( video, un: koriel )

[passio]

[ it’s this guy again. although he seems considerably less sad than he did the last time he appeared on the network to talk about accidental sympathy with the oracles of the sinless, that may not be the best thing in the world once he begins speaking. he's also wearing small angel wings, visible in the view of the camera—they're definitely fake accessories, however, rather than being a moonblessing or even a more permanent effect of the bracelet. ]

…hello.

[ he's nervous? he's nervous, and his shoulders fidget slightly. he can't look at the camera. ]

There’s been a lot of people asking about churches. [ ah. ] …I am a member of one that recently opened. It is… a re-establishment of the Order I used to belong to in my world before.

[ it isn't a ringing endorsement, but it is the truth. ]

We don’t worship any god. It is an order that focuses on the internal self and what people are capable of. A man named the Archangel is our leader. If you’ve met him… um, anyway, please come by.

[ and included, information about the Order of Malkuth, located in a primo spot on level one. go ahead, join the cult. ]

Comments

[impiety]

[ Well, it isn't quite what he expected, but somehow he feels a sense of relief. Perhaps, it is because he feels this means that Dextera would be better off in his care than outside it? ]

Speak with me? [ He walks further into the room, attempting to find a place where he could sit. ] About what?

[passio]

…

[ dextera will not, can’t reveal the entire truth as he knows it, but when he’s working for the cult like this, he has to know why dextera’s attentions and loyalties might seem so divided. it’s evidence that the archangel has already managed to worm himself into a position of power in dextera’s mind, casting a shadow on all his fond memories.

he brushes off his couch, so the archangel can sit. ]

In all the time that’s passed since I last saw you… I told you, things had changed.

[impiety]

[ Archangel takes his seat on the couch where it is cleared off, crossing his legs in a lazy fashion. Of course, his peace and sense of control starts to waver as soon as Dextera speaks. ]

Things have changed?

[ A moment of fear touches his insides, but he reassures himself that it should be fine. Dextera has no memories of what really transpired. It'll be fine.

He takes in a shaky breath, as he attempts to ease his own shaking feelings. ]

What has changed?

[passio]

[ it’s so strange, how the archangel’s panic seems obvious to him. he understands the cause and how to set the archangel at ease before it gets out of hand, but he also knows that he doesn’t have to. ]

…

[ it would be cruel, though. he doesn’t want to be a cruel god. instead, dextera sits at the archangel’s feet—he doesn’t think of it as humiliating. he doesn’t think of it as anything at all. ]

I had planned to run away from… the world. I didn’t want to go back to something that hurt so much, and there was a man who said he would do everything he could to make sure I didn’t have to.

[ he places his hand on the archangel’s leg, like he needs to steady himself even on the ground. ]

[impiety]

You planned to leave?

[ His hand clenches into a fist as he isn't even certain what would happen if that would occur. ]

You would abandon all of us?

[ You would abandon me? His eyes widen as he recalls being abandoned, being left alone. Don't. Don't leave me. He does feel reassured in part with Dextera sitting in front of him, with the Koriel's hand on his leg.

But he still feels the distinct urge to drop down to his level, to wrap his arms around him and pull him back -- figuratively and literally. Don't go. There is an urge he has to reach out to strangle him -- to see if his revived self would contain any memories or not!

Somehow, he resists all of these things... ]

Is that... is that what changed? You're telling me that you're leaving?

[passio]

[ dextera expects it.

that might be why he’s put himself in this position, even subconsciously—he’s made himself so easy to kill, like he’s tempting the archangel to do it with all that he has. the lack of hands around his neck is distinct. ]

No.

[ he understands why the archangel has come here. it was a reminder that dextera can’t run away from the world he’s responsible for, and archangel is as much a part of that as anything. ]

I’m telling you that I can’t. [ he leans forward and rests his head against the archangel’s knee. ] I can’t leave. No matter what plans I made, you reminded me that I can’t leave.

[impiety]

No?

[ He relaxes his clenched fists -- feeling his heart slow from the frantic beating of before. It honestly makes him a little dizzy and so, he is quite glad that he's sitting. ]

Ah.

[ The noise comes out involuntarily at Dextera resting his head on his knee. His hand lifts to hover it over the other's head -- fingers flexing slightly. Even though he's told what he wants, he still feels the remnants of the desire to murder him. If you have to leave me, it should be my hand.

So, that he could control even that --

-- but he eventually drops his hand down to gently run his fingers through Dextera's hair in a comforting motion. More meant to comfort himself than the Koriel. ]

I'm ... thank you for not leaving me.

[passio]

[ dextera closes his eyes, more aware than ever that he and the archangel are far too wrapped up in each other to ever truly live a separate life. the tides of power might shift between them, but as long as they’re in the same space, they’re always going to have to be part of one another.

he’s a little surprised that he’s being pet now, rather than strangled, but all that is is a microcosm of his own confused—and confusing—feelings. ]

I’m happy I can be here with you like this.

[ “happiness” is a kind of platitude, however. he hasn’t been happy in a long time. ]

It’s a relief to have a purpose… since I lost my direction.

[impiety]

I'm happy, too.

[ That's a lie. He feels anxiety itching underneath his skin all the time. He worries often about Dextera deciding to abandon him yet again, or not enough persuasion is done to ensure that Dextera will not leave him, again.

But he can smile sound make it sound like it is true. He can feel like it is true when he looks at Dextera and feels at peace knowing that right now, the Koriel is with him. ]

I'm pleased to be the one to give you direction. Don't worry. I would not ever allow you to be lost nor lead astray.

[passio]

[ dextera is at least certain that the archangel believes this—and truthfully, dextera believes it too. whether or not it’s a good idea to follow him has no bearing on the ability of the archangel to see it through. no matter what dextera feels, the archangel’s convictions are unshakeable. ]

…

[ he lifts his head, staring up at the archangel and his strangely human expression. ]

Thank you. [ softly. ] I’m sorry for being so much trouble.