InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "What have you done today"

Gabriel, Archangel (thereisakingdom) wrote in utr_logs,
@ 2011-03-31 18:07:00

Entry tags:

archangel gabriel, raziel

WHO: Gabe and Raziel
WHAT: Information seeking
WHERE: Raziel's London flat
WARNINGS: Doubtful.

Gabe had popped into London, hoping his brother was in and he wasn't interrupting anything. He liked London anyway, and he could easily kill an afternoon in the bookshops or something. He was grateful to have a day off; he'd been working constantly at both jobs, heavenly and otherwise, and a break sounded great.

He knocked on Raziel's door, figuring on different outcomes depending who opened it to him.

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thefirstfallen
2011-03-31 11:18 pm UTC (link)

Raziel had been in the parlor, writing silently as he listened to a recording of old Gregorian chanting, which he found soothing. He hadn't been expecting anyone, but it wasn't necessary for Gabriel to knock, as he felt his little brother's presence at the door step before the rap to the door came. He set down his pen and journal, before standing and greeting him with a warm embrace. "Hello, Gabriel," he said as he stepped aside, "Come in. Pardon the chanting, and the mess of papers, I've been writing, again. What brings you to brighten my day, baby brother?"

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	thereisakingdom 2011-03-31 11:36 pm UTC (link)
	It was still weird, frankly, to get such a sunny reception from Raziel. Gabe smiled. "I actually need a little information, if you can get it for me. I know I should probably ask Ariel, but I don't even know if he had any idea of this. Is Ash here?" (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-03-31 11:49 pm UTC (link)

"She's out getting a manicure," Raziel said as he offered a seat to his brother, sitting down in his own chair. "Information is something I'm actually coming to find easier to come to me these days, though it does take more effort than a simple thought. My mind at one point was like a well-organized library, and now it's as if the library has moved venue, and is mostly unpacked. But what is it that you're needing? I will try to help, regardless."

He actually had a feeling that it had something to do with Lilo, but he wouldn't press the matter or ask outright.

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	thereisakingdom 2011-03-31 11:56 pm UTC (link)
	Gabe nodded, sitting across from him. "I know you bonded to Ash by her rites," he said without preamble. "I don't think that's an option for me, but every rite I've ever heard of within our magic or our alchemy is meant for two angels. I thought if anyone knew a workaround for Lilo and me, it'd be you." (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 12:24 am UTC (link)

"There are," Raziel immediately answered, before chuckling and shaking his head, "but I may have to think of what is the best way to go about it. The human pledging fealty is one way to do it, off the top of my head, but that isn't what you desire. You want her to be your equal, want her to spend eternity with you. Outside of the more dark methods, nothing outright jumps out at me." He paused to consider, tapping his nails over his jaw, considering it.

After a minute or two, he spoke again, "Now, there is a chance that you could give to her a piece of yourself. Not in the physical sense, though to signify it physically would be rather appropriate. In war times, a woman would give to her soldier husband a lock of her hair to remind him of her, to protect him from straying and from harm, and the soldier would reciprocate in kind, to remind her of him, to keep her safe while he was off fighting. The lock of hair would be kept in a locket, worn close to their hearts. It was superstition that made the sentiment strong. But in that sentiment, there is my inspiration. A lock for a lock, a heart for a heart, a piece of one for the other. You could give her a part of you to make her live for as long as she desired, a part of you that shone through in her. It wouldn't need to be much, but it would... it could possibly work for what you desire. A spiritual exchange, a bonding rite by transference."

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 12:30 am UTC (link)
	Gabe nodded. "That's what I'd been thinking, a transference of some kind. But I mean, humans need every bit of their souls, don't they? I didn't want to take any of it. That always ends bad." He fished a ring box out of his pocket and handed it to Raziel. "The human rituals are easy. I don't mind that. It's kinda nice. It's the long term that matters to me." (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 12:39 am UTC (link)

Raziel took the box and ran his fingers over the ring gently, chuckling gently. Not at all ostentatious, which suited them both well, nodding once. "Humans need completeness, a full spirit, that's true enough, but if you replace what you take away fully, Gabriel, there is no worry to be had. And as you are angelic, it may in fact enrich her to have a piece of you. It would not change her personality, but it may give her a sense of peace and understanding she never would have known, otherwise."

He ran a finger over the ring once more. "You could also ask my pupil to enchant the ring with protection of some sort, or perhaps a sentiment. A sheer emotion. He'd more than likely be able to do such a thing with ease these days," Raziel handed the box back as he spoke. "And I know that what you love will always be protected, but the sentiment would not only be well received, but in times of unrest," he was speaking clearly about times when demons decided to get uppity, "she would not be used to get to you."

