurge says "I did _say_ you'd gone upstairs."

<> Demiurge says "Try an agility roll for landing, Sephar."

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

<> Sephar fails.

<> Sephar grins.

<> Aron says "I would like to nominate myself for the 'gleefully took a beating' award."

Aron continues to beat wings against the night sky, heading for the white tower as swiftly as he is able.

In Aron's body, Sephar lands in the street outside. There is a nasty little noise from the right ankle as he/she lands. And it *hurts*.

<> Sephar is now about to set Aron's ankle *twice*.

Hitherby is not the least bit surprised.

<> Aron grins.

Virginia shrieks from the window, "Taroniel! My *love*!"

Sephar hobbles to Aron's car, squeaking.

Hitherby Sings Corporeal Healing.

<> Aron says "Uh oh. She knows my name."

<> Hitherby says "She's an Impudite of Fate who touched you."

<> arcangel just curls up on the floor laughing.

<> Demiurge says "Roll for the song, Hitherby."

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

<> Aron chortles. "This is awesome."

Sephar uses Remote Control to unbeboop the car.

The ankle of Aron's body reknits itself somewhat - now it's merely painful and swollen.

Sephar says "Woah, cool."

The car alarm turns off, the doors swing open, the internal lights go on.

Hitherby flutters in the open passenger-side door.

Sephar limps as quickly as it can to Aron's car, then, and then starts it up, closing the doors when Hitherby is safely in.

<> Demiurge watches "Virginia" rise to Public Enemy No 1 status.

Hitherby chirrs, "You all right?"

<> Sephar just hates her, yes.

Virginia is still calling plaintively from the window as the car engine *vrooms* into life.

Sephar groans mildly, "Mostly, I think I can finish the job before I let go."

Sephar drives away, in some random direction, not toward Sistines or anywhere else.

The streets of the city unfold around Sephar as the Kyriotate-possessed-Malakite-Vessel drives.

Sephar eventually parks in some grocery store parking lot, looks at his ankle morosely.

<> Aron says "Hey, look at that nifty sword."

Hitherby chirrs, her voice perfectly comprehensible to a fellow Kyriotate, "How irritating."

Sephar then sings Corp Song of Healing itself.

<> Demiurge says "Roll, Sephar."

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

<> Sephar will try it again, then.

<> Demiurge says "Okay, it failed. Have another go."

<> Demiurge says "You have a base chance of 6."

<> Sephar will put an extra in, then.

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

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

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 2.

<> Hitherby says "Per rolls."

The ankle reknits further, and the swelling goes down.

<> Hitherby has no idea that Sephar is singing, however :)

Sephar sighs happily, "Thank you, Hitherby, for at the house, what healing you did helped."

Sephar says "I think it's okay now... and he's out of danger, so..."

Sephar dispossesses Aron and possesses the car radio and the laptop in the car, cheerfully.

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

Hitherby sings, cheerfully, "It is of no moment. And, yes, I believe if you take us to a place where he may be held in safety, you will leave him better than before."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 6.

Sepharradio says a mild, "Oops."

Hitherby . o O ( Oy. )

Sephar possesses the car.

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 1.

<> Demiurge says "Aron, you were winging your way across the Marches. The Tower of Blandine rises ahead of you."

<> Sephar giggles, this is so Sephar like...

Aron angles for the Cherubim who guard the base of the Tower.

One of the Cherubim rears up to regard him. "Where do you hasten, Virtue?"

Aron says "Back to the Corporeal, Guardian. My vessel has been possessed from me and there is, in that place, a demon so lovely that she must be Redeemed."

The Cherub blinks. "So *lovely*?"

Aron says "As the stars are pure."

The Cherub shrugs its wings. "Well, have you another vessel?"

Aron lands and folds his wings across his back. "I do not," he says, regretfully.

Aron says "I had hoped to see the Bright Lady, to ask her favor in this."

<> Sephar says "Oh, my."

The Cherub says, "She is in council over high matters. You may wait, if you wish. It should not be more than a few hours."

Aron, love-smitten though he may be, is still himself. He nods, quietly, and finds a place of waiting. He allows thoughts of a Virginia redeemed, bright and golden, flit across his imagination.

