"We are more diplomatic than they are used to. The desire for your authority may fade with time." He had seen it with the fallen. At first they had treated him like God but over time it waned to respect. "The angels that I have spoken to so far were close enough to those here that the discomfort should be less than expected."
"I agree. Though, Raguel may be better kept in the villa until he has some experience. He is a trustworthy angel but very war-like and quick to anger. He's Michael's equivalent of Beelzebub and just as unruly." Knowing the ones that seemed most likely to turn sides would make the transition easier. He could give Balthazar information. "Rota, Ariel, Zadkiel, and Raziel are calmer and more peaceful."
Lucifer immediately turns on his side as Balthazar flops on the bed. "It is good that you have space to give Levi freedom here, and it gives me an opportunity to chase after you."
"That's fine with me, too. You know how I am. I would rather us all be family than anything else." Honestly, he might be a little bit awkward being treated as their Lord, but his warmth and devotion to the group is probably a good example for celestial angels seeking refuge.
He listens to the names given with a hum. "I knew my world's versions of Zadkiel and Raziel. Raziel, I quite liked. Not that I disliked the other, just didn't spend as much time with him. I suppose they'll be different than the ones I knew. Interesting that Raguel should want to join up. That's a high-ranking officer, from what you've just told me."
He reaches over to stroke the center of the other angel's chest. "I like sharing a vessel with him, but it'd be better for us both to be able to separate. He's met a few artists in the Nexus, and he likes your lot, but some mortal friends wouldn't hurt him either. And if I could learn to temper my trueform like you do...well, I imagine I'll still be a little alarming to newbies in the place but at least I could wander without putting anyone's eyes out."
"You will be their Lord. You can set your own standards for them." He doesn't worry as much as Balthazar. He trusts his partner to take things in stride and he will watch the situation as it develops.
"Our Raziel is like Belial or Thnisko. Quiet, thoughtful, soft spoken. He served with Astaroth, I think, for a time." The other angel though, Lucifer laughs shaking his head. "Raguel was tasked to watch for me and drive me back to Chaos or tattle on me. We have a history and a begrudging, mutual respect." Lucifer paused to close his eyes and take a deep breath. Reguel worried him for other reasons. "I am concerned about his presence among us, but not because of him. His absence will cause a power vacuum and may illicit an attack. They will not want the head of Michael's army in my council."
Still, he would not deny him sanctuary and a home for that reason. "Ariel served with Phenex, under Jophiel the angel of beauty. She celebrates the beauty of nature, especially flowers. Zadkiel is equally kind, the archangel of freedom and mercy. He is the one I was least surprised to hear from."
Lucifer smiled, pulling up to kiss Balthazar's cheek. He's up to something and amused, but more because this aligns with what is happening in ways his partner can't imagine. "You, and Levi, wanting more time apart is why I reached out to Rota. They did not come to me, but as a friend of Ariel I think they can be trusted."
The feelings of mischief are overwhelming at the moment. This, Rota's presence, was meant to be a surprise later, but a gift now is just as good. "They are an angel that serves the glory of the rainforest, especially the brightness and life there. Of all of them, I believe you will be closest to Rota, because of the youth, like Azazael, and.... they are an ophan."
In Lucifer's creation most of the ophan were created after they fell. Though there was one in Chaos that went to war with them, he was a bitter angel and aggressive since the war. Otherwise, Lucifer would have brought him long ago. Rota though had promise. He didn't think Balthazar would ever be able to live completely without a vessel but maybe tempering or reshaping through illusions was possible for a few hours or days. It made the risk of reaching out to an unknown angel worth it.
"Hm...ours wasn't quite that introverted. Or maybe he was, but I got the more expressive side of him since we worked on Enochian magic together. He was very into his work. I'm not sure what happened to him since I ducked out of Heaven." If this works out, maybe there are a few angels from his world who would join them, as well. Hester, Inias, Samandriel?
Well, one thing at a time.
He frowns a little at the idea of an attack and nods. A possibility, not a certainty. There's no point panicking about it now, so he focuses on Lucifer's description of the other angels instead, and smiles a little. All of these angels sound like the sort he'd enjoy spending time with, and maybe Ariel and Phenex can strike up a friendship again in time. Levi has a soft spot for Phenex, unsurprisingly, and likes that idea.
