Since his arrival in Revaliir Michael had taken back up his old mantle of Guardian Angel to Teu; in the back of his mind he could already hear his brothers calling him a fool for his devotion to the woman - she had no interest in him beyond that of a dear friend or maybe a brother at best, she would never reciprocate his feelings and his devotion to her was… was… 

Human. 

Michael knew all of this; he was all too aware that his love for Teu was one sided - it always had been. Infatuated with her from the moment they had met Michael had known that his heart was lost to her and that in turn it was a lost cause - she could never feel the same way for him as he did for her but he knew that and he did not care; he loved her, he could not change that fact, what Michael could do was protect her and her loved ones and ensure that they were as safe and happy as he could make them be. Deluded or otherwise it was what he felt he had to do and since being a Guardian was something he knew how to do that was what he intended to dedicate himself to being for her… although maybe he was being a little overly efficient at it…

On several occasions now he had appeared at her side at a mere thought of himself within her mind and since they were connected he had answered… though this last time had been somewhat…. inappropriate it would appear. As with every other time he had felt Teu think of him and he had naturally answered; appearing at her side as was what he believed was required of him… sadly however she had in fact been in bed with Kieran and Kieran had not taken the sudden appearance of the Archangel (thankfully fully clothed unlike their first meeting) within their bedroom lightly… in fact he'd been somewhat livid. Michael, being as he was, had not fully understood the anger until Teu had explained it to him. She had asked him to make himself scarce for a little while until Kieran had calmed down (and so that she could speak with her fiance and explain Michael really hadn't meant any harm by his appearance), she'd asked him to go and pick some herbs for the clinic - she would call him back when things had calmed down a bit. 

So he had gathered his things together and taken himself off… to where however was the next question. As yet unfamiliar with Revaliir his Gate Travel had been… unspecific in destination. The Archangel looked around himself somewhat confused as he found himself in what could only be described as an audience hall filled with some very unhappy looking occupants all pointing sharp weapons in his general direction. "Well. This is problematic." 

The day was obnoxiously boring. The council elders continued to drone on and on about something that Uial had long drowned out. Her large throne like seat was upon a small dais at the very end of the room. Long delicate looking fingers helped prop up her head as she leaned on the arm of her throne. To the Matriarch of the Jiyu Clan, the throne was too much. Unfortunately, it was not up to her. Tradition was deeply seeded into the clan’s culture. Too much had already been set off with her being bound to the powerful spirit instead of her twin brother.

Uial knew that the council elders had done well with adjusting their concept of leadership as she had come to age. Female warriors were not abnormal in their tradition, but as the leader without a male partner was more than they were used to. She closed her brown eyes for a moment while attempting to gather the last of her nerves for the rest of this meeting. She internally cursed her brother, Cole, once more at the thought of him freely moving about. Every move made by the Matriarch was watched. It had gotten worse after the death of her husband. Many things had gotten worse after his loss.

”Very well, elder Shin. If we are going to get this particular situation addressed then we need to deal with it now. I have already sent Cole on a trapping hunt. He will bring back the demons we need for our candidates. Nymph has also gone with him to make sure that we get the numbers. Hunter Jedrek is out surveying the continent…and possibly more to bring in potential varieties.” Her words were monotone from the lack of energy to deal with the elders, but stern to the point where everyone looked quite shocked in their seats. The elders were in their perspective seats lining half the length of the large Great Hall. Pillars stood strong behind them to hold up the roof. Uial laughed to herself; she knew they thought there would be no reaction from her since how could she possibly be paying attention. ”Simply put, we have known this was an issue for some time and nothing has been done. I sent me own to get a solution put together. Continuing to drone on about it makes little sense to me. It takes up time and energy that frankly I just don’t have.”

Elder Shin’s frown deepened while adjusting in his seat. He had been the most upset with the bonding at the twin’s ceremony as he was a traditionalist to the core. A short clear of his throat gave indication that another speech on her manners was to be given, but thankfully a distraction literally popped into the room.

