Aerial Maneuvering -- open to anyone on Iona.

[guriel]

Once Guriel is certain that Ben and Janni are settled in and has checked on Razas (who is holed up in the library, looking actually happy for once), he takes himself out to the wide-open spaces at the center of the island and takes to the air.

Guriel loves it here. He hasn't been back to the island in ages (1943 was the last time, if memory

Comments

[dogeat_underdog]

Simon's just gonna sit here, leaning back on his hands and enjoying the show. His little brother's joy in flight is contagious, and Simon's got a huge grin on his face as he watches.

[guriel]

And Guriel's trying to ignore the tiny twinge of guilt that stirs in the back of his mind at the question of when -- or if -- Simon will ever be able to do this himself. The thought is physically painful to him.

[dogeat_underdog]

Simon truly doesn't mind. His back has taken to itching fiercely, which means it's healing. He can still Move, and his brothers love him. So does Dad. And he might actually be useful here.

That's all he needs.

[guriel]

Eventually Guriel spirals down to the ground, touching down nearby and folding up his wings so he can sit down next to his brother, holding out an arm to offer him an embrace. "How you feeling?"

[dogeat_underdog]

Oh, yes, hugs please. Simon leans into it gratefully. He never realized how much he missed the contact until he had it again. "Better all the time, bro. This is a good place.

Just... waiting for the other shoe to drop. On my head."

[guriel]

"Aw, Simon." Guriel squeezes him, very very gently. "Dad's got us all in hand, yeah? It'll be okay. I got faith in that."

[dogeat_underdog]

"Everyone's been great, though, really. Especially Gabriel." A slight flinch. "Although Uriel keeps calling me 'Kemahiel.' It still feels weird."

[guriel]

Guriel snorts. "Ignore Uriel. Well, I mean, don't ignore Uriel, but ignore Uriel. He's a grump."

[dogeat_underdog]

"Tell me about it. Raz could get the award for Mister Sunshine of the Year compared to Uriel." Pensive Simon is pensive. "But... wouldn't it have been, I don't know. Presumptuous. For me to take back my Name so soon? It just doesn't feel right, Guri."

[guriel]

Guriel rolls his shoulders in that What do I know? I'm Least of the Host shrug. "I think Uri's not the best one to decide it for you, Simon. Your Name is part of you, you'll feel it when it's right."

[dogeat_underdog]

Maybe after this. Maybe this will prove I'm worthy. Or something. [Because being turned into Morrigan's chew toy and losing his wings sure didn't do it.

He shivers. And sighs. He can feel the storm brewing, like a dark fog on the edge of his spirit.] More of us are going to die.

... don't die, Guri.

[guriel]

"Oh, Simon." Guriel cuddles him close, always heedful of his wounds, laying his forehead on his brother's shoulder. "Not gonna die if I can help it, big brother. I got too many chickens left to chase."

[dogeat_underdog]

Simon shivers some more. He still half-wonders if he'll ever be warm again. "I don't want anyone to die. On either side." Furiously: "Lu's an idiot." He waves his arm. "All this battle and agony and maiming, for what. Because he got his feelings hurt, because no one should be more important than him to Dad, because he couldn't be Dad."

He curls into Guri, miserably. "It's such a waste, Guri. Such a giant, colossal, waste."

[guriel]

"I know, Simon." Guriel holds him, wrapping wings around his shoulders gently. "Lucifer's a dumbass and a prideful bastard and this is not new information. And I'm sorry you got stuck on the sharp end of him throwing this tantrum."

[dogeat_underdog]

More shivering, even as he cuddles under those wings. "Someone had to, I guess. Rather me than Raz. His wings have got hurt enough for one lifetime."

[guriel]

"You both hurt too much for my liking." Guri squeezes his shoulders and rests his forehead on top of Simon's hair, pouring out Grace. I love you, big brother.