A departure and an arrival
Saturday, 10 April 2010 01:50![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
birdhunter.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
lt_safe_houseDate: April 22nd, 2003
Status: Public - Complete
Setting: Uriel's room -> lobby -> entrance -> hotel -> ...
Summary: An oblivious genius and a very controlled one do not mesh well. Uriel leaves. Artemis arrives.
The order was simple enough. He was to return to Heaven for the time being. There were others to see over this place, others who could probably keep more of their mind on it, and besides he had some assignments to get to.
Ah, well. It had been nice while it lasted.
Setting aside his paintbrush, Uriel waved briefly at the half-finished painting to let it dry, then shook off the stains and spots of paint all over his skin, clothes, and wings. He had no possessions to gather to take along, one glance around the room being enough to capture all the work he had done here. He could always redo it at a later time, either through the same time-consuming processes of work and toil or simply by another wave of his hand. For now, he simply shut the door behind himself as he walked out of the door, never even coming to think that he might have to clear out the things he left behind. Whoever would be there next could certainly get rid of them. Assuming he didn't need to return at some point.
Obviously, it never truly occurred to him that the next occupant of the room might not be able to simply make things vanish with a flick of their fingers.
Similarly, it wasn't until he was about halfway through his wandering towards the lobby or any other kind of exit that he came to think he might perhaps have to notify others of his leaving. At least his fellow angels. It would be extremely rude to simply leave like that, wouldn't it? About as soon as he thought of this, he found a piece of fine parchment in his hand. Idly tugging a feather out of his wing, he started writing a brief note, never pausing to realize he had no ink. The text certainly seemed to appear easily enough as he walked down the corridor.
"My dear fellow angels,
I have been recalled to Heaven on an assignment. I apologize for my abrupt departure, but it seems fitting at the moment. I may return at a later date, though I trust you to be well able to handle any situations that might arise in these somewhat peculiar surroundings.
Do forgive me for missing the Easter celebration. I'm afraid I was too lost in my own relief at the sunrise to recall any of it. I trust you'll find it in your hearts to forgive me.
Gabs, I'm afraid a cat may have wandered into my room at one point recently and gotten paint on his fur. If the creature was one of your pets, I apologize. You have to admit the pink spots look quite charming on him, though.
Michael, try not to get into too many fights. I'd say don't do anything I wouldn't do, but given the number of angels I've more or less slain I shall refrain; just remember the rules of the place.
Aziraphale, keep in mind that not everyone important is self-important, and that paint on the tip of your nose can be very healthy sometimes.
I hope that we might be able to reunite soon under pleasant circumstances.
May His Presence be with you all,
Uriel"
Giving the message one last glance, he decided it was adequate. Walking further down the corridor, he folded the message into a fine little origami bird, blowing at it to let it take flight. The bird chirped as it flew off towards the nearest glow of Presence it could find, following the thin threads and streams Uriel could faintly see all around himself if he squinted his eyes just so.
Another bit of wandering brought him to the lobby. Relieved to see he was only steps from getting out, he headed for the door.
*
Butler was… late. And not getting into contact. This was most unusual, and might have been distressing had Artemis allowed such emotions to overtake himself. As it was, he simply assumed something had come up that Butler would doubtlessly inform him about at a later date. For the time being, he would have to find accommodations.
Of course, such things were rather scarce in a place such as this. It was really unfortunate, being stuck in a small, non-descript village, but then such locales were often the best for more covert operations. Which was exactly why he had chosen this as a meeting place. Butler had seemed rather doubtful about being away from him for an extended period of time – even if "extended" only meant a few days in this case, or possibly more if whatever was holding Butler back got too troublesome – but had finally been persuaded. And now Artemis was sure that whatever happened, his bodyguard would insist it was a perfect reason never to pull off such an operation again.
Honestly. He was legally an adult, now. Whether or not he had actually lived the full amount of years marked on his ID was a rather trivial matter, considering.
Right now, though, he didn't exactly look like an adult, still somewhat scrawny in build even inside his very expensive business suit, eyeing warily the manor before him. He supposed he had little choice unless he wanted to spend the night outside, but… there wasn't even a "Welcome" sign anywhere. He was quite efficient at bending the rules, but first he had to have something to bend, and entering a building without any kind of invitation after a weary day was not exactly his idea of a good time. Sure, his idea of a good time involved mostly very heavy books and advanced mathematics enjoyed alongside a cup of nice tea, but that was beside the point.
Luckily, someone opened the door just then. For a moment, Artemis looked at someone not altogether unlike himself – dark hair, pale skin, not too strong a build for a grown man. "Ah, do come in," the stranger said, stepping out of the doorway. "I'm sorry, I was just on my way out and didn't mean to block your way."
Artemis didn't have the chance to respond or thank for the invitation – such a blessing, almost! – as his eyes moved on from the general appearance. Immediately, he was almost ready to bang his head on the wall, except that would most definitely have been rather undignified. No amount of weariness could account for missing something like that.
