Meeting With Beelzebub (Open IC Meetings)

[hesperussword]

(This is a general thread for meeting up with Beelzebub in person as opposed to calling him.)


Beelzebub, after awhile, becomes a creature of habit. Perhaps it is the warrior training, or the mind of a tactician with set ways of thinking. Whatever the reason for his habits it made him easy to find. The three most common places a bar, a training field, or his forge.

His choice of bars is always darker, not seedy but places with low light and loud from voices instead of music. It suited his temperament and hatred for loud noises and bright lights. He was also jovial, more likely to be found engaged in a drinking game or a loud conversation than other bar activities like dancing. Good liquor was a must but it fell in below atmosphere and company. Why worry when you could manifest your own. Though even when he altered the drinks he always made sure to buy and keep the place in business. Despite his love of company, a back to the wall and a high chair or stool to accommodate wings was always his preferred placement. More comfortable where he could keep an eye on the door.

The second most common place was at the forge or his training circle. A weapons maker and armorer by trade, he liked to work and perfect his craft. Even after billions of years there were still imperfections or new designs to work out. Though, even above that he liked to mentor man and beast for combat. Some days it was a warhorse he was running through the paces of battle, or a dog training to watch its warriors back and disarm threats. Just as often his sparring companions were others seeking a lesson or foolish enough to come for a challenge. He didn't care either way. Always prepared to wield wooden training swords or steel in a bout. Betting and audiences were not to be discouraged. Where was the fun in friendly confrontation if there was no one to see, and no fun for the spectators?

The forge at his home is an easy place to find the angel. As the weapon and armor smith for embattled angels, he's never short on work. Set at the edge of the property, the forge is open to anyone when the angel is at work either with metal or leather in the nearby tannery building. He will complete fair commissions for weapons, armor, repairs, and leather items. The Forge is one of the places he feels comfortable and happy. It is also one of the rare places where you will find Beelzebub sober.

Comments

[knightgallant]

Following his conversation with Lucifer, Galahad takes some time to think over the angel’s words before he finally decides to bring them to Beelzebub. The riskiness of his soul coming together with the angel’s Grace had been made obvious, but the desire to reach for the ideal such a bonding represented was seductive—- and in no way hindered by a some of the more recent disagreements that had heated up between the knight and angel. Galahad still felt about it the same way that he had when he’d first discussed it with Lucifer: such a personal and important undertaking needed to be talked about with Beelzebub, and agreed upon between them both.

So, once he’s thought enough to make up his mind, Galahad ventures out to the forge on one particularly warm and comfortable Fall afternoon. He makes his way through the double front doors and raises a hand to knock lightly on the door frame to announce himself, even though he has no doubt Beelzebub could probably tell he was coming from much further away than this.

“Ho, Beelzebub.” Galahad offers the angel a smile as he drifts further into the forge. “How goes the project of the day?” he asks, as a start of trying to feel out both the angel’s mood and his plans for the afternoon.

[hesperussword]

Beelzebub was working on a relatively wicked looking double bitted hand ax and smiles when Galahad comes in without looking up. "The form is almost done."

He holds up the ax that still needs the engravings and sharpening but has its finished shape. "Moloch busted his ax on an angel. I'm making new ones."

He knows that Galahad doesn't particularly like Moloch but he is his partner in battle. He needs Moloch to be well armed. "What have you been up to?"

One unique aspect of Beelzebub at his forge is that he's always sober when he works. It causes some issues but he needs the focus for the magic he's working.

[knightgallant]

The knight pauses to look the axe over, his gaze drifting to the hilt to check the weapon's balance. His smile tugs wider at the sight, and he comes closer to find a chair to settle himself into as the angel continues working.

"The balance is good."

Beelzebub is right that Moloch remains one of Galahad's least favorite people, but enough time has passed that he's accepted the role that the dark angel plays as Beelzebub's partner in battle. He can put aside his dislike in favor of knowing this is how the angels have fought together for more than a millennia.

"Translating. Arthur gave me some trade routes to review, too." The knight tips his head a little as he watches the angel hammer for a moment longer. "--But I wanted to talk to you about something important, when you're through."

[hesperussword]

Beelzebub nods. "It's going to be a nice piece when it's done."

He was already considering the spellwork to carve into the heads when the forging process was done. He was going to keep working but he felt, almost as much as heard, the weight of the discussion Galahad wanted to talk about. He takes a moment to finish the smoothness on the bladed side, then he quenches it. He checks over it and covers the pit to keep the animals safe. Wiping his hands he turns to face his partner.

"What's on your mind?" Beelzebub found it a little more pressing since Galahad rarely came with this much seriousness.

