Verse 4: Leaving St. Mary's with the Reids (Lilly and Marduk)

[archolewa]

{Lilly}

Lilly smiles and nods to Willow. "Of course you can sleep on it. I will be staying with you all day regardless, and Johnson promised to keep an eye on you tonight while I'm off recharging my celestial batteries. You'll be as safe as you've ever been. Probably a good deal safer."

[Tay-Dor]

While Willow and Moonstone are focused on Lilly, Jezreel turns to Marduk and asks in Celestial, “Since Willow and Moonstone are aware of so much already, may I give them your name and Galgaliel’s? Please.”

[Marduk]

Marduk responds in Celestial. "I know you serve Revelation, but you need to learn that it is not always best to reveal everything. This discernment will come with age. They do not need to know our Angelic names. That knowledge will not benefit them in any way and could serve as a hazard should they use the name at the wrong place at the wrong time where the Enemy might overhear."

"While we inhabit these vessels, we are, as far as the Symphony is concerned in our mundane interactions on this Earth, Agent Johnson and Agent Greer." Marduk states emphatically, unable to lie in the Celestial tongue. "I would suggest, if you feel the urge to reveal any other celestial information, you repress that urge until you are in this apartment and the only other beings within earshot are those currently here."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Lilly}

Lilly smiles and nods to Willow. "Of course you can sleep on it. I will be staying with you all day regardless, and Johnson promised to keep an eye on you tonight while I'm off recharging my celestial batteries. You'll be as safe as you've ever been. Probably a good deal safer."

{GM}

“Thank you,” Willow and Moonstone say almost in unison, although for different reasons.

{GM}
While Willow and Moonstone are focused on Lilly, Jezreel turns to Marduk and asks in Celestial, “Since Willow and Moonstone are aware of so much already, may I give them your name and Galgaliel’s? Please.”

{Marduk}

Marduk responds in Celestial. "I know you serve Revelation, but you need to learn that it is not always best to reveal everything. This discernment will come with age. They do not need to know our Angelic names. That knowledge will not benefit them in any way and could serve as a hazard should they use the name at the wrong place at the wrong time where the Enemy might overhear."

{GM}

“Secrets inevitably cause more problems than they prevent,” Jezreel says; her lips press into a thin line. “But they are your names, so the choice is yours. I will abide.”

{Marduk}

"While we inhabit these vessels, we are, as far as the Symphony is concerned in our mundane interactions on this Earth, Agent Johnson and Agent Greer." Marduk states emphatically, unable to lie in the Celestial tongue. "I would suggest, if you feel the urge to reveal any other celestial information, you repress that urge until you are in this apartment and the only other beings within earshot are those currently here."

{GM}

“I know better than discussing Heavenly matters in public, sir,” Jezreel says. “I am aware of the injunctions; Revelations himself accept them. I will ensure I am someplace private before discussing any aspect of the War. But that may be Martha’s office, my own apartment or possibly Lilly’s should she get one. I will make certain I am aware of who is around, but there are other angels in Galveston, and others who may visit, and I cannot promise I will not speak of Celestial matters with them.”

[Tay-Dor]

{GM}

“Secrets inevitably cause more problems than they prevent,”

[Marduk]

"Not in war, young one." Marduk replies.

{GM}

“I know better than discussing Heavenly matters in public, sir,” Jezreel says. “I am aware of the injunctions; Revelations himself accept them. I will ensure I am someplace private before discussing any aspect of the War. But that may be Martha’s office, my own apartment or possibly Lilly’s should she get one. I will make certain I am aware of who is around, but there are other angels in Galveston, and others who may visit, and I cannot promise I will not speak of Celestial matters with them.”

[Marduk]

"Why do I get the feeling you are going to be more trouble than any scheme devised in Hell or elsewhere." Marduk muses.

[archolewa]

"Why do I get the feeling you are going to be more trouble than any scheme devised in Hell or elsewhere." Marduk muses.