This was clearly not a fairy, yet the man had… wings. Large, feathered wings that, while obviously unable to support the weight of a human being, were also rather intricate for a costume prop. "…Is there a party in here?" he asked. He certainly hoped not. Such occasions rarely did anything to ward off impending headaches, rather to the opposite.
"Huh? Not that I know of." The man looked genuinely puzzled. Stepping out of the doorway, he stretched his arms.
Then, he stretched his wings, the tips reaching wide to the sides.
Artemis actually allowed himself to stare for approximately 0.7 seconds. Then he asked, "…What are you?"
"Hm? I'm Uriel," the man replied, apparently still just as clueless.
"I didn't ask who you are," Artemis replied. "I asked what you are. You're clearly not a human, so what form of fairy are you?"
"Fairy? I don't understand." The man called Uriel blinked innocently. "I answered your question." The smile he gave Artemis was best described as… angelic. "I am Uriel."
"Don't be ridiculous." Artemis only barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Archangel Uriel is a mythical creature." As were demons, granted, but then this man didn't look like a member of another deranged, forgotten species of the fairy folk, so he doubted the same explanation applied here.
"I see." The man tilted his head to the side, still smiling. "I suppose then I am not truly here, am I?"
The wings beat, then, a couple of times, their huge surface area whipping up small gusts, forcing Artemis to shield his eyes from some fine dirt lifted off the ground. As he could again see, the man was gone, leaving no trace behind. After a careful glance around, Artemis even allowed himself a glance up to the sky. He saw nothing.
Shaking his head, he turned towards the entrance again. Obviously, he would need to stay more than just one night. Either there was some fairy magic at work here, or he was even more exhausted than he had thought.
Either way, he would get to the bottom of this.
Drawing a deep breath, he stepped in.
Status: Public - Complete
Setting: Uriel's room -> lobby -> entrance -> hotel -> ...
Summary: An oblivious genius and a very controlled one do not mesh well. Uriel leaves. Artemis arrives.
The order was simple enough. He was to return to Heaven for the time being. There were others to see over this place, others who could probably keep more of their mind on it, and besides he had some assignments to get to.
Ah, well. It had been nice while it lasted.
Setting aside his paintbrush, Uriel waved briefly at the half-finished painting to let it dry, then shook off the stains and spots of paint all over his skin, clothes, and wings. He had no possessions to gather to take along, one glance around the room being enough to capture all the work he had done here. He could always redo it at a later time, either through the same time-consuming processes of work and toil or simply by another wave of his hand. For now, he simply shut the door behind himself as he walked out of the door, never even coming to think that he might have to clear out the things he left behind. Whoever would be there next could certainly get rid of them. Assuming he didn't need to return at some point.
Obviously, it never truly occurred to him that the next occupant of the room might not be able to simply make things vanish with a flick of their fingers.
Similarly, it wasn't until he was about halfway through his wandering towards the lobby or any other kind of exit that he came to think he might perhaps have to notify others of his leaving. At least his fellow angels. It would be extremely rude to simply leave like that, wouldn't it? About as soon as he thought of this, he found a piece of fine parchment in his hand. Idly tugging a feather out of his wing, he started writing a brief note, never pausing to realize he had no ink. The text certainly seemed to appear easily enough as he walked down the corridor.
"My dear fellow angels,
I have been recalled to Heaven on an assignment. I apologize for my abrupt departure, but it seems fitting at the moment. I may return at a later date, though I trust you to be well able to handle any situations that might arise in these somewhat peculiar surroundings.
Do forgive me for missing the Easter celebration. I'm afraid I was too lost in my own relief at the sunrise to recall any of it. I trust you'll find it in your hearts to forgive me.
Gabs, I'm afraid a cat may have wandered into my room at one point recently and gotten paint on his fur. If the creature was one of your pets, I apologize. You have to admit the pink spots look quite charming on him, though.
Michael, try not to get into too many fights. I'd say don't do anything I wouldn't do, but given the number of angels I've more or less slain I shall refrain; just remember the rules of the place.
Aziraphale, keep in mind that not everyone important is self-important, and that paint on the tip of your nose can be very healthy sometimes.
I hope that we might be able to reunite soon under pleasant circumstances.
May His Presence be with you all,
Uriel"
Giving the message one last glance, he decided it was adequate. Walking further down the corridor, he folded the message into a fine little origami bird, blowing at it to let it take flight. The bird chirped as it flew off towards the nearest glow of Presence it could find, following the thin threads and streams Uriel could faintly see all around himself if he squinted his eyes just so.
Another bit of wandering brought him to the lobby. Relieved to see he was only steps from getting out, he headed for the door.
*
Butler was… late. And not getting into contact. This was most unusual, and might have been distressing had Artemis allowed such emotions to overtake himself. As it was, he simply assumed something had come up that Butler would doubtlessly inform him about at a later date. For the time being, he would have to find accommodations.