Hunters appeared from the shadows that had given no known presence previously. Spears, swords, daggers and elements were directed towards the newcomer. Due to his closeness to Uial, they did not unleash an attack. The Matriarch made no move except to sit up straighter in her throne. Brow was arched in intrigue as the man spoke. She could not hold in a laugh at his rather blunt verbalization to his current situation. ”We are having more arrivals via gate travel then originally. Looks like you need to update our protection spells, Elder Shin.” Uial chuckled while ignoring another annoyed huff from the elder. ”Good day to you, sir. What brings you to our village? You are not exactly cleared for passage.”

Finally there was a spark of interest in the once dull brown eyes. Her lips were pressed together in an effort to keep her smile from being overly obvious. She was not allowed much interest, but for once something was happening in the domain she was allowed to be within. A small wave of her hand indicated to her hunters to relax. Visibly they lowered their weapons, but there was no relaxation in their poses in case of a spontaneous attack. All knew that Uial was more than capable to handle herself, but they did not want to chance it.

It did not take a genius to work out that Michael had entered a Throne room… and that his presence was less than welcome. While the Archangel was not of hostile intent he was also not inclined to leave himself open to harm either - already the magic within himself had been summoned to his hands out of sheer habit, ready to cast a protective shield about his body should he require it. Though Michael would prefer to walk out of the room without having to summon his magic forth anymore than the steadily growing golden light that had appeared to blur his fists so far. Colossal feathered wings of burnished gold remained half furled as he turned his gaze upon those pointing weapons at him before he looked over his shoulder at the woman who had laughed at his words. 

Turning his attention fully to the woman upon the throne he bowed to her, wings furled fully away, one hand to his heart in a genuine salute as the magic immediately dissipated to show his peaceful nature and his respect to her - she was a woman of position, there was an etiquette to such things that even a rebellious Angel like himself adhered to. "My apologies my Lady I meant no harm nor intrusion - I am still getting acquainted with this world so my passage via Gate Travel still leaves much to be desired I am afraid. I merely set myself to find a place that the plant I have been tasked to find grows in ans it would appear that your village would be such a place… though quite why I'm in your Throne room is beyond me as I doubt very highly that it grows in here." He stated matter-of-factly as he looked around himself as if to make sure that he was right in that assumption. 

Standing upright once more Michael held his hands behind his back and tilted his head to one side. "My name is Michael; I apologise again for my unexpected arrival. I hope I have not caused any offence to you or your kin. Might I inquire as to where I have sent myself?" 

The gather of magic within the angel made Uial feel more intrigue instead of concern. There was no aura of hostility within him, nor was their a feel of evil. If he were a demon putting on an attack for the Jiyu it would not have been like this. The others were less convinced. She smiled brighter as they had no options than to follow her orders in every way. The Matriarch watched quite intently as he maneuvered his body and then his wings. It would have been a great lie if she had said that she did not find the intruder attractive to look at. Much time had passed since she had seen an outsider male within her domain that actually had caught her interest. Head tilted to the side as she watched his movements that changed at her audible laugh. In an instant his demeanor changed. Brows lifted high in surprise as he bowed in respect to her position that was given away by her throne. "The one time I am blessed to have this monstrous thing," she thought with pleasure.

Chin rested on the top of her hand while leaning forward to examine the angelic intruder. His voice came forth again, which sound like smooth silk to the Matriarch. "His accent is not from around here. I have not heard it before…but I would gladly keep listening to it." Uial knew her thoughts were devious, but then again she was never allowed such things to herself. Finally, Uial pushed up from her seat to stand after he had formally introduced himself to the woman. She was used to respect, but it had been ingrained into her people's culture. Michael knew nothing of the Jiyu clan. He knew nothing of the importance that they carried for the world, and yet he was already behaving as if he did. It was quite refreshing to experience.

"You have no need to apologize, sir Michael. It was an accident, nothing more from your words. I have a tendency to believe you right now. No harm has been done." She smiled up at him brightly. Long black hair trickled over her shoulder to cover the red traditional gown she was wearing. "You are now deemed as one of my guests, and welcome in Faradrim Village. None shall give you trouble while you are within my borders." This last statement was made with a deep tone while looking upon her hunters. The council all seemed to inhale to swallow the words they would have liked to express. A small nod was given that initiated a retreat from her guards back into their shadows. "Come, Michael. If you are looking for a plant…then a plant we shall find! I was bored anyway, and quite done with my meeting. Bring me entertainment and you can take what you need."