"Probably because she's an Eliite," says Lilly as matter-of-factly as if she were pointing out that the sky is blue. She winks at Jezreel. "I've heard even our Malakim are considered troublemakers by their Choirmates."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

“Secrets inevitably cause more problems than they prevent,”

{Marduk}

"Not in war, young one." Marduk replies.

{GM}

“Presumably that is why the injunctions exist, sir,” Jezreel says. “I don’t understand. But if Archangel Litheroy and the Seraphim Council insist, I trust they have reason. Perhaps someday I will understand.” Her tone doesn’t hold much conviction that she will, though.

---

{GM}

“I know better than discussing Heavenly matters in public, sir,” Jezreel says. “I am aware of the injunctions; Revelations himself accept them. I will ensure I am someplace private before discussing any aspect of the War. But that may be Martha’s office, my own apartment or possibly Lilly’s should she get one. I will make certain I am aware of who is around, but there are other angels in Galveston, and others who may visit, and I cannot promise I will not speak of Celestial matters with them.”

{Marduk}

"Why do I get the feeling you are going to be more trouble than any scheme devised in Hell or elsewhere." Marduk muses.

"Probably because she's an Eliite," says Lilly as matter-of-factly as if she were pointing out that the sky is blue. She winks at Jezreel. "I've heard even our Malakim are considered troublemakers by their Choirmates."

{GM}

“That may be one factor, Lilly,” the young Seraph says. “But I doubt it is the primary one. And the last is hearsay, and best not spread without proof.”

More focused on the original question, which she feels compelled to answer completely, Jezreel focuses on Marduk. A Servitor of Revelation to the core, she automatically responds with absolute honesty. “Because my father is a demon. Because I am a Servitor of an absent Archangel. Because I am an experiment by Creation that terrifies even Lord Jean. Because no one, not even the Archangel of Creation truly knows what will come of my existence. Because I am less than 15 years old and have spent just over 2 weeks in Heaven. Because despite that, I live alone and left to my own council more often than not. Because I dream when other angels do not. Because I am at the nexus of something very strange going on in Galveston. Because my best friend was the sole survivor of an attack by a creature unknown. Because I have a best friend at all. Most likely, some combination of all of the above, sir,” Jezreel admits, “Along with several factors I have no knowledge of which have influenced your thinking over the millennia since Lucifer fell. Oh, and because for a Malakim of War, you do have quite a vivid imagination, sir.”

[Tay-Dor]

[Marduk]

Marduk looks impassively at the younger angel for a long moment. "Have you learned the concept of a rhetorical question?" He waits patiently for an answer.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

“No, sir,” Jezreel admits, cocking her head and wrinkling her nose in mild confusion at the abrupt change in subject. “The word ‘rhetoric’ refers to an argument, doesn't it? Persuasion? Mostly in writing or oratory… I’m not really sure how that fits in with the subject of logic… or of questioning. Or, frankly, what we were talking about, sir.”

[archolewa]

{Lilly}

Lilly watches the exchange, unsure how or even if she should get involved. Something bothers her about Jezreel's response to her joke, and then of course this litany of all the things that Jezreel thinks are supposedly wrong with her, a source of "trouble." So similar in some ways, and yet still quite different from her own list. A list that Jezreel picked up on.

Then she remembers a passing comment Eli made to her. Her face reddens with shame, and hurt as she realizes the mistake she's made. Repeatedly.