He grins at the kiss and reaches up for more, but pauses when hearing Lucifer reached out to Rota, the one name in the lot that he didn't recognize. Perhaps there was no corresponding angel in his world, but he wasn't going to worry about that, at least not until he noticed the sparkle in his lover's eyes. Oh, he's definitely up to something!
His Grace flares happily again as he catches on. "So now there'll be two giant wheels in the Nexus? One more and we can have a celestial tricycle."
"My presence is very different than that of a fellow angel, too." Lucifer can admit that angels did not always react to his presence the same way they did to each other. It is possible the angel was more open with someone of his own station. "Raziel is a keeper of secrets, like Astaroth. If he is not interested in Enochian magic now, I am certain he would not pass up an opportunity to learn."
If Balthazar mentioned his own angels, Lucifer would have agreed. In a way, the angels of the other creation were now among his. If they were to be partners, leaders at each others' sides, then it would have to follow that the angels of both creations could be unified.
The delight echos in Lucifer's presence. Balthazar's eager happiness concerning the request fills him with hope. He leans over resting beside his lover; head on his shoulder and an arm flung around him haphazardly. "There could be a tricycle."
Lucifer is still smiling but a hint of sadness is filtering in. "A single ophan dwells in Chaos. He is injured and incredibly bitter, more like Moloch, perhaps. Once the celestials settle in, maybe, you and Rota can help him?"
The more purpose he could give Balthazar, away from the battlefield, the better Lucifer felt. He wanted his lover to join him but the idea of Michael ever seeing him, of any of the seraphim knowing what he looked like, made Lucifer feel ill inside. It was one of the reasons he refused so strongly. However, this seems promising and it was an important duty, not merely a cast aside offer to appease. The council of Chaos had agreed to let them in and he can't imagine they would find fault in the celestial among them taking care of their own. It would, in the ranks of fallen, give more strength to Balthazar's position if he had angels under his command.
"I was always drawn to the introverted sorts, in my own Host," Balthazar says. "Trying to draw them out, I suppose. I irritated Castiel that way, but Anna liked it."
The nostalgia thrums through his Grace quietly. It's too late for the Anabiel of his world, but if another were to come to the Nexus, he thinks she would get along well with Lucifer's angels. She'd like Mulciber. She always excelled at practicality and sense.
Balthazar nuzzles into Lucifer's hair with a sigh of pleasure, though a moment later the mention of an injured ophan sobers him some. "I'd like that. I haven't done so well making friends with Moloch, unfortunately, but...well. It won't hurt anything to try."
He doesn't need to fight, or even especially want to, but Balthazar does need to be a part of things, a helpmate and not merely a lovable decoration.
"I have irritated some in the same way despite not being as much of an extrovert as most expect." Balthazar had never bothered Lucifer. It was probably that friendliness that was most responsible for them laying in the bed together now.
The nuzzling gets a little grumble of happiness and a wing wrapping over them like a blanket. "Moloch takes time, unless you are Aziraphale, apparently."
Lucifer laughed and peered up at Balthazar. "I have heard that Moloch talks to Aziraphale quite often without strife."
It was such a weird thing but if it worked then he couldn't see anything but positive in Moloch finally having something like a friend. "The ophan in Chaos has a similar issue to my son. He was disfigured during the Fall. It is difficult for an angel, which is supposed to be among the most beautiful things in creation, to face those kinds of injuries."
Even Lucifer still had moments over his lost wings or his scars. Less at this point but at one point it had been debilitating. The distracting thoughts has his hand idylly stroking over Balthazar's side.
"You're so confident," he says with a smile. "I suspect that ruffles a lot of deep-thinkers, not to mention most celestial types. I like it, though. You've always met me halfway and listened to my own experience rather than making assumptions."
"Mmm." There's little Balthazar loves more than wing-snuggles. He burrows deeper into Lucifer's arms and grins. "Aziraphale has some sort of peculiar magic that way. He's so innocent and affable, but then he comes back at you with snark when you're not expecting it. I can't imagine not liking him, but apparently the angels in his Creation all have sticks up their asses."
He sobers again, nodding to Lucifer's explanation of the other Ophan's hurts. "That might take some careful work on my part, then, since I don't have scars like that. I wish there was a way to heal them. The only thing I know that can heal a wounded Grace is contact with a human soul, but it's very risky, and I'm not sure it would even work on old wounds."
"Confident?" That gets a little chuckle from Lucifer for being a glorious understatement. "My confidence has led more than one of them to forget how sharp my mind can be. I have always been more diplomatic and thoughtful, even if you receive more of my patience than any other. It surprises many to learn that I was God's advisor, and Michael is the warlord."
