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Ariel (defectedfromgod) wrote in utr_logs,
@ 2010-08-08 01:05:00

Entry tags:

ariel, mephisto

WHO: Meph and Ariel
WHAT: Recovering memories
WHERE: The bookshop
WARNINGS: Not likely.

He'd set a closed sign on the shop upon arriving, telling the lingering customers that something had come up and there was no one else to watch the place. With the floor clear, he was left free to consider just what he was doing. Some part of him still felt nerves, felt fear of being surprised or played false again, but he talked himself down. The fallen angel was just that, and between the service he'd done Raziel and the very real fury and loss he'd seen toward God, he couldn't doubt. Not to that degree, not anymore.

He closed his eyes, knowing the medallion wasn't far away. If you have time, I think perhaps I'm ready. Before he changed his mind.

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 02:36 am UTC (link)

Ariel figured honestly was the best policy, as per usual. "I certainly won't pout if there are things you don't wish my help on; I merely find myself unsure who else might have any need of my talents." And the fallen angel knew very well that to work was to keep Ariel calm and occupied. He wouldn't ask for some kind of bloody charity, but why not avail himself of the chance to keep his nerves from jangling too hard in boredom?

Besides, Ariel reflected sourly, he remembered very well where his last prolonged bout of boredom had landed him.

(Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 02:45 am UTC (link)

"It's something I'd appreciate your assistance with, though if you're worried I'll cross you, I can work through it." He shook his head. "Your talents are hard to come by, Ariel, people will need them from time to time. It is why magic even exists in this world. So that few may learn it and many may benefit."

Mephisto had been lightly scratching the wood of the table with his free hand the entire time, and finally, when it stilled, beside his hand was a sigil, perfectly carved into the wood, as if it had always been there.

"It has many steps, this process. First, you would have to find the proper balance for neutralization, then you would have to find a way to use that in a transmogrification. I would take it from there and use that new spell into a sigil's form, imbuing the symbol with the power of your spell, and with that sigil, I could make a talisman."

(Reply to this)

	defectedfromgod 2010-08-09 03:00 am UTC (link)
	Ariel shook his head. "There would be no reason for you to cross me. And I can at least hurry up the process by balancing acid and base; that's child's play." He looked at the sigil, idly curious. Something did sound in his head, though, and he asked abruptly, "Whose province covers nightmares?" Gabrael, perhaps? (Reply to this)

	feedsmycontempt 2010-08-09 03:17 am UTC (link)
	"Raphael is the patron of nightmares. Gabriel of dreams. Though we can all work with things of that nature, what do you need, Ariel?" He leaned back and folded his hands on the table. "Gabriel and Raphael are both missing in this world, though their magic is strong still." (Reply to this)

defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 03:23 am UTC (link)

"What is the best way to create a dream ward?" Ariel asked simply. "I'm sure I can manage it, but I don't know if it would be best to do something physical or use a spiritual or mental ward. I've had nightmares since the day I arrived in this place." To sleep a full night was utterly alien, at this point; he'd even awoken Princess the night they'd slept in her room, to his utter embarrassment. "I believe I'm more than strong enough to fashion one by now."

(Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 03:48 am UTC (link)

"There are many ways of warding from nightmares. Calling on my brothers with sigils of protection, drugs, poultices, meditation, sometimes even simply speaking them through will do well." Mephisto shook his head. "Rarely, though it happens, it's because of lower imps working their way into your mind, into your subconscious. But if it's been happening since you got here, and even since I gave you the coin, I doubt it's that." The little piece of silver he'd given to Ariel when the man summoned Raziel was more than a simple piece of protection - as it was carved by him, it truly worked against creatures he deemed unworthy to grace the presence of the one that owned it. That included all lower forms of demon.

"I would start with a poultice with a protection rune put against it."

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 03:54 am UTC (link)

Ariel nodded. "A simple enough start. And yes, they've persisted even since then." He'd known the talisman had special properties, but not that specifically. "Before they were more like memories. I might be standing at the river's edge in more than one." He shook his head. "Now they are more like traditional nightmares. Princess has expired in my arms more than once, I don't mind telling you." It illustrated the gravity of the dreams. "In others I've been rendered mute or struck blind and deaf, or had my library burnt to the ground."

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feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 04:07 am UTC (link)

"The river..." Murmured Mephisto, sighing. "The spirit there still remembers me. She curses my name now, as I'm sure she should." He put the thought aside and then faced Ariel, unfolding his hands to wave his hand over the table, producing several herbs. Anise, betony, hyacinth, morning glory seeds, mullein, purslane, and rosemary were all there, ground already, and in small jars. He then brought forth a small amount of midnight blue fabric, swiftly sewing it into a pocket of sorts. As he did, he spoke.