"Jezreel," says Lilly softly. She reaches out but doesn't quite touch the girl. "A rhetorical question is a question that the asker doesn't expect you to answer, because he thinks the answer is obvious. It's a technique used to try to point out something they think is obvious in a rather snarky manner. I don't know why Johnson asked it, and I don't care. Because I'm happy you answered it. Because all that stuff you listed. Some of it is tragic. Some of it is isolating. Some of it is weird. Some of it is more normal than you might think. Some of it you might be able to change. Some of it you can't. Some of it is scary. Some of it is wonderful. But all of it, it's all a part of you. It's part of what makes you who you are, and who are, is beautiful. You're a beautiful Seraphim of Revelation. And that's what you are, aren't you? Not an Angel of Creation. An Angel of Revelation through and through. As open, honest and earnest as Litheroy himself. Jezreel, that's incredible. You're going to be, you already are a True Angel of Revelation. Litheroy is happy to have you in his servce, I think. And so is Eli. And both are I think waiting for you to take the plunge. To fully join Litheroy's service, and fully become who you are. To introduce yourself not as Jezreel, Most Holy of Creation on Loan to Revelation, but as Jezreel Most Holy of Revelation. I'm sorry I've gotten that wrong so many times today. Can you forgive me?"

[Tay-Dor]

[Marduk]

Marduk turns away as Lilly misjudges his words. But then he should expect that by now from the mercurial Cherub. He could take more time trying to explain, but that wouldn't get the mission completed. Also, Marduk just doesn't care what they think of him, as long as they don't interfere in the mission. They can sit in a corner braiding each other's hair like Willow's vikings of old for all he cares.

He looks over at Galahad, "Almost done?"

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Lilly}

Lilly watches the exchange, unsure how or even if she should get involved. Something bothers her about Jezreel's response to her joke, and then of course this litany of all the things that Jezreel thinks are supposedly wrong with her, a source of "trouble." So similar in some ways, and yet still quite different from her own list. A list that Jezreel picked up on.

Then she remembers a passing comment Eli made to her. Her face reddens with shame, and hurt as she realizes the mistake she's made. Repeatedly.

"Jezreel," says Lilly softly. She reaches out but doesn't quite touch the girl. "A rhetorical question is a question that the asker doesn't expect you to answer, because he thinks the answer is obvious. It's a technique used to try to point out something they think is obvious in a rather snarky manner."

{GM}

“More figurative language,” Jezreel says, with a barely repressed sigh.

{Lilly}

"I don't know why Johnson asked it, and I don't care. Because I'm happy you answered it. Because all that stuff you listed. Some of it is tragic. Some of it is isolating. Some of it is weird. Some of it is more normal than you might think. Some of it you might be able to change. Some of it you can't. Some of it is scary. Some of it is wonderful. But all of it, it's all a part of you. It's part of what makes you who you are, and who are, is beautiful. You're a beautiful Seraphim of Revelation. And that's what you are, aren't you? Not an Angel of Creation. An Angel of Revelation through and through. As open, honest and earnest as Litheroy himself. Jezreel, that's incredible. You're going to be, you already are a True Angel of Revelation. Litheroy is happy to have you in his servce, I think. And so is Eli. And both are I think waiting for you to take the plunge. To fully join Litheroy's service, and fully become who you are. To introduce yourself not as Jezreel, Most Holy of Creation on Loan to Revelation, but as Jezreel Most Holy of Revelation. I'm sorry I've gotten that wrong so many times today. Can you forgive me?"

{GM}

Jezreel stares at Lilly as if poleaxed. “I…” the young Seraph starts, but cuts herself off as she realizes she cannot honestly even finish the thought let alone speak it aloud. She shakes her head. “... But…” Faltering again for the same reason, she falls silent for a long moment, her eyes bright and damp.

Turning to Moonstone, Jezreel stands and says, “Excuse me for a few minutes please, I would like a bit of time to myself. I’ll do my dishes when I get back.”

“No need, Jezreel,” Moonstone says, her eyes narrowed with concern.

With a soft smile, the teen angel turns to Willow. “I won’t be long, Willow,” she promises. “And you will be able to see me from your bedroom window… once I reach the waterline.” She pauses a moment. “Call me on my cell if you need me before I am ready to come back on my own.”

Glancing back and forth between Lilly and Marduk, Jezreel says, “I am crossing the street and taking the stairs from the Seawall to the beach. As I told Willow, you’ll be able to see me for most of the time. While on the stairs and the first few yards of beach, I will be out of line of sight. But I will be headed straight for the water line.”

