(no subject)

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

Date: March 15, 2003 (?)
Status: Public (Uriel, Gabriel) - Complete
Setting: Library
Summary: Uriel finally makes it out of his room and seeks company.


Uriel... wasn't entirely sure why it had taken so long for him to first emerge from his room. Of course, he'd felt the arrivals. All those bright little stars of Presence, and the voids that marked demonic beings... yet he'd remained in his room, meticulously painting over the previously white walls, unable to stop until he was satisfied with his work.

Now, though, he was done. Looking about the previously blank room with satisfaction, he folded his paint-stained wings. He didn't put them out of sight, though, simply folded them in enough that they weren't sweeping against the walls as he walked to the window to let all the paint fumes out. They would have probably been quite insufferable if he'd bothered to breathe.

Now. First order of things... to find others. Preferably other angels. Not that he had anything against demons, of course, but he did prefer the company of angels... if only because angels generally tolerated him better than demons. Besides, if his sense of the Presence didn't entirely betray him, the Manor now held more archangels than just himself. It would be merely courteous to seek them out, if nothing else.

With this in mind, he exited his room, heading down the corridor. There had been a library around here somewhere, hadn't there? If he didn't find angels there... well, at least he was sure he'd find something. And if he didn't, well, he'd just have to look elsewhere.

Now. Mission: Find the library.

Comments

edited

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel looked up from repairing the well-worn copy of Dante's Inferno, sensing the presence - and Presence - drawing near.

"Hello, Uriel," he smiled. "I was beginning to wonder if I was mistaken in sensing your presence." He sniffed gingerly. "Is that paint I smell?"

Re: edited

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"That would be quite an interesting mistake," Uriel remarked calmly, smiling just a bit in response. He then spread his wings just enough to show the paint stains before folding them again. "Indeed it is. I was painting my room until I finally decided to investigate all the presences I've sensed around here."

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel walked out from behind his desk, giving Uriel a light one-armed hug. He pulled back slightly.

"I meant that I could sense you ever since I arrived, and I already knew that you were here anyway, but I saw no other sign that you were around." He wrinkled his nose. "Do you intend to keep your wings that way? I look forward to seeing your room, though."

Gabriel himself was no good at art, but he did appreciate it, perhaps all the more for being completely unable to create art himself.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"That might be because I haven't exactly been around here to show any other signs of myself," Uriel said somewhat reasonably. Glancing at his wings, he blinked. "I... suppose not." Shaking his wings just a bit, not that it was needed, he made the coloured spots disappear as though they'd never been there. "It's just rather hard to avoid them when you're working." ...Well, in reality, it would only have taken a bit of concentration, but when he was working on his art, he wanted no other distractions. "You're welcome to see it whenever you wish."

[cattygabriel]

"True," Gabriel smiled fondly. He knew how absorbed in his art Uriel could get. "I'd ask to see it now, actually, but after spending the past few days in your room I think you might prefer a change of scenery. Would you rather stay in the library, or take a walk in the grounds, or go flying? I went for a flight this morning, and I must say the countryside around this place is beautiful."

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"Flying might be enjoyable," Uriel agreed. It had been quite a while since he had really managed to enjoy flying on Earth. Sure, he had flied on his way to the manor, but at the time he hadn't exactly been in the frame of mind to appreciate the feeling of open air.

[cattygabriel]

"Mind if I join you?" Gabriel grinned, half-spreading his own wings and running a hand through his hair. "I flew this morning, but I wouldn't pass up a chance to feel the wind against my wings again."

He studied the other's face for a moment. "Of course, if you would rather be alone, it's up to you," he added softly. Uriel's function was not exactly the easiest job around.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"...I've nothing against it." Uriel smiled faintly. "Especially since I've spent all my time since my arrival holed up in my room... perhaps it's time I reminded myself that while His importance is indeed beyond all imagination, He is still not everything there is in the world." And that there were angels who had not Fallen. Who would not Fall.

[cattygabriel]

Sighing softly, Gabriel hugged Uriel briefly before pulling away and gesturing, neatly arranging the books and stationery on his desk. He walked towards the door and held it open.

