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."

[holiestroller]

"And we will stand firm as we ever do. He will dash himself against the rocks of our forces and shatter upon it." Giborel's mouth twists. "And perhaps go back to Hell to lick his wounds until the next time someone has the temerity to injure his Pride."

[judgmentdivine]

"Pride has ever been his thorn, Giboriel. His pride was what began this entire debacle, and still he cannot let it go." Michael sighed heavily and shook his head. "I fear there's nothing left of my brother, and he will destroy all that is pure and holy should he attain the chance."

Then his expression hardened. "But it will not be here nor will it be now."

[holiestroller]

Giborel snorted. "It will not be ever, brother. We know how this story ends." And then he sighed. "I do wish that so much bloodshed was not necessary. But Father forbid that the Morningstar ever admit he was wrong about anything. Including his invincibility in battle."

[judgmentdivine]

"We do, Giboriel, but Morningstar still refuses to accept it. He's unable, I suppose, thus his fervent struggles. All must happen in its appointed Time, else events are pushed beyond Prophecy. I don't believe it possible, but we must allow for the chance, however inestimable."

[holiestroller]

"Father will not set us a task we cannot accomplish." Giborel snorts. "Those are Lucifer's tactics. But even should we lose this battle..." A breath. "The victory is ours in the end. Of this I am certain, if nothing else."