[knightgallant]

The knight touches the chair next to him to encourage the angel to join him. Whether he does or not, Galahad reaches out to take Beelzebub's hands in his own. Lately it's been helpful to be able to have some contact when they're talking about something more serious, and that remains true now. The angel's hands get a gentle squeeze as Galahad pulls together the way he wants to try and explain what's on his mind.

"I talked to Lucifer about-- some of what's been happening with us lately." A few beats of silence. "Have you ever thought of bonding with someone before?"

[hesperussword]

Beelzebub takes the seat if only because Galahad seems so nervous, or not nervous exactly or worried but the subtle behaviors suggest uneasiness.

He takes his hand and holds on to offer support but then pulls away to put an arm around his lover, and then a wing. Whatever is on his mind is important.

The question causes him to waver and then shrug. "No."

Given this was his first intimate he had no reason to consider it. "He talked to you about his bond with Balthazar?"

[knightgallant]

"Aye, he explained how it happened for them and what it felt like." Which had been helpful, and informed a little of what something similar might be like for him and Beelzebub. Galahad has no doubt that the same bonding would be very different for an angel and a human with no Grace to speak of, though. "I talked with him about how my vows had been difficult for us." How they had presented a strain on their relationship that, while not enough to divide them, had led to challenges.

A small, fleeting smile. "I hope that's all right. I thought he would be able to help."

[hesperussword]

"Lucifer bonds easily to others." Beelzebub adds. He's not surprised that Galahad was starting to ask the other angels what it was like to be in a relationship. It didn't seem out of place. After all, he had gone to Lucifer and the others who had relationships with humans when he needed information too.

"I don't mind." Beelzebub shrugs because this isn't anything he felt was unusual. "Lucifer's my brother and your family. Why do you think I'd have a problem with talking to him?"

Compared to the topic, the idea that Beelzebub might find problems with it was the stranger.

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley was no stranger to finding Beezlebub at his forge, or the training circle. She liked to watch him make weapons and armor. Or just get some extra training in for herself.

Today however she does not arrive alone. It is a few days after her Viper's Pit friendly battle with Amelia. And the girls are here to check out what commissions Beezlebub might have to offer.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia's no stranger to forges, but it's a little exciting to be visiting this one. Angels are still a very abstract idea for her, but anyone who can make fine arms and armor will always earn her praise. Price is never an issue for the rogue, and if the quality of all of Beelzebub's work is as high as what he made for Harley? She'll happily work out a trade that suits them both.

Arriving with Harley means Amelia can hold onto the other woman to keep from wandering close too quickly as a result of an eager curiosity. She's all grins and excitement today, because a new, comfortable corset that double as armor is exactly the thing she needs.

[hesperussword]

The angels are in the midst of an active war so Beelzebub has been working a lot. His left shoulder and part of his left chest are still bandaged where Michael had pierced him with the lance. However, the pain is mostly gone and most of his mobility has returned.

In his normal Hephestian way, He is at the forge in just a leather kilt, not even any boots, covered in soot. The benefit of a fallen angel is a resistance to fire and heat. Mammon and Azazael are not around today so those areas of the building sit quiet and unoccupied, though if commission dictates their services he can easily call them.

Harley barely steps into the room before he feels her presence. Quenching the sword he's working on he sets it and the hammer aside to go and give his favorite girl a hug. He's bright and cheerful, as usual, and at over six and a half feet tall, likely towers over both of them.

"What can I do for you?" He knows right away that a friend being dragged along means he's about to be asked to make something. He's always curious what mortals will ask for.

[sweetcandygirl]

The hug is appreciated. The fact that his left shoulder and part of his chest are bandaged get a 'who hurt you, I will kill them' look. Since Harley has been so busy with trying to get her head around the death of Joker, she has not visited Beezlebub or Lucifer much in the past few months. And doesn't know about the fight they are battling.

She would help them any way she could. If she knew.

"Beezlebub. This is Amelia. Amelia this is Bee." She makes the introductions first.

"We had a brief little fun fight, the two of us. And when she aimed a kick at my chest... and her foot couldn't impact past the corset you gave me... she asked me where I got it from."

"Amelia is a warrior like me. Fights for those who need it. So I knew I had to introduce you to her."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia steps back as Beelzebub comes close, giving the two friends space while they greet each other. When Harley introduces her, the rogue bows her head and shoulders forward politely and then smiles up at the angel.

"Good armor that's both functional and beautiful can be difficult to come by." She puts a hand on her waist and indicates her own worn, but very well loved brown leather underbust corset with gold embroidery around the grommets. It's got several series of extra stitches where Amelia's had to repair it after a fight, but it's still attractive in spite of its flaws. "All of mine are past due for a battle-worthy replacement. I was wondering if you're be available for a commission."

