Michelle, Noah And A Dead Guy

Welcome to Heaven, lovelies!

[ask-the-archs]

¡¡NOT CANON TO HAZBIN HOTEL, this is for fun interactions because I like this idea!!

(18+ MDNI)

Rules:

Don’t be weird

Ask before touching mod or characters (there are exceptions, but this is the main rule)

No explicit NSFW (but be advised of heavy topics here at times)

Anyone is welcome to interact, but Mod gets to make things silly

If you cross any of these and/or make me uncomfortable (even if it’s for ‘no reason’) I get to choose not to interact with you in the future

“Gabriel Speaking, they/them…”

Michelle Speaking, she/they

•Noah Speaking, Any•

#Bea speaking, they/them unless otherwise specified, please!#

|Ariel… writing. It/its.|

/Barachiel speaking, ve/vir/vis/virself./

≈Jophiel here, I don’t care what pronouns are used!≈

¡Sariel speaking, anything but he/she.¡ ( @reluctantly-angel-sariel )

(Mod speaking, they/them or any neopronouns)

[Sign Language, with colour signifier]

‘Thoughts, with colour and symbol if more than one person in a scene’

Quick temp reference for Michelle: (her design is wip)

Noah (left) and Gabriel (right):

Barachiel:

Ariel:

Jophiel:

Loki (Gabriel’s service dog):

Appearance

Why he’s probably gonna be a character used for the foreseeable future

Days since this blog has been post-limited: 0

Post Limit blog: @aask-the-archs

Main account is @nerdyquestier

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[m-the-god]

¢I accept those terms.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God stares at Remiel expectantly, who glares at Him in return before grabbing Orion by the shoulder and dragging him over to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Release your claim on them so that I can have proper hold, please.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God waves a hand dismissively and Remiel’s halo turns from thin and wispy to looking like saturn’s rings*

[m-the-god]

¢Both of them have been done, yes?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I do not wish for my asset to harm you if I release him entirely.@

⏾Coward. ⏾

*Remiel glares at God, who reaches for Orion and takes his helmet off roughly, pitch black hair falling from his bun and down his back in waves*

⏾His halo too, you weak-⏾

*Remiel gets hit with a bolt of lightning this time, but doesn’t even flinch. God grabs Orion’s neck so tightly it looks for a second like He’s choking him, but out comes the thorned halo a second later, the thorns dulled but the halo remaining fused*

[m-the-god]

¢Fully.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@If you wish to keep them after a week, I will do so. However I do not wish to waste such effort.@

[m-the-god]

¢…fine. I will see you in a week, then.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God nods and looks… almost scared as Remiel glares at Him this time*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[m-the-god]

¢I accept those terms.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God stares at Remiel expectantly, who glares at Him in return before grabbing Orion by the shoulder and dragging him over to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Release your claim on them so that I can have proper hold, please.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God waves a hand dismissively and Remiel’s halo turns from thin and wispy to looking like saturn’s rings*

[m-the-god]

¢Both of them have been done, yes?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I do not wish for my asset to harm you if I release him entirely.@

⏾Coward. ⏾

*Remiel glares at God, who reaches for Orion and takes his helmet off roughly, pitch black hair falling from his bun and down his back in waves*

⏾His halo too, you weak-⏾

*Remiel gets hit with a bolt of lightning this time, but doesn’t even flinch. God grabs Orion’s neck so tightly it looks for a second like He’s choking him, but out comes the thorned halo a second later, the thorns dulled but the halo remaining fused*

[m-the-god]

¢Fully.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@If you wish to keep them after a week, I will do so. However I do not wish to waste such effort.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[m-the-god]

¢I accept those terms.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God stares at Remiel expectantly, who glares at Him in return before grabbing Orion by the shoulder and dragging him over to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Release your claim on them so that I can have proper hold, please.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God waves a hand dismissively and Remiel’s halo turns from thin and wispy to looking like saturn’s rings*

[m-the-god]

¢Both of them have been done, yes?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I do not wish for my asset to harm you if I release him entirely.@

⏾Coward. ⏾

*Remiel glares at God, who reaches for Orion and takes his helmet off roughly, pitch black hair falling from his bun and down his back in waves*

