Why did Lucifer let him out, if he's dangerous in this way? [The question isn't meant to be judgmental, but more curious. Had something changed in the way they felt about Moloch in the time between when he was being held to this point where he was being allowed to move somewhat freely in the Nexus now?
Once they're back in the inn room, Galahad glances around and tries to decide the best way to start getting blood out of Beelzebub's hair. The bathroom sink isn't nearly deep enough, but perhaps the kitchen...?]
We could sit you down in the kitchen and use the sink to wash all of that out. [the knight suggests.] Would that be comfortable enough for you?
Politics, and necessity. [Such was the problems with a powerful annoyance. Some concessions had to be made to keep things from getting too extreme.
Beelzebub had quickly learned to navigate the small space with another person in it. Human spaces were not, typically, conducive to the size and shape of angels, but they could all learn to make due when necessary.]
Standing? Otherwise, my wings will get in the way. [It really didn't matter. Any choice was going to be awkward, at best. He heads for the kitchen and wonders if there is a way to make the bathroom larger. Maybe he could convince Mulciber to do something about it? That was for the future.
For now, his main concern was to figure out how to get his head under the faucet, wings out of the way, and give Galahad space. This was going to take some wierd maneuvering for sure.]
[Galahad nods. He can relate to that. Many times in the past he's seen Arthur have to grant reluctant concessions to a powerful foe in order to keep an all out assault from happening. With kingcraft, sometimes these things simply have to happen.]
Lucifer must be angry with him, after this time, [Galahad muses, as he starts clearing a few of the dishes around the kitchen sink to make as much room for them both to squeeze into the little kitchen as possible. Once the area's clear, he leaves the room briefly to find a bit of lavender soap from the bathroom, and then gestures for Bee to come closer.
It's awkward and in the end Galahad finds himself a bit jammed between Beelzebub, part of one of the angel's folded wings, and the countertop, but it works well enough for their purposes.]
All right. [He offers Bee a small smile, and then starts running the faucet to let the water warm up before he starts in on Beelzebub's hair.] Tell me if the water gets too hot at any time and I'll change it.
They're always fighting. [Beelzebub admits. They did too, on and off. Things would calm then suddenly explode, wind down and right back to each other's throats. The angels expected it often enough even if the actual event took them by surprise.
He does his best to not crush the human or pin him uncomfortably, but the kitchen is small, and the sink even smaller. Still they manage to work it out. He ends up bracing himself opposite Galahand with his wing to the wall, allowing him to lean away and relent a little more space.
The comment about the water gets a full laugh as he maneuvers his head down under the faucet.] Everything in Chaos is on fire! There isn't too hot unless I'm in a volcano. That might not be as hot as Chaos?
It seems like that's part of what kings do, sometimes. [A pause, as he carefully lathers a bit of the soap in his hands.] Arthur spends much of his time on such entanglements, too. He's always having to deal with peoples who give the kingdom trouble for the sake of keeping what peace he can-- and so others don't need to, as much as possible.
[That laugh earns a chuckle from Galahad as he starts to carefully work his fingers through the less matted parts of Beelzebub's hair beneath the warm running water.]
[He listens, trying to remain still in the awkward position.]
Internally, Lucifer does the same. God and Heaven, he constantly harasses to kept their eyes away from the rest of his plans. There's a lot of diversion tactics and no one angel knows everything. Even if they catch one of us they won't know what he's doing.
[Beelzebub was always impressed by the live action chess game Lucifer constantly played with Heaven. It was genius at a level even he couldn't understand sometimes, and he had been created for war tactics. It wasn't just tactics, but a sly underhanded manipulation of others, thier emotions, motivations, and personality. It made Beelzebubglad that Lucifer was on his side so he was never the target of that stratey.]
Most of us can't be burned by things in the mortal world. We're so used to the hellfire in Chaos that it doesn't really damage us anymore.
'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.
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.
[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.]
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.
[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.
[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.
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.
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.
[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?
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.]