[hesperussword]

Beelzebub pats Harley on the back when he notices the look. "They look worse than I do."

Michael was going to have his hands full as soon as Raguel and Lucifer worked out their differences. Beelzebub wan't too worried about the other angel. There's no judgement for her absence. Everyone has their own lives to live and things take precedence over friends sometimes. "I might have some people for you to meet soon."

Rota and Ariel would surely get along with Harley and they could use more acquaintances. Beelzebub turns his attention to the other woman though and offers his hand.

"It's always good to meet another warrior."

He easily nods to her comments and looks over the corset she now wears because it will give him an idea of style. "Are you looking for metal? leather? something hybrid?"

He could certainly make a leather item, even a corset though in that case he might give over the sewing portion to Azazael. he was more experienced with the finer sides of fashion.

[sweetcandygirl]

"I like meeting new people." Harley smiles. As long as he knows that he, and the other Angels, are like family to her. And if there is something she can do... she is there for them.

She looks at the forge, just with her typical 'I wanna play with it' look, as Beezlebub gets into details with Amelia.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia takes the offered hand and shakes it firmly, though she's quick to take it back. The formality of the greeting is something she appreciates, but she'll never quite get over the fact that it involves touching when it doesn't have to.

"Leather suits me best. I need to be able to move easily and freely when I fight, and I need it to breathe in ways that metal can't." Adding sturdier metal boning or some metal plates would be useful in the most intense of fights, but Amelia's been trying not to get into too many of those lately. Most of her friends get anxious when she mentions her desire to keep in shape by getting into real fights.

"I also wear a corset almost every day, so I should probably avoid excess metal where possible." She laughs softly as she adds, "I'm content with something plain, if that's easiest for you. Matching colors to my corset is easy enough and I have others in different colors for days when I'm feeling the need for variety."

[liverfree]

With Lucifer's order of amphoras delivered to the Villa, Prometheus makes his way to Beelzebub's forge to speak to him about a new set of armor. It's been a long while since Prometheus has gotten new armor, and he is out of favors with Hephaestus. But the thought of an angel making him a set of armor is an exciting one, and bound to be appropriate for a Titan.

Besides, he's curious to meet another angel. They are interesting beings, reminding him of primordial gods, or extremely powerful nature spirits, but without all the baggage that makes it difficult for Prometheus to befriend on his own world.

Shuffling along by his side is Hephaestus -- no, not the god, but the numel, a camel-like pokémon. Lucifer mentioned that Beelzebub and his human consort have many animals on their property, and he figures the little fellow might like to make a friend or two.

"Hello!" Prometheus calls out once he's close to the forge. His voice will easily carry over any sounds of billows or hammering inside. "It's me, Prometheus!"

[hesperussword]

Beelzebub isn't currently at the forge so the first thing to greet Prometheus is a pair of fizzgigs which start a ruckus of barking and growling while rolling around, following but also keeping their distance. There are other animals about; chickens scratching, a few rabbits in hutches not far from the house, porgs in the eaves of the forge building, sheep relaxing on the porch and the noise has attracted one of the more odd denizens of the property. A large reddish roan stallion comes around the house to look. It's wings settled at its side, long crimson and gold mane, and the body war painted on the flanks and stripes around the legs in red. The most unsettling is that the face from the ears forward is without flesh, skeletal and eyeless though it is looking at the person coming onto the property.

Beelzebub isn't far, out tending some of the animals in the barn. Warthogs, that behave more like dogs, run toward the newcomer oinking with glee. Soon after the angel appears, wiping his hands and dressed only in a leather kilt and fur boots despite any weather. His appearance calms the barking from the fizzgigs and while some of the animals still observe, especially the horse, most simply go back to whatever is natural.

"Hello, Prometheus." The large angel is already approaching and offering an arm in greeting. Despite his imposing size and solid black eyes, his whole presence is jovial and friendly.

[liverfree]

Wow, Lucifer wasn't exaggerating about the animals. Prometheus glances at each of creatures in turn, his own movements unhurried so as not to get any of them worked up. (Or more worked up, in the case of the furballs with teeth that are rolling around behind him. The only creature that gives him pause is the roan stallion with a skull for a face. That's not something you see every day, not even in the Nexus.

Hephaestus, by contrast, seems unfazed by the other creatures, as pokêmon come in all shapes and sizes. "Nu," he says in greeting, mistaking the warthogs for hairless piloswine. Prometheus smiles at them, before looking up again at the approaching angel.

