|
Post by darkheart on Oct 1, 2022 12:24:26 GMT -5
It had been centuries since he had entered a holy building, and as expected the church gave Faruq an unsettled feeling. He'd parked Zim Zim Bala Bim at a penthouse with his snacks and entertainment, then excused himself for a personal errand he'd needed to run since the night at the gallery. As he pushed through the main doors there was an audible hiss, and the Arabian man with his designer suit and dark hair would grimace at the dull pain that made his skin sear. The noise would fade, but the pain would not. The dark wood of the empty pews only served to amplify the sound of his hard soled shoes on the tile as they clacked down the main aisle of the empty place of worship. He'd look up at the cross hung above the pulpit and marvel how two sticks of wood had defined a millennium of culture - both in mercy and hatred - across the whole of this world. Proving the extremes of humanity, how many had been both saved and killed over this symbol and its ideology - both in the truest sense of kindness and the darkest judgement of zealotry. These creatures never ceased to amaze and disappoint - often in the same breath.
But Faruq was not here to pray, nor to listen to the words of scriptures long written as he had done when Mohammaed had read the Quran to him and is 6 brothers on the mountain so long ago. No, he was in search of a beautiful and powerful woman. Much like himself, she did not appear as she truly was as she stepped foot amongst the mortals of this time. She had taken a form like unto them to blend in and not betray the realities of the sacred or demonic. To do so would cause panic, unrest and a return to dark times where witches were burned and children were offered as appeasement to higher and lower powers. He mused at how many infants had been burned alive to appease Dagon who, in truth, reviled the practice. Placed upon a statute of himself with open hands and an enlarged mouth with a burning fire deep with the belly, humans would place their infants on the hands and allow them to roll into the altar's 'mouth', letting them burn as a sacrifice to a demon god who hated them. Which was the more evil? The Tormentor who aided the unholy in battle and conquer, or the fools that thought such beings actually cared for the destruction of innocent mortal children? No, it was the chaos and destruction they loved. It was humans in their fear and ignorance that formed misguided theories on how to perform rituals of appeasement.
And yet holiness often took similar form. Many who served the Omnipresent, Omnipotent three in one deity threw hatred and violence around as a form of appropriated judgement. Would an Omnibenevolent being actually sanction the beating of homosexuals or the hypocrisy of killing abortionists? No, mortals were to blame for the true evils of this world. And while the Sacred and the Sacrilegious co-existed in this world at odds with each other, There was always balance and strict rules. Often the most powerful were paired with and against each other to ensure that neither side went out of check. To that end, while 'she' did not look her part whilst perusing art and glad handing donors and philanthropists that night, he could sense the one assigned to watch him - the one who had been inexplicably absent for some time - there with him as he watched over his cursed charge. He had gathered her new name and location with a few inquiries of his own, and now - with the visit of Zim bringing this absence to the front of his mind - come for a social call to check in.
Sitting in the front pew, crossing his legs blithely, he waited for Ana to show up. She would feel the affront of his existence, an eater of souls, in this place where so many came to be saved. He would endure the pain of the burn, though it was clear that not all that happened here in this place was good an holy, else he would not have been able to enter at all. Tapping his foot impatiently, he waited, muttering to himself.
"Anael...oh Anya'il...or whichever language you wish to be called...where are you...."
|
|
|
Post by Danü Rèalta on Oct 14, 2022 23:16:44 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- There was an affront to the eyes of the Lord in his house of worship. Ana's gaze looking up from the illuminated text she had been reading as the demon crossed the threshold. The time between when they had been assigned to watch over the Djinn had been immeasurable. Though they could recall the last time they laid eyes upon him, when his first and last contract had been made with an Indian family. The agreement had been binding and true and though the other Kings raged, the guardian saw no reason to act. How time flies, and how funny was it they should witness to him again, here, in the city of Angels. There would be nothing to hide the sound of her heels as they walked down the carpeted isle of the large church. She wouldn't be in a hurry, as haste would indicate there was a problem. The pews were empty save for the one man, the lights remaining dim save for the spotlight upon the effigy of Jesus hanging from the cross held aloft above the pulpit. The sound would carry without difficulty in the large empty room. "What is this scent that wafts through the auditorium. I have the strangest craving for Kibbeh suddenly."She'd stop at the end of the pew Faruq sat upon, tilting her head gently to the side as she looked to the well dressed man. It was admirable, perhaps, he would go through such discomfort for a meeting. She'd smile. "It both gladdens and surprises me to see you here. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
|
|
|
Post by darkheart on Oct 15, 2022 8:26:33 GMT -5
She would find him, then, holding a bible tenderly in his hands, the page opened to the book of Proverbs, the thirtieth chapter, verse 31. Running his fingers over the page as gently as one would caress a lover, he would read it aloud as she presented herself to him.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
He would pause quietly to absorb the meaning of the words, though the book caused the flesh of his hands to sear and hiss. He did not seem bothered by the pain, but rather seemed to woefully endure it as a form of penance - deserved and purifying.