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.]
[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.
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.
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...?
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timeasmymeasure
For Bee
Date: 2020-01-18 05:30 pm (UTC)Why did Lucifer let him out, if he's dangerous in this way? [The question isn't meant to be judgmental, but more curious. Had something changed in the way they felt about Moloch in the time between when he was being held to this point where he was being allowed to move somewhat freely in the Nexus now?
Once they're back in the inn room, Galahad glances around and tries to decide the best way to start getting blood out of Beelzebub's hair. The bathroom sink isn't nearly deep enough, but perhaps the kitchen...?]
We could sit you down in the kitchen and use the sink to wash all of that out. [the knight suggests.] Would that be comfortable enough for you?
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Date: 2020-01-18 05:41 pm (UTC)Beelzebub had quickly learned to navigate the small space with another person in it. Human spaces were not, typically, conducive to the size and shape of angels, but they could all learn to make due when necessary.]
Standing? Otherwise, my wings will get in the way. [It really didn't matter. Any choice was going to be awkward, at best. He heads for the kitchen and wonders if there is a way to make the bathroom larger. Maybe he could convince Mulciber to do something about it? That was for the future.
For now, his main concern was to figure out how to get his head under the faucet, wings out of the way, and give Galahad space. This was going to take some wierd maneuvering for sure.]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 09:25 pm (UTC)Lucifer must be angry with him, after this time, [Galahad muses, as he starts clearing a few of the dishes around the kitchen sink to make as much room for them both to squeeze into the little kitchen as possible. Once the area's clear, he leaves the room briefly to find a bit of lavender soap from the bathroom, and then gestures for Bee to come closer.
It's awkward and in the end Galahad finds himself a bit jammed between Beelzebub, part of one of the angel's folded wings, and the countertop, but it works well enough for their purposes.]
All right. [He offers Bee a small smile, and then starts running the faucet to let the water warm up before he starts in on Beelzebub's hair.] Tell me if the water gets too hot at any time and I'll change it.
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Date: 2020-01-18 09:34 pm (UTC)He does his best to not crush the human or pin him uncomfortably, but the kitchen is small, and the sink even smaller. Still they manage to work it out. He ends up bracing himself opposite Galahand with his wing to the wall, allowing him to lean away and relent a little more space.
The comment about the water gets a full laugh as he maneuvers his head down under the faucet.] Everything in Chaos is on fire! There isn't too hot unless I'm in a volcano. That might not be as hot as Chaos?
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 09:59 pm (UTC)[That laugh earns a chuckle from Galahad as he starts to carefully work his fingers through the less matted parts of Beelzebub's hair beneath the warm running water.]
I was being polite, Beelzebub.
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Date: 2020-01-18 10:09 pm (UTC)Internally, Lucifer does the same. God and Heaven, he constantly harasses to kept their eyes away from the rest of his plans. There's a lot of diversion tactics and no one angel knows everything. Even if they catch one of us they won't know what he's doing.
[Beelzebub was always impressed by the live action chess game Lucifer constantly played with Heaven. It was genius at a level even he couldn't understand sometimes, and he had been created for war tactics. It wasn't just tactics, but a sly underhanded manipulation of others, thier emotions, motivations, and personality. It made Beelzebubglad that Lucifer was on his side so he was never the target of that stratey.]
Most of us can't be burned by things in the mortal world. We're so used to the hellfire in Chaos that it doesn't really damage us anymore.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 10:29 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 10:40 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 11:27 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-18 11:57 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-19 12:20 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-19 12:42 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-27 03:14 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-27 07:37 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-28 01:10 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-01-28 05:15 pm (UTC)[That gets the angel laughing.] Well's an understatement. They're attached at the hips.
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Date: 2020-01-29 03:29 pm (UTC)[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?
no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 04:08 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 05:48 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 05:52 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 07:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 07:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 10:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 10:44 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-29 10:48 pm (UTC)In the Nexus he looks human as you do, aye? Or...?
(no subject)
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