Abruptly, he feels a suction down to the corporeal plane, back to his vessel!

<> Demiurge says "And Aron reArons inside his car."

Aron spends a silent moment re-adjusting.

Aron then looks around.

Sepharradio ahems, "Uhm... Aron?"

Hitherby, after Sephar's "Oops," has turned her head to regard the Malakite.

Sephar says "Are you... uhm... going to do anything foolish like... uhm... go back?"

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, at a guess, you're holding all the doors shut? :)"

Aron says "I was very seriously considering it."

<> Sephar says "Yes."

<> Sephar says "And I have control of the engine."

Sephar says "Was?"

Hitherby says, calmly, "Please do not force me to destroy your Vessel, Aron. Your Lady would be cross."

<> Demiurge says "Aron, you've got this for another 5 hours or so."

Aron pauses, mouth open to shape a response. He turns to regard Hitherby. "You would destroy my Vessel?"

Sephar sighs, "After what happened to Liz and Pat, I might help her."

Hitherby says, taking the time to form the words clearly, "Better a Vessel destroyed than a soul in chains."

Hitherby coughs suddenly.

Hitherby says, "Other kind of chains."

Sepharradio coughs as well, when it gets it.

Aron leans back, thoughtfully. He resonates Hitherby, to be sure nothing is, you know, amiss. Demons can lead even Angels astray, after all.

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

<> Demiurge also snickers at the chains thing.

<> Hitherby says "It was, actually, unintentional OOC too :)"

<> Aron grins!

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, what are your greatest virtue and worst sin?"

<> Hitherby's greatest virtue is utter confidence in the Lord, which filters down to provide the backbone for her somewhat lesser confidence in Jordi and her much lesser but still strong confidence in herself and her friends. Worst sin is probably the other side of that; she's not *proud*, but she does assume automatically that she's Right.

<> Aron says "I bet there's no hint of 'dishonorable and secret desire to annihilate angelic vessels'?"

<> Demiurge says "Nope."

<> Hitherby says "Nope."

<> Aron grins.

Aron looks thoughtful. "Could we go to Sistine's, please?"

Aron says "I should like to talk about this."

Sephar says "Sure."

<> Demiurge says "But, Aron, you wannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnt to be with Virginia."

<> Demiurge says "Dear dark-eyed, sweet, gentle, lovely Virginia."

<> arcangel says "Kidnap her. Take her to Sistine's with you."

<> Aron nods. "I know. Okay, question."

<> Aron says "I'm in love with Virginia, right now, right? Infatuated."

Sepharcar starts up it's engine and all and the radio says mildly, "Liz followed the same girl into Hell and was almost trapped there by her."

<> Demiurge says "Yup."

Sephar says "Okay, I was nearly trapped as well, as I couldn't leave Liz, and I realy don't want to go through that again."

<> Aron says "Now, I'm not *mindlessly* in love, right? Here's my thought. Aron desparately wants to be with Virginia. But his friend - a fellow angel - just threatened to kill him."

<> Demiurge considers. Walking back into danger probably counts as a self-preservation issue, to my mind. I'll give you a Will roll at -2 (the CD of the Song) to try and resist. You can spend essence.

<> Demiurge says "As self-preservation issues can be resisted with a Will roll -CD."

<> Aron spends 2 essence from the watch, leaving 1.

<> Aron rolls the d666 and gets 5 1 CHECK: 2.

<> Aron says "Blam."

<> Demiurge says "Whew. Aron's common sense manages - for the moment - to check his infatuation."

<> Sephar whews.

The car speeds towards Sistine's.

Aron says "I know she tried to trap Liz in Hell."

Aron says "I know she is a demon."

Hitherby chirrs quietly.

Sepharradio softly statics in acknowledgement of these points.

Hitherby says, awkwardly, "Habbalite."

Aron purses his lips. "You believe she has made me feel this way?"

Sepharradio murmurs, "When is true love demanding of self-destruction?"

Aron says "Literarily, always."

Aron's expression is thoughtful, however, and troubled.

Sepharradio, "Really?"

Sepharradio, "I've always heard that it builds the self up, doesn't tear it down, real love, that is."