Unless someone stops her, Jezreel will walk out the kitchen door, closing it behind her.

Willow watches Jezreel walk out and then turns to Lilly. “What did you say to her?” she demands, not having understood anything the angels were saying in Celestial.

[Marduk]

Marduk turns away as Lilly misjudges his words. But then he should expect that by now from the mercurial Cherub. He could take more time trying to explain, but that wouldn't get the mission completed. Also, Marduk just doesn't care what they think of him, as long as they don't interfere in the mission. They can sit in a corner braiding each other's hair like Willow's vikings of old for all he cares.

He looks over at Galahad, "Almost done?"

{GM}

“Yes, sir,” Galgaliel says, grabbing one last slice of mango, chewing, and swallowing before adding. “Ready when you are, Special Agent Johnson.” He stands.

The Reliever turns to Moonstone. “Thank you for lunch, Miss Reid,” he says. “It was a very exciting experience.”

Moonstone chuckles. “I would hardly call tuna sandwiches exciting,” she says. “But I’m glad you enjoyed them.”

“I did, ma’am. And it was interesting. I’ve never had food before,” Galgaliel admits. He starts for the door, opens it part way, and pauses to ask, “Where are we going, sir?”

[archolewa]

{Lilly}

{GM}

Jezreel stares at Lilly as if poleaxed. “I…” the young Seraph starts, but cuts herself off as she realizes she cannot honestly even finish the thought let alone speak it aloud. She shakes her head. “... But…” Faltering again for the same reason, she falls silent for a long moment, her eyes bright and damp.

Turning to Moonstone, Jezreel stands and says, “Excuse me for a few minutes please, I would like a bit of time to myself. I’ll do my dishes when I get back.”

“No need, Jezreel,” Moonstone says, her eyes narrowed with concern.

With a soft smile, the teen angel turns to Willow. “I won’t be long, Willow,” she promises. “And you will be able to see me from your bedroom window… once I reach the waterline.” She pauses a moment. “Call me on my cell if you need me before I am ready to come back on my own.”

Glancing back and forth between Lilly and Marduk, Jezreel says, “I am crossing the street and taking the stairs from the Seawall to the beach. As I told Willow, you’ll be able to see me for most of the time. While on the stairs and the first few yards of beach, I will be out of line of sight. But I will be headed straight for the water line.”

Unless someone stops her, Jezreel will walk out the kitchen door, closing it behind her.

"Jezreel..." murmurs Lilly, starting to reach for the girl, but stopping. As the door closes she murmurs. "I..I'm sorry..."

Willow watches Jezreel walk out and then turns to Lilly. “What did you say to her?” she demands, not having understood anything the angels were saying in Celestial.

"I..." Lilly cringes from Willow, her own eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry, I didn't, I don't...I thought it was something she already knew. Something I thought was good. Just...just trying to reassure her, I thought maybe I was finally understanding her, I didn't mean to...I didn't want to hurt her..."

Lilly's stomach twists and burns with shame and regret. A part of her wants to try to Resonate on her connection with Jezreel, but of course her ears are still ringing, and even if they weren't, she's not sure she could bring herself to. Always saying something stupid. No matter how hard she tries, always missing the mark with this girl. "Oh Eli...what were you thinking? I was a terrible choice... The wrong choice..."

She folds her arms on the table, buries her head in them and sobs.

[Tay-Dor]

[Marduk]

Marduk watches Lilly collapse and the expression of disgust shows on his usually impassive face. He starts to comment but then realizes it won't help. She's too human and not enough Angel. Could she be a nephalim and not a full angel? That might explain how a Cherub is acting more like a Mercurian or Elohim. Something to look into after these murders are solved. Marduk thinks to himself.

He looks over at Galgaliel, "To the Morgue. Lets go." He walks out the door to their car.