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'Tis easy to imagine him being a good strategist. [Galahad nods along with Bee's description of Lucifer.] The times I've talked to him he's seemed intelligent and very focused. [Another short pause as he thinks, and Galahad's hands hesitate, too.]
Always very... guarded, too. Private.
[He resumes carefully washing the blood from the Angel's hair, now gently undoing Beelzebub's remaining braids to get the last of the matted crimson out. After that, he'll apply a little soap.]
Aye, I can imagine why it would seem strange for someone to worry about hot water after that. [A pause.] It's a common assumption for humans to make; Most of us don't come from a world anything like yours.
Always very... guarded, too. Private.
[He resumes carefully washing the blood from the Angel's hair, now gently undoing Beelzebub's remaining braids to get the last of the matted crimson out. After that, he'll apply a little soap.]
Aye, I can imagine why it would seem strange for someone to worry about hot water after that. [A pause.] It's a common assumption for humans to make; Most of us don't come from a world anything like yours.
He's as sharp and dangerous as a concealed assassin's knife in a peace talk. [Beelzebub had seen so much of it first hand. Lucifer even surprised his own angels, the way he flipped without warning and pulled surprises and attacks out of nowhere.]
It's necessary. Too much lost and too many enemies. He's been closed since his sons and wife were killed by our father.
[Beelzebub spoke with a heavy sadness. He had known Lucifer before the damage and could see all the changes. He bore guilt too, that he couldn't intervene and save those lost to the king. He nodded though.]
Humans, even some of the other angels, can't survive where we live.
It's necessary. Too much lost and too many enemies. He's been closed since his sons and wife were killed by our father.
[Beelzebub spoke with a heavy sadness. He had known Lucifer before the damage and could see all the changes. He bore guilt too, that he couldn't intervene and save those lost to the king. He nodded though.]
Humans, even some of the other angels, can't survive where we live.
[Galahad's expression softens as he listens to Beelzebub and takes in the deep sadness in the angel's tone. It's rarer that he hears the angel sound so broken about anything. Reflexively, his touch in the angel's hair lightens to something more soothing as he washes the remainder of the light soap out of the angel's hair. Once it's out, he'll be finished and Bee's hair will be fresh and clean.]
That is horrific, [the knight agrees, shaking his head.] I can see why someone would keep things to themselves, after all. 'Tis not an easy life, being a king and having powerful enemies. Not in any sense.
Arthur has lost much over the years, too. Not nearly as much as your lord, but kings have so much to shoulder regardless of who they are. It takes incredible strength, to be able to do what they do. [It's something Galahad has enormous respect for.]
Aye, so I can imagine. Although the point I wanted to make was-- humans will probably keep making these assumptions around you. Ones that know you better may learn or know enough not to, but the rest won't be well informed.
[It's an indirect way to say what he means, but his hope is that the angels wouldn't laugh at humans who didn't know about their world.]
That is horrific, [the knight agrees, shaking his head.] I can see why someone would keep things to themselves, after all. 'Tis not an easy life, being a king and having powerful enemies. Not in any sense.
Arthur has lost much over the years, too. Not nearly as much as your lord, but kings have so much to shoulder regardless of who they are. It takes incredible strength, to be able to do what they do. [It's something Galahad has enormous respect for.]
Aye, so I can imagine. Although the point I wanted to make was-- humans will probably keep making these assumptions around you. Ones that know you better may learn or know enough not to, but the rest won't be well informed.
[It's an indirect way to say what he means, but his hope is that the angels wouldn't laugh at humans who didn't know about their world.]
It breaks him and he gets dangerous, even to the rest of us. [Beelzebub sometimes had to be the one to block his rage when it wound up. However, it was his duty and he had learned ways to navigate that anger.]
He carries the burdens of an entire universe. [Beelzebub sighed heavily.]
After the Fall, I was the one who encouraged him to be our leader. I didn't think anyone else could do it. I still don't think anyone else, even God, could maintain the order and hope in Chaos. I've known him since I was created. Lucifer was the first being I saw, even before God or the other angels. [Beelzebub shrugs again.] I've thought sometimes that he might have even helped create some of us.
I regret watching him suffer, because I asked him to take up the crown. I'm surprised all the time that he isn't a killing machine or a raving lunatic. [The things that Lucifer beared seemed unbearable. It was like standing in a typhoon and not being moved by anything.] I've never seen him back down nor give in, even in when the whole of Heaven and God bore down upon him he stood his ground.
He carries the burdens of an entire universe. [Beelzebub sighed heavily.]