Lucifer wraps in, laying a leg over Balthazar and pulling as close as he can into all the nuzzling. "I wonder if Moloch senses Crowley on him?" Lucifer isn't really asking, per say, more thinking out loud. "Unfortunately, stick up their asses describes far too many angels."
"I have tried." Lucifer sighs with disappointment and places a gentle kiss on Bathazar's forehead. The optimism and seemingly unfaltering desire to find a way through things were among the many traits he adored about the other angel. "I suspect it is part of our curses which renders the wounds of the fall incurable. I cannot imagine any other reason a creator could not repair them. Your origin in another creation may help soothe the envy but he is quite bitter. I used to be about my damage too. I understand his place, and you can ask me anything that might help with his recovery."
Lucifer cared deeply for all of his companions. Tried to make the best for all of them. Some had eluded his attempts to heal their trauma. While most recovered, the few still in despair weighed on the king.
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"I agree. Though, Raguel may be better kept in the villa until he has some experience. He is a trustworthy angel but very war-like and quick to anger. He's Michael's equivalent of Beelzebub and just as unruly." Knowing the ones that seemed most likely to turn sides would make the transition easier. He could give Balthazar information. "Rota, Ariel, Zadkiel, and Raziel are calmer and more peaceful."
Lucifer immediately turns on his side as Balthazar flops on the bed. "It is good that you have space to give Levi freedom here, and it gives me an opportunity to chase after you."
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He listens to the names given with a hum. "I knew my world's versions of Zadkiel and Raziel. Raziel, I quite liked. Not that I disliked the other, just didn't spend as much time with him. I suppose they'll be different than the ones I knew. Interesting that Raguel should want to join up. That's a high-ranking officer, from what you've just told me."
He reaches over to stroke the center of the other angel's chest. "I like sharing a vessel with him, but it'd be better for us both to be able to separate. He's met a few artists in the Nexus, and he likes your lot, but some mortal friends wouldn't hurt him either. And if I could learn to temper my trueform like you do...well, I imagine I'll still be a little alarming to newbies in the place but at least I could wander without putting anyone's eyes out."
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"Our Raziel is like Belial or Thnisko. Quiet, thoughtful, soft spoken. He served with Astaroth, I think, for a time." The other angel though, Lucifer laughs shaking his head. "Raguel was tasked to watch for me and drive me back to Chaos or tattle on me. We have a history and a begrudging, mutual respect." Lucifer paused to close his eyes and take a deep breath. Reguel worried him for other reasons. "I am concerned about his presence among us, but not because of him. His absence will cause a power vacuum and may illicit an attack. They will not want the head of Michael's army in my council."
Still, he would not deny him sanctuary and a home for that reason. "Ariel served with Phenex, under Jophiel the angel of beauty. She celebrates the beauty of nature, especially flowers. Zadkiel is equally kind, the archangel of freedom and mercy. He is the one I was least surprised to hear from."
Lucifer smiled, pulling up to kiss Balthazar's cheek. He's up to something and amused, but more because this aligns with what is happening in ways his partner can't imagine. "You, and Levi, wanting more time apart is why I reached out to Rota. They did not come to me, but as a friend of Ariel I think they can be trusted."
The feelings of mischief are overwhelming at the moment. This, Rota's presence, was meant to be a surprise later, but a gift now is just as good. "They are an angel that serves the glory of the rainforest, especially the brightness and life there. Of all of them, I believe you will be closest to Rota, because of the youth, like Azazael, and.... they are an ophan."
In Lucifer's creation most of the ophan were created after they fell. Though there was one in Chaos that went to war with them, he was a bitter angel and aggressive since the war. Otherwise, Lucifer would have brought him long ago. Rota though had promise. He didn't think Balthazar would ever be able to live completely without a vessel but maybe tempering or reshaping through illusions was possible for a few hours or days. It made the risk of reaching out to an unknown angel worth it.
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Well, one thing at a time.
He frowns a little at the idea of an attack and nods. A possibility, not a certainty. There's no point panicking about it now, so he focuses on Lucifer's description of the other angels instead, and smiles a little. All of these angels sound like the sort he'd enjoy spending time with, and maybe Ariel and Phenex can strike up a friendship again in time. Levi has a soft spot for Phenex, unsurprisingly, and likes that idea.