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 12:49 am UTC (link)
	Gabe raised an eyebrow. "That might work, actually. I can ask him to do that." As for a piece of him ... "I can do my job without any problem if I do that, giving a piece of me to Lilo. Right? I'm not prone to one of Asmodey's underlings trying to worm their way into my psyche; they couldn't tell there was a hole?" Really, that was all he would worry about. (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 12:53 am UTC (link)

With a shake of his head, Raziel responded, "No, at least not for long. We are endless creatures, and can give freely of ourselves without becoming depleted or full of holes. You may have anywhere from a month to a few years of time where you are vulnerable, but you have more than enough defenses to protect you from agents of opposition. You have me, and my student, you have Michael, and Azrael, and Uzza as well as Kokabiel to fight for you."

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 01:00 am UTC (link)
	Gabe didn't like it, but he'd risk it, for Lilo. "I wasn't sure ... I mean, it isn't like I've ever thought about doing this." He chuckled. "Do you remember Sophitia? She was a cherubim I sort of used to keep company with. She's the closest I ever got to anything like this before." (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 01:07 am UTC (link)

"I recall her, yes, but not that you had any feelings for her," confessed Raziel, who could remember the cherubim faintly, a far-off memory. "She was younger than you as I recall, but not by much. And one of the more personable of her order, as I remember. She was incredibly friendly. But this is different, you are right on that, Gabe. Lilo is a fine woman, human and young, but she shows great promise in being able to weather great spans of time. She's also just the right amount of thickheaded and kind for you. Any woman who can punch someone as a show of love is definitely strong enough to balance out the moments of your... rather soppy disposition."

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thereisakingdom
2011-04-01 01:19 am UTC (link)

"You shut your fucking mouth." Gabe kidded; he knew he'd always been the bleeding heart, really. "Sophitia was sweet, but it didn't hit me very hard when she was killed. I don't know. To think about losing Lilo is fucking scary, even now. I figured I'd better check out my options." He shrugged, switching his crossed legs. "I've spoken to a few mortals and I want to talk to Qing, but obviously I figured you were a good place to start."

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thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 01:25 am UTC (link)

"Qing would know for certain if what I had in mind would work, she's probably got a compendium of beings who have tried and their success rates tallied and graphed," joked Raziel, who truly adored the little workaholic. "And of course, I might find more options as I think about it longer. When Astarte returns, I'll talk with her about it. If anyone understands love well, it is she, and she could have other options as well. Don't forget that a Titaness is here, Phoebe. She also could have other angles on the matter. You have a wealth of knowledge and experience at your fingertips. Do try to remember that."

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 01:35 am UTC (link)
	"I know that. I mean, I talked with that mortal, Singer, who's Lilo's teacher. I left Qing a message - she was out somewhere when I tried to get a hold of her. I've just wanted to ... cast the net wide, I guess?" Gabe rolled his neck; the body's muscles tended to get a little tight. "I didn't know about the Titaness, though; I've been a little work-focused." (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 01:45 am UTC (link)

"She's a friend of Astarte's, perhaps you could speak to her through that channel, should you need her guidance. Still, it's good to know you love someone. I don't know if I've told you that, but I'm happy for you. And I'm also happy for her." Raziel couldn't help but feel proud of his little brother to finally mature to the point where the fear of falling for loving someone else wasn't such a fear that it kept him from doing so.

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 02:02 am UTC (link)
	"Yeah, that might work if I can't get a hold of her on my own. Would you object to asking that of Ash?" He obviously didn't want to push. He smiled at the praise, though. "I don't know, Lilo gets my goofy ass for eternity if this works out. I'm the one who gets lucky." It was half kidding, but still, he felt like the blessed one. (Reply to this)

	thefirstfallen 2011-04-01 02:20 am UTC (link)
	"It's inevitably up to her, she's her own woman," Raziel said with a chuckle, "but I'll ask for you." He could hear the utter love in Gabriel's voice, and that warmed him deeply. "You both are, I feel. Though I still cannot understand her enjoyment of pig flesh." His nose wrinkled faintly at the thought of its scent. "But I'm not the one who has to live with it." (Reply to this)

	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 02:25 am UTC (link)
	Gabe shrugged. "She keeps her food separate from mine. It's still kosher. I wouldn't ask her to change, as long as she doesn't trayf my good shit. She's been fine so far." He laughed a little. "I think I fell in love with her as soon as she made me turkey bacon and asked me about kashrut." (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 02:30 am UTC (link)

"You're almost so Jewish it hurts," Raziel said with a shake of his head, his smile gone lopsided as he summoned two glasses to the table between them, and a pitcher of iced tea, which he poured for the both of them, keeping from spilling with a measured precision using his fingertip against the brim of the glasses. "You should have someone check on that for you." It was no secret that Raziel had denounced the faith that his brothers held, but still kept up practice where he knew it mattered, and where he felt it simply helped.