After the Fall, I was the one who encouraged him to be our leader. I didn't think anyone else could do it. I still don't think anyone else, even God, could maintain the order and hope in Chaos. I've known him since I was created. Lucifer was the first being I saw, even before God or the other angels. [Beelzebub shrugs again.] I've thought sometimes that he might have even helped create some of us.
I regret watching him suffer, because I asked him to take up the crown. I'm surprised all the time that he isn't a killing machine or a raving lunatic. [The things that Lucifer beared seemed unbearable. It was like standing in a typhoon and not being moved by anything.] I've never seen him back down nor give in, even in when the whole of Heaven and God bore down upon him he stood his ground.
[Once he's finished gently working the soap from Beelzebub's hair, Galahad turns off the tap and wrings the angel's hair carefully a few times to get the remaining water out of it. When he's done, he takes a step back to give the other man room to pull away from the sink.]
You can't blame yourself for that, cudyll. Someone had to lead your people, and it sounds like Lucifer willingly took charge and was the only one who could do it. I'm sure he's grateful for the faith you had, and have, in him-- and that you recognized that he should be the one to help save you all. [Not that it sounds easy, of course. If anything, Beelzebub's made it sound akin to something a few steps above torture in the sense of what it means a ruler has to endure.]
I can understand you feeling this way about the pain he's gone through. [Galahad picks up a towel by the sink, and dries off his hands with it, his face thoughtful.] It sounds like you have a great deal of love and respect for him and what he's done for you all.
You can't blame yourself for that, cudyll. Someone had to lead your people, and it sounds like Lucifer willingly took charge and was the only one who could do it. I'm sure he's grateful for the faith you had, and have, in him-- and that you recognized that he should be the one to help save you all. [Not that it sounds easy, of course. If anything, Beelzebub's made it sound akin to something a few steps above torture in the sense of what it means a ruler has to endure.]
I can understand you feeling this way about the pain he's gone through. [Galahad picks up a towel by the sink, and dries off his hands with it, his face thoughtful.] It sounds like you have a great deal of love and respect for him and what he's done for you all.
[How Beelzebub wishes there was room to stretch his wings after being bent over the sink. He does the best he can shifting them in the space he has. Though, now his hair is finally untangled but he is still covered in blood.]
I convinced him that he should. He wasn't willing, and he still doesn't want to. He does it because there's no one else, and probably used to it by now.
[The angel sighed heavily trying to push aside the thoughts, and remembering as he is moving, the bite to his shoulder.]
He's been burned alive for us, tortured, and worse. [Beelzebub's expression is rather discouraged when he finally looks at Galahad. The words coming with weight.] He's my brother and my father.
[Eventually he shrugs away the emotions, bottling them back up for the moment.] At least he's found something better, for now. I'm reminded that his Consort.. king.. partner? [The angel realizes he's not sure what title to use, though he knows the other angel doesn't particularly like any of them.] Asked to meet you tomorrow.
I convinced him that he should. He wasn't willing, and he still doesn't want to. He does it because there's no one else, and probably used to it by now.
[The angel sighed heavily trying to push aside the thoughts, and remembering as he is moving, the bite to his shoulder.]
He's been burned alive for us, tortured, and worse. [Beelzebub's expression is rather discouraged when he finally looks at Galahad. The words coming with weight.] He's my brother and my father.
[Eventually he shrugs away the emotions, bottling them back up for the moment.] At least he's found something better, for now. I'm reminded that his Consort.. king.. partner? [The angel realizes he's not sure what title to use, though he knows the other angel doesn't particularly like any of them.] Asked to meet you tomorrow.
To be a king is always a heavy burden, and one filled with self-sacrifice, [Galahad agrees, his mind unavoidably turning to Arthur, who also had similar responsibilities for all of his people and the entire kingdom upon his shoulders. Who had also lost in the way of friendships and freedoms because he had no other choice.] But I can't think he would want you to blame yourself, or feel like you were responsible.
[Galahad touches the angel's arm gently. He's about to suggest that Bee venture to the shower to wash up, when what the angel says catches his attention and curiosity.]
He does? [A surprised beat. He can't imagine why someone so significant might be interested in meeting him specifically.] I'm glad to, of course.
[Galahad touches the angel's arm gently. He's about to suggest that Bee venture to the shower to wash up, when what the angel says catches his attention and curiosity.]
He does? [A surprised beat. He can't imagine why someone so significant might be interested in meeting him specifically.] I'm glad to, of course.
[He nods knowing that Galahad was right but he still felt it sometimes.] He tells me the same.