Rather boldly she slipped her arm to link with his to guide him towards the large open doors at the opposite end of the Hall. "It would be better if you stay close to me, sir angel. My village is full of those that distrust outsiders quite intensely." Voice had dropped to a near whisper as they crossed the threshold to give view to the village below. The Great Hall stood on a tall hill surrounded by the rest of the village. A long set of stairs led down to the main area where the districts came together. "What is the plant that you are looking for? Do you need it fresh? Or can it already be dried for use? I have herb traders that come to my home for trading their wares. You let me know what you want, and we shall look for this elusive herb!" Uial was quite excited for some sort of adventure. Every minute of her life was timed out where she could have little of her own life to live This was going to be a fun day.

Michael watched the woman with interest; he could admit that she was attractive, while the Angel had only experienced one love in his very long lifetime he was still able to appreciate the female form and had, on occasion, even enjoyed it. Watching her stand up he bowed his head to her once more to show his gratitude at the fact that she had done so - where he was from that tended to be a sign of friendship and equality in certain respects and he was happy to receive the honour of her attention in such a fashion. "I thank you for your welcome my Lady and I am honoured by it." He added as he bowed to her once again as was custom as far as he was concerned. 
As she spoke of helping him find the plant he looked at her. "I would hate to trouble you my Lady if you have other responsibilities that require your attention? You seemed to be in the middle of Council when I made my untimely appearance." However it seemed she was glad of his distraction which brought a small smile to his face as he nodded. "Then I shall offer what entertainment I can if you will take that as payment for the plant I am looking for; I'm afraid in my hurry to leave the Shop I forgot to bring currency with me… I am still getting used to such a medium in regards to acquiring items that I need." 

As she slipped her arm into his he barely blinked - he had been about to offer her his hand anyway; this was not his first time entertaining a noble and he was at least well versed in his part to play here… it was one of the few things Michael did remember how to do well! "I know many such places including my own home my Lady; have no fear I shall stick close to you as you lead me through your home. I am intrigued to see it." He replied in a tone to match her own. "I believe my Lady Teu called it Elf Root?" He replied though even he was unsure of the name as he spoke it. "I suppose I should take both varieties just in case; I am unsure as t what purpose Lady Teu requires it and I would hate to go back with the wrong variety only to have to bother you again and disrupt your day further my Lady." 

All the little nuances that this angle made were noted by Uial. She smiled lightly while looking down at him from her dais. He was beyond intriguing, and the Matriarch wanted to do anything besides stay with the elders of the council. Michael was about to provide her with the sort of rescue she had been needing. Besides, Uial could do with a day alongside a handsome angel. ”Nonsense!” she replied with a light wave of her hand. ”There is no trouble. I welcome something different for my day. You are a guest within my borders, and deserve proper escort.”

Michael seemed to understand her words in the manner that she had given them. Uial knew that she could trust her hunters, but it was the Council. They would do small things that could be seen as undermining her rule. It was annoying, and Uial was coming to the end of her patience for a few of them. Her head shook slightly as he mentioned a lack of currency. ”As for that, you have no worries. I will handle such things. After all, I don’t want you to return without the proper ingredients. We will take a look at both for you to make sure you don’t get into any trouble.” As the pair walked towards the front of the Hall she could feel the staring eyes of the elders of the council. It was making the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Stomach tensed as her anger continued to well up deep inside of her. The Matriarch knew that she had to find some way to get them to understand that they were not in charge. Her hunters did not have any issue with taking her orders. Why should these old coots?

The angel replied in the similar tone, which led Uial to tilt her head up to look at him with another smile. He was going to be quite fun. Arm tucked in tightly around his to pull herself closer to his side. Let those coots see this! she thought with an internal laugh. Uial could feel the glares at her back for breaking their protocols left and right. ”Elf root. I know where that grows here. It stays mostly on the hill sides of our valley. It grows in abundance.” There was a small tug on his arm to lead him down the tall set of stairs. ”I did not introduce myself like a novice at diplomatic encounters. I apologize! My name is Uial Isilme. You can call me Uial…since I have a feeling you like using proper title. Just Uial please. I don’t want my fun day to be bogged down with regulations.”

