XXI- The Tale of the Complacent

Michael happily strode along the forest in the Human Realm with Ravenna on his arm. The young Seraphim had to keep reminding himself that he was significantly taller than Ravenna and had to slow down his steps. Making her jog to keep up with his long stride would be rude. He kept checking, ensuring she was still there; Michael had difficulty believing that Ravenna had accepted him. She had been through a tough time, and he was worried he was asking too much of her to accept him, a being from another realm.

The young woman seemed very interested in Michael's life. She asked many questions; the one that seemed to shock her the most was his age. He had never considered two hundred and twenty-five years to be considered old, especially knowing Zerachiel was a thousand years old and Gabriel was one thousand, two hundred and forty-five years old. From his oldest brothers' viewpoints, Michael was a young adult like Ravenna. It warmed Michael's heart that Ravenna showed such interest in his life. He wished he could take her back to the Kingdom so that she may experience it for herself. Her delicate beauty would put the Kingdom to shame. But if his actions were punishable, the Ruler would simply kill him for bringing a human to the Kingdom.

As they walked, Michael told her about other parts of his life in the Kingdom, such as the Prayer Fountain. He told her he did not like to listen in on the humans' prayers, but he was grateful that he had heard hers the day before and could rescue her. Ravenna seemed confused by the Fountain. Michael explained that it was the former place where the Ruler used to listen to the prayers of the humans and determine which were deserving of answering.

"Why did He stop answering them?" Ravenna asked, looking up at the large angel as they walked.

"My Brothers and I wish we knew. We think it is because of the growing number of Unbelievers, but we think He just grew apathetic about the Creation over time. We just don't have an answer to that question."

"Is there any way the Ruler would start helping the humans again?"

"No. We've approached Him about it, but He has grown complacent, and shows no signs of ever going back to the old ways. My eldest Brothers, Gabriel and Zerachiel, they tell me of the ways the Kingdom and the Human Realm used to interact. The Ruler answered deserving prayers, and things were peaceful. Now, I don't know. There is much tension in the Kingdom, and the Ruler uses the angels to do His bidding, rather than using us for our true potential." Michael flicked his wings; his words irritated him. If the Ruler had used the Seven Seraphim Brothers to their potential, having them aid the humans in their prayers, he would not have risked punishment to save Ravenna.

The pair approached a town. Michael looked down at Ravenna and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I believe this is Nerium. Please take care of yourself. I cannot take you into the town. Once you reach the inn, place two lanterns in the window so I know where to meet you. If I do not see it by sundown, I will return to the Kingdom and wait for a prayer, and I will follow that. Please, Ravenna, take care of yourself. I will worry greatly until I know you are safe."

Ravenna gently took Michael's hands off her shoulders and held them in her own. "I promise you I will take care of myself. I will get the room first, so you can be in the room while I get a new dress. That seems much nicer than waiting in the forest. Is that okay?"

What consideration. She was as kind as she was beautiful. What a perfect combination. "I look forward to your signal. Safe travels, Ravenna." Michael reached into his pocket and handed her Peter's coin pouch, which was heavy with gold.

The young woman pressed her lips together and looked up at him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, seemingly wanting him to bend over a little. Michael arched one of his brows and lowered himself to her height, squatting slightly, his hands on his knees. Ravenna leaned forward quickly, kissing his cheek, before stepping back.

"I'll let you know as soon as I have a place for us to go." Ravenna turned and left the woods, and Michael stood to his full height, blushing. His hand flew to his cheek, his face burning where her lips had touched his skin. He wanted to call her back, embrace her, kiss her properly. But this was a start.

Michael leaned against a tree, his hand still placed against his cheek where her lips had touched his skin, even for a fleeting moment. He watched Ravenna's silhouette grow smaller and smaller as she headed into Nerium. Michael wished he could go with her into the town, but knew he must remain behind. His wings stretched behind him, reminding him again that he was not one of Ravenna's kind, and he sighed. Ravenna's figure disappeared from his view, and Michael shifted to sit on the ground, waiting patiently for her signal that it was safe for him to find her again.