[And he told Lucifer similar things about his self blame too. It was probably just the nature of having so long to build up regrets and blame.]
Yes. [The angel laughed quietly.] He's very social, even more than Lucifer, which I didn't think was possible.
[And he told Lucifer similar things about his self blame too. It was probably just the nature of having so long to build up regrets and blame.]
Yes. [The angel laughed quietly.] He's very social, even more than Lucifer, which I didn't think was possible.
Self-blame is a difficult emotion to let go of, [Galahad acknowledges thoughtfully, taking his hand back from Beelzebub's arm with a smile.] You deserve to treat yourself with more mercy, cudyll. The mercy you might show to another of the angels in your family and friends, if you knew they were dealing with a thought like this.
It sounds like they must get along well. [And Bee sounds fond of Balthazar too, judging from the angel's reaction. That's as much of an endorsement as the knight might need, not that he wouldn't have been happy to meet Lucifer's partner on his own steam.] I'm happy to meet him whenever either of you like.
It sounds like they must get along well. [And Bee sounds fond of Balthazar too, judging from the angel's reaction. That's as much of an endorsement as the knight might need, not that he wouldn't have been happy to meet Lucifer's partner on his own steam.] I'm happy to meet him whenever either of you like.
[Beelzebub frowns at the idea.] I might not be able to. God tore the virtues out of some of us during the fall but we don't know which ones.
[That gets the angel laughing.] Well's an understatement. They're attached at the hips.
[That gets the angel laughing.] Well's an understatement. They're attached at the hips.
[That could indeed be an issue, yes. Still, Galahad is the hopeful sort.] Have you tried?
[Whether it's innuendo or not, the phrasing flies a bit over the knight's head.] Aye? That's good-- Lucifer deserves someone who can make him happy. [A phrase he never thought he'd say, but such are the changes that the Nexus brings people to!] What time would be good for us to go see him?
[Whether it's innuendo or not, the phrasing flies a bit over the knight's head.] Aye? That's good-- Lucifer deserves someone who can make him happy. [A phrase he never thought he'd say, but such are the changes that the Nexus brings people to!] What time would be good for us to go see him?
Edited 2020-01-29 15:30 (UTC)
Yes. [He shrugs, having given up on it a long time ago.
The angel starts to chuckle at the 'make him happy' turn of phrase.] We'll have to find a time when he's not busy making Lucifer happy. I'll leave a message and ask.
[It wasn't as if it was far, or they couldn't fly there quickly.]
The angel starts to chuckle at the 'make him happy' turn of phrase.] We'll have to find a time when he's not busy making Lucifer happy. I'll leave a message and ask.
[It wasn't as if it was far, or they couldn't fly there quickly.]
I see. [His smile turns a little rueful, thoughtful.] Maybe it would help if Lucifer himself told you how felt about you feeling responsible for his pain. [Based on what he knows about the angel's personality, he doesn't see Lucifer as the vengeful type over such a thing.] Forgiveness is powerful when 'tis something we're incapable of giving ourselves.
All right. [And yes, that one flies over Galahad's head, too.] Since he's king, would it be polite to bring a tribute of some kind?
[It seems like a good question, but who knows if angels have similar customs where their royalty are concerned? Galahad's never gone to the villa specifically to visit Lucifer, but if he did he would have wondered if it was proper to bring the king a gift, too.]
All right. [And yes, that one flies over Galahad's head, too.] Since he's king, would it be polite to bring a tribute of some kind?
[It seems like a good question, but who knows if angels have similar customs where their royalty are concerned? Galahad's never gone to the villa specifically to visit Lucifer, but if he did he would have wondered if it was proper to bring the king a gift, too.]
[Beelzebub shrugged at the idea of he and Lucifer talking. There was too much there for it to be clear.]
If you want, but Lucifer doesn't want to be a king. [The angel knew it was the truth.] If you want to bring something do it as a friend and not for the title. He can get pissed about the title.
If you want, but Lucifer doesn't want to be a king. [The angel knew it was the truth.] If you want to bring something do it as a friend and not for the title. He can get pissed about the title.
Oh I meant-- his king. Balthazar. [But that's helpful information all the same. Galahad's less used to the idea of reluctant kings, but in Lucifer's case he can understand it. He'll have to spend some time thinking of a nice regular gift to bring over.] Is he like Lucifer and doesn't care to be addressed by his title?
Balthazar hates titles, though he has one for formality sake. [Beelzebub shrugs.] The title offers protection because he's a much weaker angel as an Ophan.
