let's be optimistic @ scelerata

[delightme]

Another place, more faces I could care less about. I think I actually miss that wasteland from before; at least Gabriel was there to entertain me. And, of course, there was dear Cassie, who, let's face it, I wasn't going to talk to again for a very long time.

You have poor timing, honey, I'll have you know. But, well, I suppose it's not your fault. You're only human.

Ah, yes, by the way, since you think it would be just bloody hilarious to see me speak in another language: .لا تقلق عزيزتي

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[impudentsongbird]

Forgive me, but I'm not sure I--oh. Oh, you mean the ... other me.

[delightme]

Oh good God, I'm not sure the fabric of the universe can handle two of you.

[impudentsongbird]

[He exclaims wordlessly, shocked and censuring.]

Our Master's name in vain, brother, really?

[delightme]

Our Master? No, our Father, who, might I add, made off into the night to go gallivant around with his mistress.

[impudentsongbird]

[Sternly.]

He goes where He pleases; it isn't our place to question Him.

[Though Gabe does wonder what Balthazar means by 'mistress' ...]

[delightme]

Really? Ah, so you would stay on your sinking ship until it drags you under just because your captain told you to. Brilliant.

[impudentsongbird]

Our Captain knows what's best for us. You're treading close to damnation, brother.

[But there's something odd about the way he says it. Like it's less stern than it should be, and with a touch of dread.]

[delightme]

[And Balthazar just smiles.]

I think I like the other Gabriel better. He, at least, had experience in the world around him. You don't.

[impudentsongbird]

[Gabriel sputters a little and his eyes narrow.]

I suppose that depends on what your definition of 'experiencing the world' is.

[He's not holding his breath on this one. Sadness flickers across his face, because, from the sounds of it, it's already too late. One more brother lost to damnation.]

[delightme]

Thinking for yourself is part of it. If I were so close to damnation, would I still have wings? Would I still have all the gifts Father bestowed upon me? Surely, if what you say is true, I would have been smote long ago.

[impudentsongbird]

[Gabriel falls silent and there's uncertainty written all through him, because although there are demons who retained their wings and many of their gifts after becoming damned, Balthazar does have ... something of a point. He doesn't feel demonic.

[Finally Gabriel says, rather uncertainly:]

If He wanted us to think for ourselves He would only need to tell us so. It's no reason to disobey His Will.

[delightme]

Why would one tell their obedient soldiers that they may question orders that sound wrong? Rather than risk that they may question everything, simply just make it frowned upon.

[impudentsongbird]

We aren't merely soldiers, brother. Why would you believe that?