⏾His halo too, you weak-⏾

*Remiel gets hit with a bolt of lightning this time, but doesn’t even flinch. God grabs Orion’s neck so tightly it looks for a second like He’s choking him, but out comes the thorned halo a second later, the thorns dulled but the halo remaining fused*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[m-the-god]

¢I accept those terms.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God stares at Remiel expectantly, who glares at Him in return before grabbing Orion by the shoulder and dragging him over to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Release your claim on them so that I can have proper hold, please.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God waves a hand dismissively and Remiel’s halo turns from thin and wispy to looking like saturn’s rings*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[m-the-god]

¢I accept those terms.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*God stares at Remiel expectantly, who glares at Him in return before grabbing Orion by the shoulder and dragging him over to Micte*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[m-the-god]

¢I could try¢

[ask-the-archs]

@You would not kill either of them, and if you wish to be rid of Remiel, you must return Uriel.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[m-the-god]

¢Remiel, right? I’m sure I could find something useful out of him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@I doubt even you could manage such a feat.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[m-the-god]

¢What if I took the problem one off your hands as well?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@…Perhaps.@

*God lets go of Orion entirely, reaching for Remiel only for a band of darkness to slap His hand away with Remiel’s accompanying glare*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[m-the-god]

¢…A trade, is what it will take, then?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is my most valuable asset@

*God’s hand tightens on the back of Orion’s neck and Remiel stalks over to Him, getting hit with another blast of light but not faltering.*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[m-the-god]

*She catches Remiel before they can fall*

¢Just hush, child. Self preservation. Because I have no use for a shell of the boy I’ve come to adore¢

[ask-the-archs]

@A shame then, that you come without anything to offer in return for my favoured son.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[m-the-god]

¢That is entirely useless to me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh? Why would you say that?@

*Remiel snarks something that earns them a light hitting them in the chest and causing them to stumble backwards*

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[m-the-god]

¢Sigh. I really don’t want to have to fight you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@See now there is no need for that… perhaps I could make you a replica of my dear son, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home?@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[m-the-god]

¢Please?¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Oh I’m afraid I just could not bear to part with him. I’m sure you understand, it’s why you keep that… thing of your own around.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[m-the-god]

¢I want this one, though. He is so well behaved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Yes, that is true. However Uriel is my prized asset, I cannot just give him away to whomever he charms with his perfection@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*

[m-the-god]

¢No no, let him go please.¢

*The stare Micte gives God is more disappointed than anything.*

¢I want him.¢

[ask-the-archs]

@Uriel is not for sale, my friend, I could give you one of the others, if you wish for entertainment.@

[totecs-throne]

[You have 1 new message]

Reg: Hey, weird question, you seen Cam or Uri in the past couple days?

( @tuath-de-danann-rp )

Xipe: I have not seen Cam, I had an interaction with Uriel a bit ago though I do not know his current whereabouts

[ask-the-archs]

(Lag reset 8)

*Orion takes a ragged breath, and a couple of tears fall, but almost immediately he’s back to normal*

[m-the-god]

¢You are safe now. Whatever you are feeling, it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright my heart. Do you want to go home?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates*

[m-the-god]

¢Our home, kiddo. With me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. We can get you more shiny things on the way¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Are you certain? 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Of course.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*slow nod*

[m-the-god]

¢It will be fun¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Alright 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and starts back towards the palace*

[ask-the-archs]

*He follows her without comment, picking up the blanket M had wrapped Micte in and folding it as he walks*

[m-the-god]

*She shifts to be walking next to him*

¢There is no need to be afraid of M¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Husbands tend to be cruel. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Mine is not¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Confused frown*

[m-the-god]

¢We are not in love, but he has never harmed me.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

*Nod*

¢The older Azrael, they are married for love now. To a kind man, who would die before raising a hand to them.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little*

[m-the-god]

¢Azrael and Xipe have many children together. They have a farm as well¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸There is no need to make up a lie. I know how Pahaliah is. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Pahaliah is dead. Azrael is married to someone new. They are happy.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion doesn’t react*

[m-the-god]

¢They will be at dinner if you wish to see for yourself-?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢We will see¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢If you see them will you believe me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shrugs*

[m-the-god]

¢You tired?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrugs again*

[m-the-god]

¢We’re almost home, then you can rest¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

ΨAbuela!Ψ

*Atlas waves and walks over with three mugs of hot cocoa, one balanced in his hair*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stares at Atlas blankly*