"Coming?" he smiled.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

Gabriel truly was kind... Uriel couldn't help but feel just a bit warmer. He smiled in response and nodded. "But of course~" It would certainly be pleasant to spread his wings properly after spending several days all closed up in his room.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel held the door for Uriel before stepping out himself. He paused for a moment, trying to recall how to get to the front door from the library. Ah yes.

"This way," he smiled, leading the way down the hall.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"I'll just trust you," Uriel chuckled, following Gabriel. "I haven't exactly had time to learn my way around here yet." True enough, he had already spent a few days at the manor... he just hadn't made it out of his room before. Oh, yes, it was well about the time he stretched his wings a bit.

[cattygabriel]

"That trust had better not be misplaced then," Gabriel laughed. "I can find my way to the library and lobby from my room, and from the lobby to the bar, but other than that I haven't exactly been exploring much either. Ah, good, I'm not lost."

He stepped into the lobby, smiling at Mrs Hodges in greeting. Mrs Hodges hurriedly hid her book before smiling back, blushing faintly. Odd. Why is she always embarrassed about what she reads? She didn't, however, seem too fazed by the sight of Uriel with his wings out.

He opened one of the large double doors and paused, holding it open for Uriel. "You first," he gestured, smiling.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"That's more than I can do," Uriel remarked. "I could probably make my way to the lobby from my room... if I spent long enough looking. That's about it." He did not exactly look forward to finding his way back to his room.

He smiled back as Gabriel opened the door. "You're too kind," he said, stepping out into the fresh air. It was certainly pleasant, not because he would breathe, but because he could feel the air lightly stirring the feathers on his wings. Much, much better.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel grinned at the image of a lost-looking Uriel wandering around, trying to exit the Manor.

"You found the library alright, didn't you?" he teased, before stepping out himself and taking a deep breath, smiling. It had been said that Earth was heavily polluted, but in this place the air was still crisp and clean.

He spread his wings, enjoying the feel of a light breeze beginning to ruffle the feathers.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"I guess I was just fortunate," Uriel said amusedly. "...Well, so actually I just headed towards the closest angelic aura. That wouldn't exactly help me in finding my way out of the manor, now would it?"

He spread his wings as wide as they only would go, a huge soft barrier of pristinely white feathers. Far as he knew, they weren't exceptionally large, but still somewhat more sizable than those of an average angel. The sunlight felt warm on his wings, coaxing out some subtle shades of green from the previously pure whiteness.

[cattygabriel]

As usual, Gabriel's feathers were remarkably messy. He tried to smooth the feathers, watching the blue highlight flash across them. Being the Messenger, his wingspan, like Uriel's, was slightly larger than that of the average angel.

"You could try locating all the angelic auras, and then avoiding them," he joked. "Or, what's that rule about labyrinths? Keep left? Or we can go exploring together one day and try making a map."

The breeze had increased in strength, ruffling his hair and feathers, and he laughed for no reason. Bending one leg very slightly at the knee, he turned to flash Uriel a challenging grin. "Race you to that wood?"

Without waiting for a reply, he took off, laughing again as he felt the wind against his wings and body. He simply flew slowly and aimlessly for a moment, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness, of freedom, before turning towards the forest and increasing his speed.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"Ah, but what if the angels were all in the lobby?" Uriel pointed out. "I'd never get outside without jumping out of a window. And I always thought you were supposed to keep right in labyrinths?"

He prepared to take off at Gabriel's question, yet was taken by surprise by the other's sudden take-off. "Oi!" he exclaimed. "What's this, an archangel cheating?" However, he was soon airborne too, doing his best to catch up with Gabriel. He most definitely wasn't going to let the other win simply by utilizing such unfair means.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel simply laughed again. "It's not cheating. It's making use of speed and the element of surprise!" he called back, laughing.

Uriel was catching up with him, and he flew even faster. No way would he let Uriel beat him after he'd gotten a headstart.