An Orphan? [He assumes Beelzebub means something besides the human definition of an orphan as being someone without parents.] Is he no longer connected to God?
[That gets a full laugh from the angel. He'd heard Galahad mention faith and found it strange to not know the basic angelic types.]
He did walk out of heaven, but that's not what I meant. The Ophan are a type of watcher. The ones that are rings with wings of fire and millions of eyes? They're Angels that celebrate beauty and joy.
He did walk out of heaven, but that's not what I meant. The Ophan are a type of watcher. The ones that are rings with wings of fire and millions of eyes? They're Angels that celebrate beauty and joy.
Oh-- [Galahad perks up a bit as recognition comes at that description.] I've seen depictions of angels like those. They've different names in my world, though.
In the Nexus he looks human as you do, aye? Or...?
In the Nexus he looks human as you do, aye? Or...?
What do you call them? [That question comes with unabashed curiosity.]
It's different for different creations. We use illusions to hide our presence. Balthazar shares a human's body. They're willing companions. In other creations God fashions bodies for the angels. I'm sure they're more options.
It's different for different creations. We use illusions to hide our presence. Balthazar shares a human's body. They're willing companions. In other creations God fashions bodies for the angels. I'm sure they're more options.
Continued from here
By the end of the night, and Lucifer's Nexus stock of Angelic Brandy, Beelzebub was boisterous, barely able to walk straight, and slurring his speech. This wasn't his usual whiskey drunk which left him tipsy and lazy, this was more on par with a soused human. Visitors had started to leave after hours of merrymaking, and now the angel was looking for his own partner.
Even drunk the swagger never left, or perhaps it became worse, either way he's sauntered up with a half empty bottle of human wine.
"I've drank it all." He declares proudly. "The rest of them can't hold thier liquor and have to go home."
Despite accusations there is probably no way Beelzebub is going back to the inn unless Galahad's planning on carrying him. The angel almost forgets himself in a moment, intending on kissing his knight, but even in the drunken stupor he currently finds himself in he remembers his partner's preference for privacy. It ends with just an overly friendly pat on the shoulder where the first pat misses the shoulder completely.
"Come! Drink some more with me."
By the end of the night, and Lucifer's Nexus stock of Angelic Brandy, Beelzebub was boisterous, barely able to walk straight, and slurring his speech. This wasn't his usual whiskey drunk which left him tipsy and lazy, this was more on par with a soused human. Visitors had started to leave after hours of merrymaking, and now the angel was looking for his own partner.
Even drunk the swagger never left, or perhaps it became worse, either way he's sauntered up with a half empty bottle of human wine.
"I've drank it all." He declares proudly. "The rest of them can't hold thier liquor and have to go home."
Despite accusations there is probably no way Beelzebub is going back to the inn unless Galahad's planning on carrying him. The angel almost forgets himself in a moment, intending on kissing his knight, but even in the drunken stupor he currently finds himself in he remembers his partner's preference for privacy. It ends with just an overly friendly pat on the shoulder where the first pat misses the shoulder completely.
"Come! Drink some more with me."
It's been a long and enjoyable night, and Galahad is just on the edge of starting to feel tired from the amount of socializing and merriment that's been going on. He's in a good mood by the time Beelzebub approaches, and more than happy to meet up with his partner again after all of the commotion. By the looks of the angel, it's easy for Galahad to see that Beelzebub has had just as exciting of a night as the knight has-- if not more so.
The proud declaration about Lucifer's brandy makes the knight chuckle, as does the way the angel's hand misses his shoulder the first time. Yes, Beelzebub has definitely had a nice night, and the knight is pleased to see the other man in such high spirits.
"Aye, you won that game handily." And the knight thinks it's nothing short of adorable. All it really means is that the time for easing the angel towards a bed of some kind is swiftly approaching.
"I was thinking about retiring for the night," Galahad admits. He smiles warmly at the angel, feeling an irrepressible fondness for the other man well up in him as he comes closer. "If we find a room for the night we could put on a fire and have a cup of wine there." He hasn't indulged at all over the course of the party, himself, so a single cup couldn't hurt. "Come with me?" He lays a gentle, coaxing hand on Beelzebub's arm.
The proud declaration about Lucifer's brandy makes the knight chuckle, as does the way the angel's hand misses his shoulder the first time. Yes, Beelzebub has definitely had a nice night, and the knight is pleased to see the other man in such high spirits.
"Aye, you won that game handily." And the knight thinks it's nothing short of adorable. All it really means is that the time for easing the angel towards a bed of some kind is swiftly approaching.
