Instead of laying beside him, with her back to him, Melez chose to
be facing him with her arm hooked under his. She needed to be able
to see him, see his smile, memorize his features again. Her wings
splayed out behind her on the bed, some of her longer feathers
brushing against the floor, but she didn't really notice, let alone
care. "I love you, dearest husband," Her amber eyes glowed with a
soft warmth that burned in her heart.
Azazeal tugged her close, smiling back at her with such adoration
and love. He was at ease, calm and happy. "As I love and will
always love you, my wonderful wife," he relied, kissing the tip of
her nose. His free hand stroked her back, between her wings. "Do
you mind if I ask where you went? What it was like? I am curious."
Melez took a long slow breath, and let it out in something of a
sigh. "Where I went?" Her smile slowly faded as she thought of how
to describe it. "I suppose the easiest way to describe what
happened is this. Imagine a stack of papers. Between two pages is
an entire universe. Above those two is another universe. Not truly
touching, but not separate, since the top of the first universe is
the bottom of the second... I went through those pages for my soul
and life to be judged. All angels eventually go through it," Her
smile returned as she spoke. "But me being half demon, the process
was probably a bit different. I relived parts of my life and was
asked if I'd do anything different. My choices were then taken into
consideration..." She paused for a moment gathering her thoughts.
"And I think the oddest thing was, was the person asking me about
it all... They looked a bit like you, a little like Eona, and
everyone else in the family..." She shook her head and chuckled.
"It was almost like a dream, but I knew it was real..."
Azazeal listened seriously, glad she hadn't been hurt and hoping
the memories hadn't tormented her. "Well, that had to have been the
single most attractive being in all the universes. Our family is
the most attreactive, both emotionally and physically," he told
her, trying to make her smile. "I could get all deep and tell you
it was most likely a shapeshifter, taking on attributes to get you
to feel the most and be judged by that, but I think I will leave
that be. Do you know what the verdict was? I know you have a pure,
fierce soul but what did this cosmic being decide?"
"They were very confusing to look at. Thinking back to their image
is impossible... They seem to be just a blur in my mind," Melez
shook her head and smiled broadly. "That being decided that I was
worthy of a reincarnation and a longer life." She raised one of her
white and gold wings. "My mother's wings were a dark grey before
she was judged. When she came back they were almost white and had
lighter grey flecks..." She chuckled slightly and tilted her wing
so the spots of gold shimmered. "I guess they were pleased with my
life, I not only earned nearly pure white, but flecked with gold. I
also kept my wings," She raised one of her red mahogany
wings which starkly contrasted the white.
"Of course you came back with near pure white wings. You are so
good, so kind and loving, I would have had to personally gone to
talk to this being and lay out a case. Because they would have
clearly been wrong," Azazeal told her, reaching out to gently
stroke each set of wings. "You are as beautiful outside as you are
inside. A bright star against the night. I love you, Melez..." His
thoughts turned to his own soul. If he went through such a process,
what would they deem him? He tried so hard to be worthy but was he
really? All the things he'd been forced to do in servitude...it
left it's inky stain on him, Azazeal was sure. Not to mention his
own dark thoughts and deeds. Burying his face in her neck, Azazeal
tries to banish the thoughts of what he might have done after the
shock and grief of her death had worn off. He might have laid waste
to mountains...not theirs, he still had their family to look after
but there others in the range.
Melez blushed at his words and her wings lifted into each stroke of
his hand. "I love you too Azazael," She whispered, her eyes shut
and her form tucked as close as she could be to his. Her eyes
opened and looked into his face, she could feel his troubling
thoughts through their bond, but she couldn't probe into his mind
yet, so she wasn't sure what he was thinking. What's wrong my
love? What's troubling you? She moved a red wing over Azazael
like a second blanket. The being judged me fairly, they held no
ill will towards me for the color of my skin or the horns I bear...
Please, tell me what's wrong, I want to help. She didn't want
to pry too much, but she could feel his unease without the bond.
Whatever it was, it wasn't trivial.
Azazeal paused, debating. He didn't want to trouble her with his
inner turmoil but they were a pair now. Partners, equals. Holding
her close, he opened his mind to Melez, letting his wife see
exactly what was troubling him. I...was wondering about what I'd
be judged as...I know I'm not the end all be all on cosmic powers.
I'm just really high up there. I don't think I'd be worthy...I
don't even know if I'd break even, Azazeal sighed softly, his
hands still stroking her wings. He focused on that, enjoying the
glossy, smooth feathers.
Melez's breathing stuttered a little as she saw and felt his
thoughts. She was silent and still for a little while, she sat up
and pulled him up with her. She gently smacked him with a wing
messing up his hair a little. "Do you really think for one minute
that I'd marry some evil creature? No. I married the most
honorable, protective, loving man I've ever met, and not to mention
handsome. Okay, my father's a close second, but him aside," She
shook her head to get back on topic. "Whatever cosmic being that
judges you like that would have their hands full dealing with me if
they ever did that." What you did while you were controlled by
those vermin, those bagra, was just that. It wasn't you. It was
them. You were doing what you were told, and I'm sure you tried to
fight them at every step. She leaned forwards and hugged him
tightly. "You're no monster, Azazael," She smiled and kissed his
cheek. "You're my husband." She hoped she could put his mind
at ease, or at least calm his thoughts after what they'd both been
through.