He grins at the kiss and reaches up for more, but pauses when hearing Lucifer reached out to Rota, the one name in the lot that he didn't recognize. Perhaps there was no corresponding angel in his world, but he wasn't going to worry about that, at least not until he noticed the sparkle in his lover's eyes. Oh, he's definitely up to something!
His Grace flares happily again as he catches on. "So now there'll be two giant wheels in the Nexus? One more and we can have a celestial tricycle."
Oh, this will be fun!
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If Balthazar mentioned his own angels, Lucifer would have agreed. In a way, the angels of the other creation were now among his. If they were to be partners, leaders at each others' sides, then it would have to follow that the angels of both creations could be unified.
The delight echos in Lucifer's presence. Balthazar's eager happiness concerning the request fills him with hope. He leans over resting beside his lover; head on his shoulder and an arm flung around him haphazardly. "There could be a tricycle."
Lucifer is still smiling but a hint of sadness is filtering in. "A single ophan dwells in Chaos. He is injured and incredibly bitter, more like Moloch, perhaps. Once the celestials settle in, maybe, you and Rota can help him?"
The more purpose he could give Balthazar, away from the battlefield, the better Lucifer felt. He wanted his lover to join him but the idea of Michael ever seeing him, of any of the seraphim knowing what he looked like, made Lucifer feel ill inside. It was one of the reasons he refused so strongly. However, this seems promising and it was an important duty, not merely a cast aside offer to appease. The council of Chaos had agreed to let them in and he can't imagine they would find fault in the celestial among them taking care of their own. It would, in the ranks of fallen, give more strength to Balthazar's position if he had angels under his command.
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The nostalgia thrums through his Grace quietly. It's too late for the Anabiel of his world, but if another were to come to the Nexus, he thinks she would get along well with Lucifer's angels. She'd like Mulciber. She always excelled at practicality and sense.
Balthazar nuzzles into Lucifer's hair with a sigh of pleasure, though a moment later the mention of an injured ophan sobers him some. "I'd like that. I haven't done so well making friends with Moloch, unfortunately, but...well. It won't hurt anything to try."
He doesn't need to fight, or even especially want to, but Balthazar does need to be a part of things, a helpmate and not merely a lovable decoration.
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The nuzzling gets a little grumble of happiness and a wing wrapping over them like a blanket. "Moloch takes time, unless you are Aziraphale, apparently."
Lucifer laughed and peered up at Balthazar. "I have heard that Moloch talks to Aziraphale quite often without strife."
It was such a weird thing but if it worked then he couldn't see anything but positive in Moloch finally having something like a friend. "The ophan in Chaos has a similar issue to my son. He was disfigured during the Fall. It is difficult for an angel, which is supposed to be among the most beautiful things in creation, to face those kinds of injuries."
Even Lucifer still had moments over his lost wings or his scars. Less at this point but at one point it had been debilitating. The distracting thoughts has his hand idylly stroking over Balthazar's side.
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"Mmm." There's little Balthazar loves more than wing-snuggles. He burrows deeper into Lucifer's arms and grins. "Aziraphale has some sort of peculiar magic that way. He's so innocent and affable, but then he comes back at you with snark when you're not expecting it. I can't imagine not liking him, but apparently the angels in his Creation all have sticks up their asses."
He sobers again, nodding to Lucifer's explanation of the other Ophan's hurts. "That might take some careful work on my part, then, since I don't have scars like that. I wish there was a way to heal them. The only thing I know that can heal a wounded Grace is contact with a human soul, but it's very risky, and I'm not sure it would even work on old wounds."
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Lucifer wraps in, laying a leg over Balthazar and pulling as close as he can into all the nuzzling. "I wonder if Moloch senses Crowley on him?" Lucifer isn't really asking, per say, more thinking out loud. "Unfortunately, stick up their asses describes far too many angels."
"I have tried." Lucifer sighs with disappointment and places a gentle kiss on Bathazar's forehead. The optimism and seemingly unfaltering desire to find a way through things were among the many traits he adored about the other angel. "I suspect it is part of our curses which renders the wounds of the fall incurable. I cannot imagine any other reason a creator could not repair them. Your origin in another creation may help soothe the envy but he is quite bitter. I used to be about my damage too. I understand his place, and you can ask me anything that might help with his recovery."
Lucifer cared deeply for all of his companions. Tried to make the best for all of them. Some had eluded his attempts to heal their trauma. While most recovered, the few still in despair weighed on the king.