[m-the-god]

¢This is Azrael’s son, Atlas. Atlas, this is my son Orion¢

ΨHi Orion, do you like hot cocoa? Both of my friends ditched me so I have extra.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion bows to Atlas and straightens before answering*

𒐸Negative, sir. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Dame dame.¢

*Atlas huffs a laugh and hands the two cups to Micte, she takes a long sip from one before offering it to Orion*

¢Safe¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He takes it hesitantly but doesn’t drink from it*

[m-the-god]

ΨIt’s nice to meet youΨ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸It is nice to meet you too. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨYou look familiar-oooo shiny!Ψ

*Atlas spots the crystal from earlier and claps a little*

ΨThat’s so cool!Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods stiffly*

[m-the-god]

ΨWe’re friends nowΨ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks emotionless, staring blankly at Atlas*

[m-the-god]

ΨOr…not? Sorry I’m bad at socializing. Do you wanna see my collection of shiny things?Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to see his shiny items or no?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He hesitates but shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

ΨOkay that’s fine. Abuela-look!Ψ

*Atlas shows Micte a bottle of glitter*

¢I fear for whoever you use that on.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen at the glitter*

[m-the-god]

ΨOh-here you can have it.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That is not necessary. I do not wish for Azrael to have reason to punish me. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

ΨMy mom isn’t like that, don’t worry.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*blank stare*

[m-the-god]

¢I’ll get Orion his own. How is that, my heart? Some glitter of your own?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*nod*

¢Problem solved.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again*

[m-the-god]

*Atlas nods and points down the road*

ΨIt was at the craft store down that way.Ψ

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks to Micte for approval*

[m-the-god]

¢We can go, my heart. I will get you many shiny things.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods, starting to walk in the direction Atlas pointed*

[m-the-god]

*Micte hugs Atlas before following Orion*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion stops after a few seconds, realising he doesn’t know what to look for*

[m-the-god]

¢There will be a sign that says ‘crafts’ that we can look for, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Father does not permit me to read. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright, I will teach you. Do you see up and to the left? The sign with many colors?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he nods slowly*

[m-the-god]

¢The word on the sign says crafts. C R A F T S.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He squints at the sign, but nods after a second*

[m-the-god]

¢So that is the place we are looking for.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods, heading inside after a brief moment of hesitation*

[m-the-god]

*Everything inside is colorful, from the yarn to the paints and fabrics and papers. Micte picks up a spool of embroidery thread and looks it over.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion looks amazed at literally everything*

[m-the-god]

¢You can have whatever you want¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He runs his hands over anything fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢If you pick out some fabrics I can make you clothes from them?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion’s eyes widen, and he nods, finding a silky fabric and picking it out*

[m-the-god]

*She takes the whole roll of fabric and puts it in her cart.*

¢It is nice feeling¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

𒐸Does not feel too much. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Yes, it is very nice.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods again, running his hands over the same fabric*

[m-the-god]

¢I will make clothes from it so that you can wrap yourself in the nice feeling. Perhaps the same fabric comes in more colors. I will find out.¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Thank you. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Anything for you, my heart.¢

*She does manage to find more colors of the same fabric, and puts all of them in the cart.*

¢Which color do you like best?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He points at a pale pink one*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little.*

¢That is quite a pretty color, hm?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion nods*

[m-the-god]

¢I like pink¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Light colours sound nicer. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Is that so?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Less sharp. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢I see, that makes sense¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸That one sounds like thunder. 𒐸

*He points at a sky blue one*

[m-the-god]

¢Oh wow. I can’t hear colors so that’s really cool¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion shrinks into himself a little*

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright my heart, I told you that we can be honest, yes? There is nothing to be worried about.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Take a breath with me, dear. Follow my breathing.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He does so, shakily at first*

[m-the-god]

¢Very good, my son. May I touch your hand?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates but nods*

[m-the-god]

*She takes his hand and presses it to her heart.*

¢Do you feel that? We are calm, there is nothing to worry about. You haven’t done anything wrong.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods slowly, but pulls away after a couple of seconds*

[m-the-god]

*She lets him.*

¢Now, let’s find you more sparkles?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles and leads him over to all of the glitter things*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion grimaces, covering his ears and shutting his eyes*

