The Calm Before

[judgmentdivine]

After holding council with the Head Abbot, Michael spent the rest of the morning observing services in the chapel. Things were progressing as they should; the time was drawing very near now when he and the Host would seal the isle from all, rendering it a bastion against which evil would crash. His brothers were arriving; he would soon be giving

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[holiestroller]

Giborel spiraled in for a landing with a little more of a thump than was usual. He'd been flying reconnaissance, spying out the situation, talking to the Fallen who might have a word with him -- and defending himself from those who would rather fight than talk. He'd disengage as soon as possible from those, because his task right now was not fighting, but surveillance and probing.

Fighting would come later, of that he was certain.

His salute to Michael was crisp, but tired, and he looked a little battered around the edges. "Michael."

[judgmentdivine]

One of Michael's eyebrows went up at Giboriel's...less than graceful landing but he kept his peace. Ends to the means, after all. But he did return the salute, nodding acknowledgement.

"Giboriel. You're looking...a bit ragged." He gestured to rest of the empty bench. "Sit a while. There's time yet."

[holiestroller]

Gib huffed out a breath and sat down, raking a hand through his hair. "Thank you, sir. Well. The enemy is restless. To say the least. They mass for battle, and..." He sighed. "They know it will take place here. And some of them were quite... adamant... about not letting me report back." He scrubbed his hand over his face. It came away bloody, and he grunted. Great.

[judgmentdivine]

He didn't answer right away, but instead took a long swallow of still-hot coffee. When finally he replied, a sigh prefaced the words.

"Yes, I'm not entirely surprised. Morningstar has ever sought to lay waste to this isle, regardless of the why. And now, with his rage even more fueled, he will bring a frightening force to bear, indeed."

[unfamiliar_jaf]

Japhrimel approached before any summons were sent for him--he had to report in regarding the Order he'd been given. This wasn't a time to hide or wait, this was a time to...

Well, a time to sit beside his brother and lean back with a heavy sigh. Because besides all the hierarchial social dynamics the angels seemed to have, they were brothers.

[judgmentdivine]

"Japhrimel." The one word was greeting, acknowledgement and understanding all once.

Michael didn't stir, but instead kept his gaze comfortably out over the lush, green common. Even in the later seasons, Iona never failed to appear blessed.

"Have you completed your Task?"

[unfamiliar_jaf]

"Yes. I have invited all those threatened to come to Iona." He hadn't forced anyone to come, and some had stayed, but he had passed word properly. Guriel was his model here, for respecting the line between the free will of people and getting things done--not that he was ready to voice that to the malakh.

[judgmentdivine]

"And so most are here." Michael had been keeping track of the arrivals most carefully; he had no desire to leave any at all to Lucifer's wrath. And the time was fast approaching when that impenetrable barrier would be formed; there was no turning back.

"You've done well. I thank you." He glanced at his coffee cup, then gave Japhrimel a sage glance. "Yet still you're troubled."

Although his captain and commander, Michael left it to Japhrimel to disclose his heart, if he would. The elder simply wished him to know that he was always willing to listen.

[likeflynn_in]

"Sir." Shane salutes smartly. He is career military and he knows Michael's as military as they get. Especially if this Michael is like his own CO Michael.

[judgmentdivine]

"Lieutenant." Michael returned him a cordial nod. "I see you found your way here with little trouble. My compliments to Shateiel; he's to be commended for his diligence."

[likeflynn_in]

"Shay carried us here like sacks of wheat." Shane grins, he found their method of transport hilarious. "Stingray was ranting, time was of the essence, so Shay just moved us. Stingray's probably still ranting. Can I ask a question of tactics, sir?"

[judgmentdivine]

He shook his head at the image; yes, that seemed appropriate. But the ends to the means, after all. The ends to the means.

"You may, yes."

[judgmentdivine]

Michael returned him a polite nod, lowering his coffee cup. "Good afternoon," the archangel replied cordially. "Welcome to the Isle of Iona, Jack. I'm glad you made it."

okay, that was so much fail

[judgmentdivine]

He had to chuckle and duck his head a bit before rising in greeting, as was proper. Not human, he didn't offer his hand, but instead inclined his head a bit more politely.

"Forgive me. My name is Michael. And it's a pleasure."

At the mention of Morningstar however, Michael simply sighed. "His list if grievances is long indeed; there's no end to his towering resentment. If you're in any way associated with my kin, then yes, you're far safer here. In such a situation, prudence has ever been a kinder friend."

[dogeat_underdog]

Simon responded with alacrity and some trepidation to Michael's summons. He wasn't as nervous as he might have been even a few days ago, but there's still a little Something there, like an itch he can't scratch. Lingering unworthiness, and guilt over the feeling he has that the whole sorry mess has been somehow precipitated by his own actions.

But. His Captain called, and he answered. He even almost manages to come to attention before him. "Michael. Sir. Reporting as ordered."

[judgmentdivine]

Unsurprisingly, Michael's gaze was unsurprised. "Kemahiel," he nodded in greeting. A slight tic of his eyebrow was all the reaction given to the younger's quasi-attention but he simply gestured to the seat beside him.

"Come, sit with me a while."

[dogeat_underdog]

"Kemahiel" again. Simon flinched, barely, and had a seat. He hoped this encounter would go better than their last. "Yessir. Do you have... Orders for me? Gabe-- Gabriel said I'd be under his command." Yes, Simon, very smooth, amazing how that vaunted silver tongue would desert him around Archangels.

Probably for the best, actually.

[judgmentdivine]

"In good time." Michael's amused expression remained. "Gabriel will give you Orders, yes, but I speak for Father." Again, his eyebrow twitched. "Just in case you've forgotten."