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 02:38 am UTC (link)
	"Hey, if I can't keep up the regulations, who the hell could?" If a fucking archangel couldn't even keep kosher, well. Gabe chuckled. "I intend to ask Lilo if we can do a Jewish wedding at least in part; they're fun. The glass crushing, the shouting. It's what weddings are supposed to be." So many felt funereal, at least the ones he'd been to in the last few centuries. (Reply to this)

	thefirstfallen 2011-04-01 02:48 am UTC (link)
	"They are a celebration, and it would be wonderful to be in attendance. I can't imagine why she'd say no to that. It's a shame Enoch is not around, he would have made the best Rabbi to head up a party like that. ... Mm, on second thought, he'd likely scold me for not sticking to the doctrine I taught him, so let's not go there." He smirked. "When do you plan to propose?" (Reply to this)

	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 02:56 am UTC (link)
	"Soonish. I wanted to know more about the long term before I did anything." Gabriel stuffed the ring box back in his pocket, taking up his glass. "I can find a decent rabbi, I'm sure. There are a surprising amount of them who ... y'know. Aren't dicks." He tended to be Reform in his Judaism; they were on the whole a more relaxed movement. (Reply to this)

	thefirstfallen 2011-04-01 03:10 am UTC (link)
	"Oh, no Hassidic? They'll wail and wonder what they did or didn't do to please you, you know," chided Raziel with a grin against the lip of his glass. "Oh heaven forfend that they stick to doctrine so strictly that they've blown it out of proportion and made it seem like a chore." (Reply to this)

	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 03:18 am UTC (link)
	"In other words, pot meet kettle?" Gabe made a face, which he knew Raziel would detect anyway. He'd always been the one to stick to Father's instructions to the letter. "I prefer people who celebrate faith, instead of mourn it constantly. That's for Yom Kippur, not every day." (Reply to this)

	thefirstfallen 2011-04-01 03:31 am UTC (link)
	He laughed outright at the snarky comments, "You have it right, but as you say, sober and mourning has its time and place. It is like bemoaning one's passions. Truth should be embraced with love and delight, not feared. I can only hope to show that to them." (Reply to this)

	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 03:41 am UTC (link)
	"I think you will." Gabe smiled. "Mourning's part of life, but there's a lotta good to experience, too. I love my job. Lilo. Nature. Food. Sex. I could go on." He chuckled. "This is good, too." He held up the glass, clinking the ice cubes so Raziel could hear. (Reply to this)

	thefirstfallen 2011-04-01 03:53 am UTC (link)
	"You have Astarte to thank for that, I fear," Raziel smiled as he sipped the tea, "she was the one who picked out the berries and leaves which were to go into it. Discerning woman that she is, who am I to disparage that? The outcome is perfection. And truly, it all is a wonder, every single thing. We are blessed to be a part of it. They should know that as well." (Reply to this)

	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 04:02 am UTC (link)
	"I hope you can teach more of 'em." Gabe held up his glass in a toast. "And you think Qing will be able to tell me if your idea will work?" Ash might provide a better inroad than just leaving her a note. (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 04:07 am UTC (link)

"I'm certain. She is not unlike a one-being army of cherubim. She'll certainly have the data of its effectiveness, if nothing else. But it reminds me to get a hold of her, myself. I feel as if it's been far too long since I've taken her dancing." Raziel remembered the times they spent an hour every few months simply going out to dance, even through his darker days of corruption. They both always managed to have just enough to spare for that momentary getaway.

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 04:17 am UTC (link)
	Gabe smiled. "That's kind of sweet. I didn't know you guys went so far back." He'd only met the Chinese woman not too long ago - a couple of centuries, maybe. (Reply to this)

thefirstfallen
2011-04-01 04:22 am UTC (link)

"She was an acquaintance through Asmodey. She cowed him utterly, sassing him to no end for how much work he made for her, and he was left speechless; of course I made quick friends with her. After that, how couldn't I?" He beamed. Anyone who had the same biting bluntness he possessed was clearly a good being, and earned instant respect. "And I cannot help it, she is quite a graceful dancer. And that is where our attraction starts and ends."

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	thereisakingdom 2011-04-01 04:29 am UTC (link)
	"Still kinda sweet." He knew his brother only had eyes for Astarte. "And clearly a badass." He smirked. "All I know about her is that she's the record keeper and takes no shit whatsoever." (Reply to this)