"What's wrong with jumping out of a window? You can always miracle it bigger!" He had to shout; his words were being carried away by the wind. "Besides, if we were actually in labyrinths we could just fly out or miracle an exit." Not that angels found themselves in labyrinths very often anyway.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"It is too cheating," Uriel insisted. "It's not giving the other a fair chance. I should know!" Indeed, Gabriel was not being very just at the moment.

Gabriel was going even faster... meaning Uriel was going to fly even faster, too. Not because of pride, obviously, but rather as a friendly rivalry. There was certainly nothing wrong with that.

"I never said there was anything wrong with that," Uriel replied calmly. "Just that it's not exactly the standard way, and I have enough trouble trying to figure out the human habits even without purposefully acting in an unusual manner. And if we were actually in a labyrinth, I'd think our largest concern would be how we ended up there rather than how we should get out."

[cattygabriel]

"A rose by any other name is just as thorny," Gabriel grinned. "You should feel honoured that I need headstarts to gain a chance against you!"

His large wingspan had its advantages, and he wondered if he should slow down to allow Uriel to catch up. No. There was no fun in that, and besides, Uriel was lighter. They had their own strengths.

"You can make sure nobody sees you, or use your own bedroom window." He swerved to avoid a bird before maneuovering into a more aerodynamic position. The trees were nearing. "True, although I hear there are mazes set up for people to amuse themselves."

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I am honoured all right," Uriel replied. "That and hurt that you would feel you need to gain that headstart by unfairness rather than simply ask me!" Not that he was actually hurt. Somewhat torn between amused and annoyed, rather.

Uriel was now making a full use of his lighter frame. He'd never in his existence weighed any more, aside from that time with the Flood and wet wings. Even in the rare occasions he had had a human body, his bones had been hollow -- simply because he expected them to be. It wasn't like he knew anything else.

"But if I simply use the window, there's no point whatsoever in even trying to find the exit," he pointed out in what he considered a reasonable argument. "And then I would have the problem of finding my way back, what with all the windows looking the same. And if we were in one such maze, we would not fly out or miracle an exit because that wouldn't be amusing at all, now would it?"

[cattygabriel]

"But this is so much more fun than asking!" Gabriel laughed. He could tell that the other archangel wasn't actually hurt; after all, they had known each other since before Time began. "Nobody asks for a headstart!"

Uriel was drawing level with him. He frowned. His wings weren't that much bigger compared to Uriel's, although they were certainly noticeably larger than most angels'. It wouldn't hurt to... A thought, and although nowhere near as light as Uriel, he was definitely slightly lighter.

"I'll have to concede defeat for both those points then, but not for this race!" Almost there...

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"Then you should have assumed I'd be corteous enough to give you one!" Uriel retorted. Not that he would have; that'd have been just insulting.

Gabriel was... going still just a bit faster. How was that even possible? Frowning, Uriel strained his wings, beating them as fast as he could. Surely he wasn't going to lose like this...

But no. Gabriel reached the woods just moments before him. Uriel had no time to even comment on this as he instead focused on one thing: Do not hit the trees.

[cattygabriel]

"Ha!" He had won. Well, seemingly. As he turned back to check that he had indeed won, he didn't notice the looming tree just ahead. He turned back just in time to catch a close-up view of tree bark before it hit him.

Angels are naturally strong creatures and quite a bit of force goes into flying. Add to that the fact that this particular angel had been flying at a very high speed, factor a very sturdy tree into the equation and you have one near-concussed archangel on the ground and covered in leaves.

It took a while for Gabriel to be able to open his eyes. He blinked, not trusting his speech ability yet.

This was embarrassing, to say the least.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

Uriel managed to just barely avoid hitting the trees, spreading his wings wide for the best air resistance. He came to a halt just before a tree, turning to look at Gabriel only to find the other not being as fortunate as himself.

He wasn't sure whether to be amused or worried. Angels were generally a sturdy lot, and one simple tree would not do any lasting damage, but that still had to hurt. And on the other hand...