Of course, such things were rather scarce in a place such as this. It was really unfortunate, being stuck in a small, non-descript village, but then such locales were often the best for more covert operations. Which was exactly why he had chosen this as a meeting place. Butler had seemed rather doubtful about being away from him for an extended period of time – even if "extended" only meant a few days in this case, or possibly more if whatever was holding Butler back got too troublesome – but had finally been persuaded. And now Artemis was sure that whatever happened, his bodyguard would insist it was a perfect reason never to pull off such an operation again.
Honestly. He was legally an adult, now. Whether or not he had actually lived the full amount of years marked on his ID was a rather trivial matter, considering.
Right now, though, he didn't exactly look like an adult, still somewhat scrawny in build even inside his very expensive business suit, eyeing warily the manor before him. He supposed he had little choice unless he wanted to spend the night outside, but… there wasn't even a "Welcome" sign anywhere. He was quite efficient at bending the rules, but first he had to have something to bend, and entering a building without any kind of invitation after a weary day was not exactly his idea of a good time. Sure, his idea of a good time involved mostly very heavy books and advanced mathematics enjoyed alongside a cup of nice tea, but that was beside the point.
Luckily, someone opened the door just then. For a moment, Artemis looked at someone not altogether unlike himself – dark hair, pale skin, not too strong a build for a grown man. "Ah, do come in," the stranger said, stepping out of the doorway. "I'm sorry, I was just on my way out and didn't mean to block your way."
Artemis didn't have the chance to respond or thank for the invitation – such a blessing, almost! – as his eyes moved on from the general appearance. Immediately, he was almost ready to bang his head on the wall, except that would most definitely have been rather undignified. No amount of weariness could account for missing something like that.
This was clearly not a fairy, yet the man had… wings. Large, feathered wings that, while obviously unable to support the weight of a human being, were also rather intricate for a costume prop. "…Is there a party in here?" he asked. He certainly hoped not. Such occasions rarely did anything to ward off impending headaches, rather to the opposite.
"Huh? Not that I know of." The man looked genuinely puzzled. Stepping out of the doorway, he stretched his arms.
Then, he stretched his wings, the tips reaching wide to the sides.
Artemis actually allowed himself to stare for approximately 0.7 seconds. Then he asked, "…What are you?"
"Hm? I'm Uriel," the man replied, apparently still just as clueless.
"I didn't ask who you are," Artemis replied. "I asked what you are. You're clearly not a human, so what form of fairy are you?"
"Fairy? I don't understand." The man called Uriel blinked innocently. "I answered your question." The smile he gave Artemis was best described as… angelic. "I am Uriel."
"Don't be ridiculous." Artemis only barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Archangel Uriel is a mythical creature." As were demons, granted, but then this man didn't look like a member of another deranged, forgotten species of the fairy folk, so he doubted the same explanation applied here.
"I see." The man tilted his head to the side, still smiling. "I suppose then I am not truly here, am I?"
The wings beat, then, a couple of times, their huge surface area whipping up small gusts, forcing Artemis to shield his eyes from some fine dirt lifted off the ground. As he could again see, the man was gone, leaving no trace behind. After a careful glance around, Artemis even allowed himself a glance up to the sky. He saw nothing.
Shaking his head, he turned towards the entrance again. Obviously, he would need to stay more than just one night. Either there was some fairy magic at work here, or he was even more exhausted than he had thought.
Either way, he would get to the bottom of this.
Drawing a deep breath, he stepped in.
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(no subject)
Date: Tuesday, 4 May 2010 06:06 (UTC)Gabs, I'm afraid a cat may have wandered into my room at one point recently and gotten paint on his fur. If the creature was one of your pets, I apologize. You have to admit the pink spots look quite charming on him, though.
Ah. Gabriel had suspected as much when Earl Grey had come back with pink spots on his fur. He'd laughed and tapped the pink-spotted nose fondly before carefully giving the kitten a bath, and later he'd had to wash the bloody scratches on his own arms. Still, Earl Grey had looked rather fetching before he'd turned into a wet, snarling, claw-happy, bedraggled mess in the bathtub.
He frowned lightly at the 'Gabs' and at Uriel's mentions of his assignment and the angels he had Severed, though. Uriel had a difficult function. I hope he's alright.
Gabriel attempted to fold it back into the delicate origami bird, but soon gave up as it degenerated into a crumpled mess, even when he tried miracles. Miracling it clean again, he sighed and folded it into a neat square before miracling it to appear wherever Michael was; he didn't feel like going to give it to Michael himself.
(no subject)
Date: Sunday, 9 May 2010 01:59 (UTC)Michael, try not to get into too many fights. I'd say don't do anything I wouldn't do, but given the number of angels I've more or less slain I shall refrain; just remember the rules of the place.
He good-naturedly gaped at that. Oh Uriel, he thought fondly, lighten up, would you? You haven't Felled as many demons as I've smote, after all. And why does Gabriel get a nickname and I don't? I'm hurt. Oh well. Have fun on your new assignment. Say hi to Father for me; hopefully I'll be home soon too.
He threw the letter up into the air, where it dissipated back into the Presence. He, smiling, kept jogging.