Azazeal blinked at her, stunned by the cuffing before smiling
softly. "This is so very true. You've done so much for me...I can
easily see you battling it out, and winning, an ethic's question
with a being such as that. I love you, my protective, beautiful
wife...You make me a better person. You always have," he murmured,
nuzzling her neck. Thank you, starlight.
Melez hugged him tightly. "I don't make you a better person, you do
that yourself." She reveled in the comfort of his arms and soft
voice. I love you, She laid back down, her exhaustion
catching up with her. She pulled her wings in so she wouldn't wake
up with bed-feathers, and adjusted the blanket over them.
Azazeal chuckled, getting himself comfortable with her in his arms.
"Alright. You make me want to be a better person. Does that work?"
He asked, smiling. "I love you too...goodnight, Melez."
"That works," Melez laid down, her arm carefully laid under her and
her eyes scanning his face. "Good night my love," She closed her
eyes and let her positive emotions seep through their bond.
Stella had healed up by dinner the next night. She and Zorn had
stayed to look after and guard their extended family. And talk to
Azazeal about who would be taking over for his father. It was
decided Stella would be taking over. For now, she was trying to
help Melez cook dinner with Azazeal. Zorn, meanwhile, was excited
to see Zach.
Faolan chuckled, watching Khaalida try to pick out what she wanted
to wear.
Eona laid back in her dragon form, curled around her their nest of
eggs. She smiled, nuzzling Drayce. "...look at how pretty they
are...Drayce, look how gorgeous they are!"
Melez bustled about in the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with joy and
excitement. She hurried to stir the onions, then to check on the
rice, and then to recount the plates needed, and then back to the
onions to add more lemon juice and spices. Red, just
checking, how soon until the meal? So I know what time to
arrive, It should be ready soon, if you wanted to come now
that'd be alright. Let me just straighten a couple of things and
I'll be over. See you soon! "Zach should be arriving
shortly!" She called out to anyone who was listening.
Khaalida hummed and sighed. "I don't usually have this much
trouble... Then again I don't usually have nice clothes to wear to
anything..." She turned to Faolan with a bit of a pout. "Please
help me," She looked back to the few dresses and skirt that she
had, the one she wore to the wedding hanging next to them.
Drayce nuzzled her back, his blue eyes gently grazing over the
newly laid nest. They are very gorgeous, though I don't think
quite as much as you my dearest mate, He rumbled as he laid his
head over hers.
Zorn perked up and asked, "Should I go wait for him at the entrance
to the cave? Lead him inside? Everyone else is busy at the moment
and I don't mind," he said, though Azazeal was clearly doing
nothing but trying to steal a bit of onions. Stella looked up to
check on her youngest.
Faolan smiled, stepping forward to help her pick out something.
"What about....these?" he asked, pairing a longer black skirt with
an elegant dark blue shirt.
Eona laughed, kissing him. "Drayce, you are wonderful, you know
that?" she asked, leaning into him and resting. Her big green
eyes fluttered closed as she simply rested a moment. "Someone is
making something amazing up there."
"That'd be wonderful Zorn, I think he'd appreciate that." Melez
said over her shoulder as she worked. I'm sure you heard that,
Yes, yes I did. I'll make sure to be at the entrance, Thank
you. Oh, between you and I Red, was it just me or was he, er,
staring while I was there? I'm sorry, I really hadn't noticed
if he was, I was a bit distracted... That's alright, focus on
dinner and I'll be there shortly. Okay, will do! "He'll
meet you there shortly Zorn."
Khaalida reached out and took the two items and held them against
herself. "I think these look lovely," She smiled at him before
scurrying off to change. She returned quickly and set a hand on her
hip softly asking, "How do I look?"
I think you've told me that, Drayce chuckled and took a deep
inhale. Mmm, someone is, He kissed her on the head. Would
you like me to get you some?
Zach materialized just below the entrance of the cave so that he
could walk up and not startle anyone who might've been standing
there.
Zorn smiled and shadowed himself to the entrance. He smiled and
waved his hand in greeting at Zach. "Hey. Nice to see you again.
They've really got us in for a treat. Melez made dinner and my
mother made up some dessert."
Faolan smiled, reaching out a hand for hers. "You look gorgeous, as
always, dearest Rose," he told her, admiring how the outfit
complimented her. He felt proud of himself for having done
well.
Eona looked at him a tad sheepishly. "Yes, please. I would
absolutely love some. You'll make sure you get some too,
right?"
Zach waved in response and offered his hand out. "I don't think we
were properly introduced last night," He grinned broadly and his
deep chuckle moved his shoulders a little. "I'm Zach, Melez's
guardian demon," He thoroughly enjoyed his own little play on
words.
Khaalida blushed and placed her hand in his. "You picked this out,
so it's your fault this time," She giggled and gently poked him in
the ribs. She felt comfortable around Faolan, almost completely at
ease.
Of course, I'll bring two servings, that way we can eat
together, Drayce stood up and brushed his head against hers
once more before heading off to the kitchens, shifting as he
walked.
Zorn chuckled at the joke, taking the offered hand and shaking it.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Zorn, her brother-in-law. I'm Azazeal's
younger brother. How did you meet Melez?" He definitely thought
Zach was pretty cool.
Faolan laughed, tugging her in for a kiss. "Yes, yes I did. And I
do believe I did a pretty good job, too. If I may say so. If you'll
come with my, milady," he told her, still holding her hand.
Eona smiled, watching him go. Oh, she loved him so very much.
Heating the eggs, she curled around them gently. Humming softly,
she rested.