[m-the-god]

*it takes all of half a second for Micte to steer him away*

[ask-the-archs]

*He goes willingly*

[m-the-god]

¢Will hiding in the dark make you feel better?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head immediately, squinting his eyes open tentatively and then looking at Micte*

[m-the-god]

¢Hello my heart. I have you and it is okay.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢That was too much?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸Loud. Hurts. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

*She shifts the pink fabric from earlier into a sort of blanket and wraps Orion in it, shielding him from the world-and watchful eyes of other patrons*

[ask-the-archs]

*He relaxes almost instantly*

[m-the-god]

*The shop owner makes to cross the store before Micte glares and throws a wad of cash at him.*

¢Let’s get you home, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Nod*

[m-the-god]

*She teleports them back into Orions room, along with the other fabrics.*

¢How about we find a soft spot to curl up and I will read you a story?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods wordlessly, holding the pink fabric closer to himself*

[m-the-god]

*She sets up a nest on the floor-with only the silky fabric in light colors coating every pillow and cushion and blanket-and finds a picture book of fairytales.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion curls up in the nest, his eyes closing immediately*

[m-the-god]

*She sits with him and begins reading out of the book, very softly*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion barely acknowledges her*

[m-the-god]

*she smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*His breaths become slightly more obvious after a little while, and it seems like he’s asleep*

[m-the-god]

*She keeps watch, but never stops the quiet reading*

[ask-the-archs]

*He doesn’t sleep for long, his thorned halo visible while he is asleep, half-buried into his throat and with scar tissue healing over the top of it in some areas, with none of it bleeding*

[m-the-god]

*Micte stays the whole time*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion wakes up with a quiet noise, somewhere between pain and exhaustion*

[m-the-god]

¢Mom has you, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He frowns a little, but rubs his neck — halo now missing — against the silky fabric*

[m-the-god]

*She covers him with another blanket, humming a lullaby*

[ask-the-archs]

*He churrs quietly*

[m-the-god]

*She smiles a little*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks his eyes open, making a quiet, low, trilling noise as he looks around the room*

[m-the-god]

¢Welcome back, my heart.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He nods*

[m-the-god]

¢How was your nap?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion blinks, terror passing through his eyes but not reaching the rest of his expression*

𒐸Apologies, I did not intend to-𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It’s alright. You are allowed to sleep here.¢

*She ever so gently adjusts the blankets around him*

¢Sleep is good for the body, my heart¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Slow nod*

𒐸Assets are not supposed to reveal weaknesses to other deities. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢It is alright¢

[ask-the-archs]

*nod*

[m-the-god]

¢Rest, my heart. I will read to you again¢

[ask-the-archs]

*he shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. Would you feel better if I got all of this settled and we 100 percent know you get to stay with me here?¢

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion hesitates, but nods*

[m-the-god]

¢Do you want to stay in the nest or come with me?¢

[ask-the-archs]

𒐸…Come with. Please. 𒐸

[m-the-god]

¢Alright. You can keep the blankets with you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head, folding the blankets automatically as he stands*

[m-the-god]

*She gets up and detangles her hair.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion watches in confusion*

[m-the-god]

*She combs through her hair gently, and opens a portal once she deems it good enough*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion straightens out his appearance mechanically*

[m-the-god]

¢I will not allow him to touch you.¢

[ask-the-archs]

*He shakes his head*

[m-the-god]

*She walks into the throne room with her head held high.*

[ask-the-archs]

*Orion walks behind her, and there are many younger versions of archangels around, most of whom look disgusted at Orion’s presence, though a nineteen-year-old Remiel comes over and immediately starts checking Orion for injuries, ignoring both Micte and God’s booming voice*

@I do believe I told you not to return without Pahaliah’s property, Uriel.@

*Orion bows to God, Remiel sighing and whispering something to him*

@What is your excuse to try to squirrel your way out of punishment this time, Pet?@

*Orion shakes his head, kneeling down with his head bowed*

[m-the-god]

¢That would be me. So lovely to see you again, of course.¢

*Micte curtsies, but her eyes never leave god*

[ask-the-archs]

@Of course. Forgive my son for his… poor manners.@

*God squeezes the back of Orion’s neck until he stills*