"Hm. Elohim has such a way of inspiring mortals to penning his wisdom so beautifully and poignantly."
He would close the book and place it back into the holder next to a hymnal. He tried to remember the last time he had heard her sing them. It did not seem fair that the mortals who attended this parish would hear her sing every Sunday, but would not be able to see the many winged one sing in her true form. He doubted their frailty could endure such celestial beauty without mournfully, joyously dying on the spot. Such things were reserved for those who passed the rigors of righteous living and were allowed entrance to Elysium at the time of their death. He would rise, lifting a hand towards her face, coming but a paper's width from her cheek before stopping. While he wished to show affection, should he touch her he might combust in holy fire, purifying his limb clean off without any hopes of regenerating it. He could feel the warmth of her human skin radiating, just as she could feel it from his hand, a degree or two of difference, but the closest thing to an embrace he could muster without being erased from this plane. Letting his hand fall, he moved into the aisle and, with a flick of a wrist, a small wooden table with a white table cloth would appear in the main aisle, along with two oak chairs. The table would be laid with Kibbeh and Arabian coffee. He would pull the chair out for her like a gentleman, allowing her to sit.
"Why? Oh, nostalgia I suppose. It has been too long, and you have not checked in. I wondered if you had been recalled for some higher purpose or simply grew tired of your duties. When I saw you the other night at the gallery you seemed...diminished. Perhaps I am simply concerned, after all this time, that you are unwell. Just because you are tasked with ensuring I keep the balance does not mean that I do not care for you. When you think about it, you are one of the few beings in this existence that truly understands me. And with one friend coming to visit me recently, I suppose I felt obligated to check on another."
He would move to his own chair once she had been seated, pouring the thick, sweet coffee and passing her a cup before taking up his own and sipping it.
"So tell me, Anael...how are you?"
|
|
|
Post by Danü Rèalta on Oct 16, 2022 21:42:06 GMT -5
Ana remained standing at the end of the pew with a soft and gentle smile upon her face. She dared not to move as he reached for her, knowing should she even tilt a millimeter and accidentally touch his outreached hand it could mean disaster. He had done nothing yet to deserve such a fate. Perhaps in truth, she missed his camaraderie.
Eyelashes fluttered and blue eyes raised to his face as he dropped his hand away, her form relaxing as he conjured the table with Kibbeh and coffee. She'd chuckle, a light airy sound that would remind one of wind chimes on a perfect spring day. A sound that this immortal would no doubt hear atop the alto, and almost gravely tone to her voice.
"Zawba'ah still retains his sense of humor I see." She'd gently motion towards the plates, giving a gracious nod of her head as he offered her a seat at the small table and poured her a cup of coffee. Her perfect mask of a face would not break, even as he suggested she seemed diminished. If anything, it made her smile only a bit wider.
"I suppose we do understand one another." Another light chuckle as she brought the cup to her lips and took a dainty sip of the sweet liquid, her smile growing softer as she reminisced in it's flavor. It had been so long since she had savored it.
"I am in good health. My time as a watcher of Father's children has provided me with many unique opportunities. Most recently, to live among them and to witness first hand the trials of the poor and the needy."
She'd take another sip before setting her cup down and crossing her legs demurely.
"What of you my friend. Whom did you recently have the pleasure of visiting with? If I might ask?"
|
|
|
Post by darkheart on Oct 23, 2022 18:26:55 GMT -5
He would watch, slightly concerned, at her posture and demeanor. There was a time when she shone like the stars in the heavens and commanded awe and respect of immortal and mortal alike. To see her housed in flesh was...defeating, in a way. Yet at the sound of her celestial laugh he eased a bit, enjoying the music of Heaven as a welcome reprieve to the sights, sounds and smells of mortals. Taking up his cup, he took a slow, regal sip and mused quietly.