"I might say that served you right," he said calmly, the corner of his lips just barely curling up. It wouldn't do to laugh at another's accident. But... surely it was allowed to feel just a tiny bit of satisfaction? He might have said, 'pride comes before the fall' if it hadn't been for the rather unfortunate implications...

[cattygabriel]

A deep flush spread over Gabriel's cheeks at Uriel's words. The other angel would never let him forget this. He groaned slightly at the pounding in his head. It felt like mining activities were going on in there. Reaching up towards his forehead, he touched it lightly and winced at the tenderness. Ow.

His wings were throbbing too. Angel wings were extremely sensitive, and falling on them didn't help.

"You might. Or you might help me up," he muttered, closing his eyes again against the sunlight and wondering when Uriel would give in to laughter.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

Well. It had certainly been a good, long while since Uriel had last seen a bruised angel. Gabriel looked absolutely awful -- and he apparently wasn't exactly enjoying himself, either.

"I might do that," he agreed, reaching out a hand to Gabriel. It just looked too amusing... the great Messenger himself brought down by a mere tree...

Uriel couldn't help himself, breaking into laughter. It was simply irresistible. He'd just have to apologize to Gabriel later.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel gripped Uriel's hand and managed to pull himself into a sitting position. He leaned against the offending tree with another soft groan, glaring at the laughing Uriel.

Still holding the other's hand, he gave it a sharp tug, and it was his turn to laugh as Uriel, caught off guard, fell down as well. Shifting under the sudden weight, he sighed in relief as his powers slowly healed the headache. A couple of stray feathers were floating down and he watched one land on Uriel's head, smiling.

"Still that amused?" he grinned.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

...Well. That was certainly a surprise. Falling down on top of Gabriel, Uriel took a moment to gather himself. He then sent a mild emerald glare at Gabriel.

"Why, yes, I am amused," he said levelly. "Very much amused that one of His archangels would feel so embarrassed at his own failing, he'd resort to such childish measures to hide it." And, because it was simply fair, he miracled a permanent marker into his hand and proceeded to scribbling a moustache on Gabriel's face, hoping to be too quick for the other to stop him.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel blinked. Uriel... was scribbling something on his face, and was that a permanent marker?

"Hey!" He shoved Uriel's hand away; the marker left a long line of glistening ink from beneath his nose to his jawline. He rubbed at it, to no avail.

Well, two could play at that game. A marker appeared in his own hand and, too fast for any mortal eye to see, he was returning the favour on Uriel's face. And if his artistic side was so bad that his moustaches were barely recognisable, too bad for Uriel.

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

"Now, that's just unfair!" Uriel exclaimed. Lifting his wings, he beat them once, twice, shoving himself away from the ground and Gabriel. "It was your own fault for pulling me down like that!"

Okay, now this was just too childish. It was unthinkable that two archangels would be behaving like this... and yet they were.

And on some strange level, Uriel found himself enjoying it.

[cattygabriel]

Gabriel should have been trying to think of a good defence, but the sight of Uriel with a marker moustache, and the knowledge that he himself probably looked worse, combined with residual light-headedness, simply caused him to burst out laughing.

The image of Uriel looking like this would remain with him for a long time, he knew. Still laughing, he sat up straighter, wincing slightly as his still tender wings dragged against the tree bark.

A mirror appeared in Gabriel's hand and he stared at his reflection for a moment before bursting into laughter again. "Not a bad moustache, Uriel, considering how fast you drew it," he commented, tossing the mirror up and watching it float towards Uriel's hand. "Mine, though, looks like a black squiggle."

[divinepresence.livejournal.com]

Uriel resisted the urge to make a face at Gabriel's laughter, instead snatching the mirror to take a look at himself. "Well, well," he said with an amused tone. "Stylish though this obviously is, I'd hate for anyone else to see us like this... To think of it, two of His archangels playing around like mere children." He tossed the mirror back towards Gabriel, drawing a hand before his face, leaving behind unmarked skin. "You'll have to excuse me if I don't keep it," he added mildly.

Now, he glanced towards the mansion. "Shall we fly some more?" he suggested. "Perhaps this time we might actually be able to avoid trees."