"Well met, Beelzebub!" Now that is a tall drink of water. The Titan feels almost petite at his typical human height of a few inches over six feet. He could grow to compensate, but this isn't some sort of competition, and he's here to be friendly. He's also dressed more appropriately for the winter, in a leather jacket and brightly patterned wool scarf. "I finally dropped off all those amphoras. Thought I'd mosey my way over here afterwards."

[hesperussword]

Kapnos, the horse, is one of many horses that serve the fallen as companions. Their story is desperately sad and full of joy in a way or kindness. Many of the angels had left their steeds in Chaos but Beelzebub couldn't be without his. If Prometheus ever approached one he would find a near human mind within them though speech was difficult without someone telepathic.

The warthogs all run up to the new creature, snorting and snuffling at it. Beelzebub had raised them since piglets and treated them like dogs, they acted like dogs to the extent a pig could.

"That should please my brother, or sister if he's still in that form. His wine will be ready for them soon enough." Beelzebub wouldn't have thought one way or the other about a shift in size. "He told me you were looking to commission armor."

The chance to make a traditional or classic set, more like the angels wore, had an appeal that he couldn't help but smile about.

[liverfree]

Prometheus is sure there's a story behind that unique horse, but for now his attention remains on Beelzebub. "Well, if he needs another order, I'm happy to oblige. I don't often get a chance to make amphoras anymore." Not unless they're for decoration, or a wine maker who likes to do things the old-fashioned way.

"Yes!" He says it with a a large grin. "I've been told your skills are exceptional, especially for beings who change size." That really is key for a Titan.

Hephaestus makes a sleepy sound, his eyes half-lidded as he snuffles back at the warthogs. "This is Hephaestus," Prometheus adds, "Hephie for short. My cousin would probably be annoyed at me for the name, but what can I say? It suits him."

[hesperussword]

"The same reason I am eager for your request." Beelzebub patted the titan's shoulder as if they had been brother's for centuries. "Come inside. We can have a drink and talk about your needs."

He nods at the comment. "Angels are variable in size and manifestation. I have experience with armor that binds to the wearer's form."

He might be the only specialist in that skill, or at least he was in his own creation. Who knew what kind of craftsmen may come to the Nexus. The introduction to the animal instantly has the angel squatting down to coax the Pokemon closer. Beelzebub has a love for animals in the service of others, even if it is merely as a companion. "The Hephaestus I knew didn't have the sense of humor to appreciate his name being used this way."

[liverfree]

So Beelzebub is comfortable with platonic affection. Excellent! Prometheus is a big fan of shoulder pats and bro hugs. He grins. "Lead the way, friend. Lucifer filled you in on the fact that I'm a Titan, I hope. I don't know how much overlap that has with the Titans from your universe, but I'm betting there's a lot of similarity."

The skill to bind armor to a wearer's size is a necessary one where Prometheus is from, but only Hephaestus has retained that knowledge. The other Titans who still exist either stay their full size or don't need armor in the first place.

The little numel trundles Beelzebub. "Nu," he says in a tired, friendly sort of way. "Hephie is always on the verge of a nap," Prometheus tells the angel, "But his endurance is exemplary. And he can shoot fire out of his mouth." At Beelzebub's comment, the Titan laughs loudly, clearly delighted. "Yours, too? He's one of my favorite cousins, but getting him to smile is like pulling teeth from the Nemean lion."

[hesperussword]

"He can nap with the cats." Beelzebub laughs with a final pat on the Pokemon.

"I was raised by one of your kind in Greece. The Titans took in the angels as adopted sons and daughters." Beelzebub tells the Titan as he heads toward the house. The house itself is hand built by Beelzebub and his brother. While they could use magic to bring it about they had built it by hand and it shows in the human techniques employed. "Wine or brandy?"

He asks as he motions into the dining area. The house is modest but there is an odd mix of Christian and Fallen décor as well as more animals. A surly looking, fluffy cat follows along while Beelzebub gets out some earthenware cups.

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Dor gets a wistful look as he spies the training /sparring field. Perhaps another day or if he could find someone among Lucifer's Court to practice with friendly-like. Though he knows better than to expect to win against such a host. He also likely wouldn't have to mind tromping down his wolfishness around such either. He slightly licks his lips. Especially not with his Mate watching. He shivers in delight at the idea.

But ahem back to business, he scents the air again. Trailing the tattletale signs for a forge and or other creatures as he softly pads along. He half debates shifting more than just his ears and tail. Feeling more free, well in general around the area. Knowing Aal would be fine at the moment. She'd likely hole up in one of the many spots of the Villa especially the Library etc if allowed. or glomp onto one or two of the 'Host' and chat for hours on end if she could.

"Ahem, Ello?" He calls out warmly but half in question as he nears any other building or beings.