"I was thinking about retiring for the night," Galahad admits. He smiles warmly at the angel, feeling an irrepressible fondness for the other man well up in him as he comes closer. "If we find a room for the night we could put on a fire and have a cup of wine there." He hasn't indulged at all over the course of the party, himself, so a single cup couldn't hurt. "Come with me?" He lays a gentle, coaxing hand on Beelzebub's arm.
Beelzebub laughs and bumps into Galahad because he can't stop his forward progress this drunk. "I'll retire with you."
Beelzebub grabs on to Galahad's waist as much because he wants to hold him as trying to steady himself. "Lucifer's got spare rooms."
Beelzebub doesn't need coaxing. In fact, he takes Galahad's hand in his free one and starts stumbling down the hall. He ends up partially leaning against Galahad and partially leading him. With the knight at his side the occassional happy laughter has turned into near giggling drunkenness. "We'll have a real bed tonight."
The idea of continuing on into the morning laying around with Galahad has an irresistible appeal. Admittedly, with the sort of hazy feeling from the angelic brandy he wants to just play with Galahad's hair.
Beelzebub grabs on to Galahad's waist as much because he wants to hold him as trying to steady himself. "Lucifer's got spare rooms."
Beelzebub doesn't need coaxing. In fact, he takes Galahad's hand in his free one and starts stumbling down the hall. He ends up partially leaning against Galahad and partially leading him. With the knight at his side the occassional happy laughter has turned into near giggling drunkenness. "We'll have a real bed tonight."
The idea of continuing on into the morning laying around with Galahad has an irresistible appeal. Admittedly, with the sort of hazy feeling from the angelic brandy he wants to just play with Galahad's hair.
Galahad keeps an arm around the angel in turn as they walk to help stabilize them both, until Beelzebub takes his hand and starts leading them instead. The other man's laughter and good mood are contagious, and Galahad laughs along with him as they finally half-stumble, half-walk into one of the villa's many sumptuous guest rooms. With Beelzebub inside, the knight shuts the door quietly behind them both to give them some privacy.
There's no fireplace in the room they end up in, but Galahad's pleased to see a small host of candles sitting around the room. That'll make for good low lighting once they finally make their way to the bed.
Galahad starts shrugging out of the more dressy burgundy cloak draped about his shoulders as he turns to the angel again. Once he's gotten out of this layer, he'll check to see if Beelzebub ends up having trouble getting out of any of whatever armor or formal wear he might have on, himself. "That was a pleasant night, aye? I'm glad I got to put faces to names for so many of those that I've only ever heard about from you." Galahad's smile warms further at the thought as he hangs his cloak up on whatever might be available around them to hold it. "Your family and people keep good company."
There's no fireplace in the room they end up in, but Galahad's pleased to see a small host of candles sitting around the room. That'll make for good low lighting once they finally make their way to the bed.
Galahad starts shrugging out of the more dressy burgundy cloak draped about his shoulders as he turns to the angel again. Once he's gotten out of this layer, he'll check to see if Beelzebub ends up having trouble getting out of any of whatever armor or formal wear he might have on, himself. "That was a pleasant night, aye? I'm glad I got to put faces to names for so many of those that I've only ever heard about from you." Galahad's smile warms further at the thought as he hangs his cloak up on whatever might be available around them to hold it. "Your family and people keep good company."
Edited 2020-02-26 15:40 (UTC)
The bed is indeed huge, not entirely because they loved indulgence but also for plain physical comfort. Beelzebub would be able to lay in this one with comfortably half opened wings and not have them twist as they spilled over the side.
He takes to sitting on the bed to remove his boots, fumbling a little because of the drinking. Though mostly because his gaze is admiring Galahad as he starts to undress and he isn't paying attention to what he is doing. He manages boots and shrugs off his sword harness and hangs them on the post of the bed.
"It's good when we're having light but it's not always." He stays sitting on the edge of the bed and pours Galahad a small glass of wine just in case he wants one before returning to drinking from the bottle.
"Your family." The angel corrects with a slur.
He takes to sitting on the bed to remove his boots, fumbling a little because of the drinking. Though mostly because his gaze is admiring Galahad as he starts to undress and he isn't paying attention to what he is doing. He manages boots and shrugs off his sword harness and hangs them on the post of the bed.
"It's good when we're having light but it's not always." He stays sitting on the edge of the bed and pours Galahad a small glass of wine just in case he wants one before returning to drinking from the bottle.
"Your family." The angel corrects with a slur.
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