[dream] the twelve powers
This is disjointed, somewhat non-linear to begin with; a collection of concepts more than a narrative. And, also, because the people in it are known characters, i am deboning it as well; what's left might only be a heap of flesh.
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There are twelve angels in this world, each the ruler of a magical alignment: the angels Silver, Serpent, Cloth, Guardian, Chariot, Service, Lune. Others unknown to me; an angel of cities at night, an angel of ice over stone. Some lived among the people, most were reachable; a few had not been seen for years.
One gained one's alignment, and power within it, via sex with others who were of the same alignment; everyone had an inborn affinity, though it could easily be overcome by choice, with practice. Most people stayed with their affinity. Where it started was hard to say; presumably, each angel had had a lover at some point, though it was difficult to imagine now.
The three lovers i saw: two were of the angel Silver; one very powerful, the other learning from him; their third was of the angel Chariot. It was difficult for them, for him, because they had to be so careful about exchanging power; the third (dark-haired, easy smile, heat and laughter to the others' white-paleness) needed his angel, could not afford to give up all the magic he had learned and start again, not then; not without risking his life.
There was a prayer to prevent the exchange; a series of words like a cold sheet between them, that became a love-mantra, muttered against mouths; a statement of intent. He learned to respond to the prayer like a bell, all of them springing at the last syllable, slipping the leash; but still, the thin space it created, which never seemed to warm.
This was why lovers of different angels rarely married; it happened, of course, here it was, but always accompanied by a twist of pity. He loved Chariot, was broken at the thought of releasing her, she who had loaned him strength all his life, but - if the day after came, the day after any of them had survived - he would go to Silver.