six_word_stories | (no subject)

We don't believe Henry could regenerate, no. He's a fast healer, but there are limits.

[He looks dubious at the idea that the angel couldn't eat, or enjoy walking barefoot in the grass, but outright tsks at that last question, shaking his head vehemently.]

A good, aged cognac is not a means towards the end of intoxication. It has a flavour and texture unequaled in the world. Wait until I'm done patching you up and I'll pour you a glass so you can see. Presumably, not being carbon-based, you wouldn't grow intoxicated anyway, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a true sensory masterpiece...

I hope we never have to find out....

You make it sound so good! Azrael has drinks when he comes to earth, but he never tells me much about them. He just calls it an acquired taste. I was so sure humans only drank it to experience the effects of alcohol...

Well, I'd love to try some! As soon as you're done of course. Thank you so much for the offer.

[He smiles and keeps working, explaining as he does.]

My pleasure. You'll adore it, I'm sure. The first sip will burn your tongue just a bit but, after that, you'll be able to focus on the taste itself. It's a bit spicy, a bit smokey, just barely sweet, and so rich and layered that you'll still be unraveling the taste three minutes later...

What's spicy like? ... I didn't even know smokey was a taste. I know what sweet is, Azrael explained it, but I don't think he cared much for spicy if he doesn't mention it...

Best let you experience yourself. I imagine everyone experiences it a bit differently, like all sensations.

[He finally steps back from him, nodding in satisfaction.]

There, we've at least managed to stop the flow of your 'blood' for now. You'll need to hold still until it dries fully...

Well, personal experience is the best teacher!

[Good thing he said something, Levanael had almost attempted to stretch that wing. He halted quickly however, glancing back.]

Ah... oh, yes that would make sense... Sorry, I'll try and keep it in mind. Maybe we could put a wrap on it?

Of course. I'll put on a makeshift sling. It will limit your mobility without restriction circulation or minor movements and adjustments...

You don't think it will take too long to set... do you? I would like to fly soon, I need to go back eventually...

[Genuine worry, he really wasn't supposed to be gone terribly long after all]

I don't want anyone to be upset with me.

Don't worry. It shouldn't take but fifteen or twenty minutes to set most of the way. You should be able to move freely after that...

[Patting his shoulder, he goes to find that bottle of cognac.]

Now, it's taken me awhile to recall my religious studies, but you're the spirit of the nighttime, yes?

Oh thank goodness... Fifteen to twenty minutes isn't too bad at all.

[He does, however, get up to try and follow James, keeping the injured wing steady, while the others tucked in tightly to him]

Oh! Yes, to an extent. It's all metaphors in heaven of course, but that would be an excellent way to phrase it.

Here I've been, struggling to find a proper Greek translation, the way "Gabriel" means "Messenger of God" and "Uriel" means "Glory of God" when there really is no literally translation.

[He chuckles, shaking his head at himself.]

I should just have asked, really. Here, this is a fresh bottle. You'll find the smell sweet and, as I suggested earlier, smokey.

[He angles the bottle towards Levanael's nose, pulling the cork.]

I am sorry... I mean they do have meanings, in a sense but...

[Metaphors!

He did however, move to the bottle and just.... totally take the words deepest sniff of it.

He didn't even blink-]

... It smells... warm would be the word, right? It has a warm smell?

Warm is a good word for it.

[He nods in agreement, eyeing the angel curiously.]

Do you find it pleasant? Agreeable?

It's new. I don't... know what to think of it yet. I've never smelled anything like it before.

I mean there is wine but...

[There's a helpless shrug and a nervous titter]

Seraphs don't really have that either. Arch Angels and guardian angels, those within the third circle, drink and eat but it's not normal for the first circle...

Is it forbidden, then?

[He frowns a bit at that possibility.]

Oh goodness no just...

Well you don't feed your computer, do you? You wouldn't offer a cell phone a glass of water or ask an alarm clock if it wants dinner.

I've never eaten in my life. Azrael and Camael only do it because they spend so much time on earth. It's not really normal to not eat around humans...

Just because a plant can exist on sunlight alone doesn't mean it doesn't enjoy the occasional bit of fertilizer.

Perhaps it's a false analogy, but it seems a valid enough one from where I'm standing. I once spent years having my nutrition delivered directly into my blood-stream via machine. It certainly didn't mean I didn't still enjoy food and drink at times.

I've just... well, I've never seen the need to eat before...

I don't mind trying it though! It's always looked like everyone enjoys themselves when they try.

Then let's have some cognac, and I'll see if I can find you something pleasant to eat, if you like. Although, if you don't have a proper digestive system, the latter could possibly become problematic in a few hours...