"Why from none other than Zim Zim Bala Bim. It would seem the Djinni Council are rattling their chains and screaming into the wind again. It's always something with those patriarchal drama kings. I am a chess piece in their power games once again. Shameful really. But it is nice to see him again, even if he brings dread tidings of poor intent on their behalves. I suppose since they have accused me of misusing my power I also thought it prudent to come see you. You know, to see if any smiting was in order. I know I've always been a bit smitten as is is, but one truly never knows when the beautiful hand of Eloheim will turn into the holy fist of judgement and pound little old me into ash. But if it is my turn, I suppose I want to do it the right way - not fighting with the other djinn. But enough about me. Tell me all about what you're up to! How is it tending to your Father's flock? And what's this I've read that you're cohabitating with a mortal? Didn't it say somewhere in the pentateuch that such was forbidden? Nephilim and all that? Or have you gone to the dark side with your First Born brother? Oh the scandal! You simply must tell me all the juicy details, Ana...you are one of the few remaining things of any splendor and interest in this world to be found. I simply must hear the story!"
|
|
|
Post by Danü Rèalta on Oct 30, 2022 22:50:54 GMT -5
"Nosy creature." She'd chuckle light heartedly as she brought her coffee up to her lips and took a sip.
"I am not a gossip, but I will say I do cohabitate with a human male. I am able to confide in you that our 'relationship' is strictly platonic and anything displayed to the public is only for show. He is sick you see, and his illness brought doubt within his heart. I was called to help guide him back upon the path to righteousness.
Besides this project I have found immense enjoyment mentoring the youth. I also enjoy advocating for the downtrodden."
There would be an every so slight inflection in her voice as she spoke of the Pastor's illness. What was it. Sadness? Pity? Public records would show this was not the first time Pastor Noah Wilkes faced cancer and she still remained by his side. Her tone of voice would perk back up as she moved passed the topic and spoke briefly of her other activities. She'd take another sip of coffee.
"You must do me a favor dearest. Do keep Zim Zim Bala Bim out of trouble while he is in town? I have enough on my hands trying to keep track of you and I doubt his guardian would appreciate it if I meddled. Even if I were forced to do so."
Again, she'd chuckle light heartedly.
|
|
|
Post by darkheart on Nov 5, 2022 12:27:22 GMT -5
A bittersweet smile would pierce his lips, and he would quickly move to hide it behind his own cup. As the thick, sweet liquid passed his lips, he mused quietly as he savored and swallowed it.
"The youth. Indeed. I have recently become attached to a young man of my own in the past few years. I find it simply amazing that for all their weakness and complexity, mortals seem to grow on us. There was a time in servitude that I despised them. Were it not for the constraints you place upon me I'd have wiped many of them from existence indiscriminately. Now though...well, the limits of their mortality...sometimes I envy them. Even their complaints seem endearing in that at least they have something to care about. I do not face impending death, and thus I wonder if my existence has any real meaning other than to be a plaything of the Fates and circumstance. Even whey they sin I envy them in at least they have something to grasp at - to try to hold onto before their petals wilt and fade into memory and non-existence. Hm."
He would chuckle heartily then, snatching up a piece of kibbeh and tossing it playfully into his mouth.
"As for Zim, I fear you ask the impossible - I don't think anyone or anything can keep him from trouble. However, if you'd like to make a wish after all these millennium, perhaps we could arrange a deal to bind him to it..."
He would perk an ironically playful eyebrow at her with a wink of his left eye. Never had an angel made a wish with a djinn - he truly wondered what would happen should such a thing actually come to pass.
|
|
|
Post by Danü Rèalta on Nov 27, 2022 13:34:43 GMT -5
An almost involuntary laugh escaped her lips as Faruq playfully offered a wish to keep Zim in line. Truly an amusing suggestion. In what universe would an Angel require the wish of a Djinn. She'd spoon a small amount of sugar into her coffee and stir it gently.
"What an amusing suggestion. Why I'm surprised...."
She'd pause suddenly with a chuckle and cease stirring her coffee, bringing it back up to her lips for a taste. She was surprised Noah hadn't thought to explore that avenue. Or maybe he had. She stayed out of his personal affairs.
"Well. I suppose I'm just surprised."
Ana smiled gently after sipping the coffee and set the cup down.
"Tell me of your youthful human that has grown on you. What is his complexity that drew him to your door. What deal was worth his precious immortal soul?"
|
|