"While your being struck mute might be a relief to me for a brief amount of time, it would vex me greatly in the long term. These nightmares are fairly common, an intimate look into your great fears. You can try to assuage them with logic and sense, but nightmares are not logical, they simply are there to remind you that you are frail." He produced from midair a similar medallion to the one he had given to Ariel before, already carved with the name and sign of Raphael, which he put into the little fabric pouch. He then poured the herbs, whispering to them their names and the name of their new ward, and then sewed up the pouch into a small pillow, which he then handed it to Ariel.

"This goes under your pillow." It felt powerful, despite how common it seemed. It radiated peace and protection.

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 04:31 am UTC (link)

He took it, already able to feel the scent. He'd seen the herbs go in, recognizing most of them; trying to reconcile the scent. He took a deep breath, nodding. "I would not have thought to mix mullein and rosemary. But I can already feel the mix. The power is evident." It would likely work.

Ariel had to chuckle. "You've done my work for me, now I'll need to repay the favour." Hopefully that would be understood to be humor - he had no intention of making deals, especially since the fallen angel himself had forbidden it. As if Ariel would contemplate it again voluntarily.

(Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 04:36 am UTC (link)

Ariel's words struck him less as a deal and more like a friendly understanding and he nodded his head faintly, his expression content. "I would hate to be in your debt, after all." He mocked back, although there was a certain truth to it. He certainly wouldn't want to feel more indebted to the mortal, no matter how friendly they had become. The guilt still rang through him, and it made him ache to even admit it to himself.

He wanted to do something to repay for the pain he'd caused Ariel, even secondhand. He had the power to take all that away from the man, take away the memory of it, to take away the fear of it happening again, but he simply couldn't do that.

(Reply to this)

	defectedfromgod 2010-08-09 04:47 am UTC (link)
	"Surely there'd be something wrong with that." Good, he'd understood. He took the last of the brandy, downing it and setting the glass aside. "In all seriousness, though, I have no objection to at least balancing the acid and base. It keeps me in form while I try to find other work or research." (Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 04:56 am UTC (link)

"Mm, it's simple work, but it's work. I wish there were more for you, but everyone I keep around seems to already know you. Well, April might not, but I'm not sure she would know why she'd need an alchemist. Still, I am advertising your existence as a skilled alchemist. You will get business eventually." He tapped his claws again, just once, before quirking a brow. "Perhaps I will teach you the way to simply activate the power of what's around you through the power of words. You know well enough that there is power in everything, as well as knowing there is power in speech, but if Adam could catch on, so can you. There is strength in syllables, in knowing the way to speak."

He slipped into a language that was likely never spoken before in Ariel's presence, but still just as easily understood. The soul and mind would understand it, but the words would sound strange to his ears. It was the language that Enoch once heard, and Adam, and Ezekiel. "I could teach you Angelic, in fact."

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 05:17 am UTC (link)

A thrill of unimaginable proportions went through Ariel's brain when he heard the words, though he could not say how he understood them. Holy blessed ever-Virgin ...

"I am not sure I should learn that," he said slowly, though to know it would be ... humbling. It did make him wonder. "I appear steadfast enough to be able to use that sort of power?" He would be the first one to doubt his own willpower, always.

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feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 05:24 am UTC (link)

"It would do you well in your pursuit to understand it, Ariel." When he spoke the man's name, he spoke it properly, the way his brother's name was pronounced, and the name rang with clarity as he did. Every syllable he uttered was a heartbeat in the body of the world, a breath of first breath. It was Truth, and he dared not combine it with his powerful voice, because that alone would have shocked Ariel into madness once more, at the very least. He smiled then, and slipped back into English.

"If Adam could handle it, so can you. You would learn self-discipline as you never understood it."

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 05:45 am UTC (link)

"The idea is difficult to comprehend." Ariel sat, thinking. "Hard to grasp." He did his best not to let his pride factor into such an offer; he at least knew himself well enough to know that would tip the scales. "I doubt there are words in the human languages to express the power of what you just did."

To know such a thing would be a powerful incentive to not overstep himself, though, it was true. "To learn such a thing must be deserved. I would like to learn it only if I always appear strong enough to do so." He was setting his faith in the fallen angel, to a degree, and while it was frightening, he didn't think about withdrawing his statement.

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feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 05:56 am UTC (link)

"Hm." It was a sharp noise, and for once, the angel seemed just the slightest bit unsure. While he trusted that Ariel was a pure man with pure intentions, he'd given similar gifts to similar men and watched them turn into monsters from their newfound abilities making them power hungry. However... Ariel deserved this. He was strong enough for it. And although Ariel only stated those two factors, Mephisto knew he was searching for more.

"I've known men like you use power lesser than the True Language and turn against all they cared for. They went on to use their power to put a wounding grip on the world, grabbed on and wrung blood from the heavens themselves. However, you have one thing that they don't, Ariel. I trust you with this power because I know that you won't ever be rid of me. Even if we parted ways this very moment, you would still never be rid of me." He knew the impact he'd had on Ariel, and knew that no matter how deeply abhorrent it was to himself, Ariel would always somewhat fear him, and what he could do if he foolishly abused his gifts.