Hitherby says, slowly, "The urge to Redeem is a virtue. The urge to Redeem a demon while inside a Fate base is a sign of insanity."

Aron offers, quietly, "Self-sacrifice is not necessarily a tearing-down." A moment later, "I am not mad."

Sepharradio offers back, "Self-sacrifice is not necessarily self-destruction, either."

Sepharradio says softly, "Sometimes self-sacrifice makes the self stronger."

Hitherby says, "You wait for them to come to you. Or you drag them to a safe place. You do not wait for Fate to round up all those interested in us."

Aron says "Dragging them to a safe place."

Aron muses. "That is not a bad idea."

Aron says "Let us go retrieve her."

<> Demiurge says "Well done, Hitherby. :)"

Hitherby says, "First a plan, Taroniel."

Aron says "We shall return to the place, and open the window. I shall make myself invisible, this time."

Aron says "One of you can cause a distraction while I spirit away fair Virginia."

Sepharwould hide it's head in its hands if it had either.

Hitherby coughs.

Hitherby says, "They will be on alert."

Sephar says "And, if it was as when she was with Liz, she'll alert them all the more."

Aron says "I am difficult to see, when necessary."

The car meanwhile bombs towards Sistine's.

Hitherby says, "You are practically invisible when in Sistine's."

Aron says "Yet unable to use that inivisibility effectively."

Aron pauses. "You have never been in love have you, Hitherby?"

Hitherby coughs.

Hitherby then blinks.

Hitherby flutters her wings quietly. "Four times."

Sepharcar thinks a bit, and looks through itself for possible bugs and tracking devices as they go.

Aron says "And if I told you that you could not go save your love, what would you do?"

There don't seem to be any bugs or tracking devices on the car.

Sepharradio remains somewhat remarkably silent.

Sepharcar checks the trunk for anything that was put into it.

Hitherby says, "First, I note: if you are in love with her so soon, then you are under influence." This takes a while to say. Then she continues, "Second, I note: I have been told to wait to rescue two dear friends until the time was auspicious." She ponders. "Third, I would ignore you. If you insisted that I had gone mad, and time was critical, then I would make petition to the Great One."

Hitherby says, "My honesty, you understand, does not change that I will kill your Vessel if you try to go back."

Aron nods, quietly. Almost inaudible, he murmurs, "Bright Lady, what a pain there is in my heart."

There is nothing out of the ordinary in the trunk.

The car draws up in front of Sistine's.

Hitherby says, "Su'h is liff."

Sepharradio says softly, "If I let you out of this car, will you promise not to go back for the next six hours? Just give it six hours, and then you're free of whatever promise I ask."

Aron is silent for a long time.

Sephar says "If she was safe as she was, six hours will not matter."

Aron says "I will try."

Sepharcar swings open its door, then.

Hitherby flutters to Aron's shoulder, awkwardly, as he leaves. Unless he goes invisible immediately or somesuch.

Sepharcar looks around for a bird.

There are some roosting pigeons on the roofs above.

Sephar possesses a pigeon.

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

<> Demiurge says "You own the pigeon."

Sephar keeps the laptop and stays with the car as long as it can.

<> Hitherby says "Nobody owns pigeons! They fly free!"

<> Demiurge says "You know what I mean. ;)"

<> Hitherby giggles.

Sepharpigeon flies down to be matching shoulder ornament on Aron's other shoulder and lightly brushes its beak on his hair, coo'ing the notes of Sephar's name quietly.

Sepharcar closes up and locks itself with a beboop.

<> Demiurge | Aron strangles both pigeons, promptly, and heads back to his beloved Virginia.

<> Sephar giggles.

<> Aron laughs.

<> Aron says "Except Hitherby could/would kick my butt."

<> arcangel says "Unicorn smite!"

<> Sephar nods, and the car would likely run you over.

<> Sephar sighs mildly.

Aron walks, steadily, towards the cafe. He is quiet, his steps weighed down by his spirits.

<> Hitherby could. And being bested by a unicorn would be humiliating for an ex-Purity type.

<> Hitherby says "Uriel would come back just to twist Aron's nose and yell at him."

Aron says "I talked to a woman about my son, today, you know."

Hitherby chirrs, "Son?"

Sepharpigeon cocks its head, listening.