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	defectedfromgod 2010-08-09 06:10 am UTC (link)
	He hadn't expected such honesty, and it did make sense. Yet he only managed the ghost of a smile. "Surely you won't spend eternity standing guard over me." It wasn't a challenge; it was more an unasked question. "There are far worthier pursuits." (Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 06:19 am UTC (link)

"Would I have to? I'm with you, Ariel. I could be gone from your presence, but you still have me in your mind, in your scars and in your soul. Just as you carry her around." The tone of 'her' was gentle and sorrowful, and implied a deep bond. Speaking her name was impolite, but it was obvious that Mephisto was referring to Helena.

"I do not have to be physically present to be there."

(Reply to this)

defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 06:38 am UTC (link)

He poured just a bit more brandy into his glass, excusing himself to replace the bottle before he overindulged. In his heart of hearts he knew it was true; he'd never truly be rid of what had happened or of the memories of it. He'd wanted a bit of peace, but it wouldn't be obtained by erasing the angel and the lost love entirely from his memory. At this point it was no longer possible.

He took a breath. "If you don't object, I'd like a bit of time to consider." His voice came in a rush, and he did his best to calm it. "I am interested and I completely concur with what you've said, but I just." He trailed off, closing his eyes. He was so very tired of being afraid. So tired of being guilty and weary and unworthy and so close to having a hand in his own damnation, but to be ignorant was no option!

He needed to run, now, if there was anywhere he could go. "May I please consider and speak with you again sometime soon?" He'd be damned if his voice would crack in front of the angel.

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feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 06:46 am UTC (link)

"If it gives you this much fear, Ariel, I will simply withhold the offer for another time," Mephistopheles shook his head, his voice compassionate. "When you're ready to accept that you are stronger than you're allowing yourself to be. I won't press knowledge on you that you are not yet ready to accept." He didn't have to breathe but he took a breath, to clear the air, and after sighing it out, he explained. "I want to repair the damage I have done. I could repair you, I could take away the pain and memories, the scars I've left on your soul, but with them would go the wisdom you've already gained and I won't do that to you. So I must find a way of retribution. So this is a fair price. If you cannot accept that, Ariel, I understand."

He shook his head and muttered as he stood, "I'll take my leave now, if that is what you want."

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defectedfromgod
2010-08-09 07:02 am UTC (link)

Hearing such a measured response helped the urge to panic somewhat, and he was able to reply sounding calm. It was a lot to handle for anyone, he told himself. Ariel said simply, "The mere fact that such a thing is possible, to say nothing of the fact that you would offer, speaks more to good intentions than anything else you could say or do. But the fact you understand why I might not accept is by far the most important."

He would try again with this honesty. "I sincerely wish to learn. Something so sacred as that language is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something to use for fun. I would like to think I am ready to accept something of that nature. And I grow very tired of being afraid." Not even of the fallen angel - of himself and his own weaknesses. "Rationally, I'm sure most of it is needless. But fear is not rational, and I do not know how to stop it." Not yet.

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feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 07:10 am UTC (link)

He took his seat once more and nodded. "Ariel, understand this. I'm near as sick of your fear as you are. You traveled, perhaps you'll understand the analogy of eating the same thing day after day, month after month. You become convinced that you'd rather eat literally anything else than have another bite of the rations you've had. Your fear has become intolerable to me for many reasons." He chuckled then, and moved one hand to pat Ariel's hand lightly. "Confidence is the only cure for fear. And once you have more of it, infinite wisdom will unlock itself for you."

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	defectedfromgod 2010-08-09 07:16 am UTC (link)
	He had to resort to weak humor, if only to keep his nerves steady. "A pity that cannot be manufactured alchemically." And yet, he was curious. It was a good sign. "I understand the analogy very well." He could have told stories of Singapore, at the very least. "But what else can sustain you?" (Reply to this)

feedsmycontempt
2010-08-09 07:24 am UTC (link)

"Anger, sadness, despair, lies. ... Eyeballs." He tried hard not to smile at the last, because as false as it was, he had eaten more than Ariel would ever feel comfortable knowing, simply out of spite. He shook his head and shrugged a shoulder. "I no longer need to feed from anything. It's merely habit now - one that I'm happy to say I'm trying to break. But yours filters, no matter what. Your... Dee. He should do more for that than I should, after all." He paused to consider, his head tilting as it always did, his lips pouting just faintly while he thought.

"I'll teach you once you're back from this trip you're planning. It will give you time to find a bit of peace. And it will give me time to be free of you, so I can work on this damn spell."

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	defectedfromgod 2010-08-09 07:29 am UTC (link)
	Whomever he ought to thank for Princess, he reflected, should consider themselves thanked. He couldn't forget everything when with Princess, things didn't work that way. But he could try, and he could show her sights and mysteries, and watch her smile. At least in the short run, it might be enough. "I wish you luck with it," he said aloud. "Mary's baking is quite a pleasure." (Reply to this)

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