Aron nods. "My son."

Aron smiles, sadly. "He serves Creation, and well." He pauses, on the verge of saying something else, and stops.

Aron enters the cafe. "And we spoke of the Crusades."

Sistine's is slowing down, this time of night. Marath is not immediately obvious, but the sad-eyed bartender glances at the angels, then nods once towards the kitchen.

<> Hitherby is not all that excited about children. She probably has millions of descendants, and all of them have the brains of gnats. In some cases, literally. Although technically they're not her kids, but the kids of hosts.

<> Aron says "But that's just 'cause Hitherby spends too much time as a bug and not a mammal."

<> Hitherby grins.

Aron says "An Angel died today."

Aron says "Virginia was a singular bright moment."

Sepharpigeon murmurs softly, "You son was not a brightness?"

Hitherby coos thoughtfully, as her swarm wiggles through the screen and into the kitchen one by one. She'd like a working voice.

Aron says "He is a brightness, but not mine."

<> Aron says "Feel my pain, imprisoning birds!"

Sepharpigeon coo's curiously.

<> Sephar grins, feels it owes Aron this, at least after taking away Free Will for his actions for a bit.

Hitherby fluffs her feathers. She feels, not Aron's pain, but somewhat blank confusion.

<> Aron wishes Hitherby were an Elohite for a moment, but wait, then she'd know and wouldn't care!

<> Aron shakes his fist.

Aron says "I lost his regard some time ago, I fear."

Sepharbird bobs quietly at that.

Marath, in the kitchen, looks up at Hitherbugs. "Hitherby? Anything the matter?"

Hitherbugs chrisk, "Aron has fallen spontaneously in love with a demon, and is saying other confusing things, and I would like a voice when he gets in here."

Marath looks briefly stunned, then moves across to the steaming coffeepot. "He'll want coffee, then."

Hitherbird sings, softly, "You have not lost my regard. Even Kyriotates sometimes succumb to demonic powers."

Marath finishes filling a mug of coffee as Aron and the pigeons enter. She looks across. "Anything the matter?"

<> Demiurge says "Why, even Jordi himself once wanted to wipe out all humans!"

Aron nods. "I am in love. They think I am mad."

Marath sighs. "Have some coffee and tell me about it. Did it come on suddenly?" She offers the mug.

Sepharpigeon coo's, "Not mad, just under a compulsion."

Marath pauses. "You take it black, right?"

<> Hitherby says "He's a Malakite, isn't he? :)"

Sepharpigeon mutters blackly, "Like Liz was."

Aron says "I do."

Aron says "And it did."

Marath nods, and offers the mug. It steams with all the heat of good Java.

Sepharpigeon quiets to hop onto the table and skitter on the surface a bit before settling on it to watch and listen.

Hitherbird remains on Aron's shoulder. She's not wholly certain what the rules are regarding promises as opposed to formal oaths, and would hate for him to flee.

<> Demiurge looks forward to hearing _Faber_ try and convince Marath of certain matters, after this.

<> Hitherby laughs.

<> Sephar falls over laughing.

<> arcangel says "Whoooooboy."

<> Hitherby says "Well, it's not like Caliah can influence someone's emo -- oh, yah. :)"

Aron cups his hands around the mug and sips, quietly. "If a compulsion is made to look enough like love, is it any different?"

<> Demiurge says "Aron, let's have a Str roll."

Marath remains next to him. "Love isn't wished on us by the other person, though. It *is*."

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

<> Demiurge says "Aron: Hello, Mickey Finn. Bye bye, consciousness."

Aron says "It ju... ju... wha?"

Marath neatly takes the mug from Aron's hands.

Aron's eyes lid and his body tumbles, limply.

Hitherbird flutters startledly into the air.

Marath puts the mug to one side. She says, to the pigeons, "Don't try drinking that."

Hitherswarm chrisks happily.

Hitherswarm chrisks, "Very nicely done."

Hitherswarm mutters atonally, "Thank you."

Aron drools.

<> Demiurge says "Okay. Shall we close there, as Aron's going to be out for a few hours?"

<> Hitherby says "Sure!"

<> Aron says "Sure, that's groovy."

---

Fiat Justitia