The pair reached the convergence of all the districts. Citizens bowed their heads in respect to their Matriarch, but went about their day otherwise. Uial directed Michael towards a foot bridge that lead towards the resident district for council and hunters. A wide river split the village in half that was fed by a waterfall from the high mountains that protected the hidden valley below. ”We will go to the hill that is within my residence walls. There we shall not be disturbed and you can take what you need. I am sure that I actually have elf root in my home for healing. It makes excellent healing ointments and such. I take it your Lady Teu is a healer?” They passed between grand buildings that provided homes for the many hunters within the clan. Children ran about playing with practice swords.

A large wall had but one gate to allow access to the Head Residence. Uial nodded towards the guards that watched the entrance where stone paved street gave way to green grass field. Spanning like mansion stood strong where only the Matriarch and her family were allowed to take residence besides her chosen servants. ”Behind the house is a hill that will have the elf root.” She could not find much to say since she felt quite out of practice for such an interaction. Little was allowed to the Matriarch despite her position.

At the hill, Uial released Michael’s arm (reluctantly so) and went to sit upon the hill side to pick out one of the elf root. ”Here. This is what you are looking for.”

”Then I thank you my Lady.” He said with another bow. He supposed that this would be a good opportunity to establish a relationship with the Village; from what he had observed so far they were removed from the rest of the world, the suspicion that their Leader’s council clearly had towards him said that they did not get many visitors to their Village - not a great surprise, there had been plenty of places like that on Earth and DaeLuin.

”Again you have my thanks my Lady however I will ensure that proper payment is sent back to you once I return to Lady Teu’s shop; I will not take profit from your people and it is only proper that I pay for the service and the ingredients. Had I found a place to pick them naturally then payment would not be necessary but I will not take what is not my own, as kind as your offer is.” He replied.
As he felt the eyes upon them as they left he glanced over his shoulder at the council who looked less than impressed at their departure. The subtle shift in his new companion’s body told Michael that she was less than impressed with the staring and as such he spread his wings to shield her from their gaze; glancing back at them once more in an almost defiant way that dared them to step forward and say something more to him - Michael did not take rudeness lightly.

Michael let the woman lead him away; keeping his wings spread so that the prying eyes of the council would see only the muscular, feathered limbs rather than their Leader - they were irritating her and clearly defying her in some fashion and he would not tolerate such slights. As she gave her name and insisted that he call her by it he smiled and chuckled softly. ”You have guessed correctly my… Uial.” He replied as he forced himself to say her name. ”Though you will have to forgive me if I fall into old habits and titles; I may have given up a great deal of the lessons I was taught by my Father but etiquette is not one of them.” He chuckled. ”We have a saying amongst my brothers - old habits die hard and Archangels die harder.” Something that had been true on more than one occasion where Michael had been concerned.

As they stepped out into the streets Michael glanced around; taking in the sights of the Village since it was all new to him. He turned his attention back to Uial and he nodded with a smile. ”She is indeed; Lady Teu owns her own shop in Mamlak, she often sends me out for ingredients though this time she sent me a little further than usual… though that was more my own doing than hers.” He sighed.
He was finding it difficult with Kieran; he liked the man though he did not get the impression that Kieran liked him very much. With Dasor they had come to an understanding; one that had been cemented when Michael had protected Teu from attack on her own doorstep once. They had understood one another - Michael would always love Teu but she would never return that feeling; instead he would protect her with his own life which is exactly what he had done and would always do… though right now his presence was causing Teu’s current fiance to be less than pleased and the last thing Michael wanted to do was cause turmoil to her life.

Continuing to follow after Uial the Angel realised that his conversational skills left much to be desired - then again when hadn’t they? Some niggling thought poked at his mind that Sammael or Raegul had made a jibe at him in regards to his lack of ability to make small talk and he smiled a little to think of the twins. His brother had rebelled just as Lucifer had; in fact it was because of Sammael that Michael had begun to question his own way of life and the orders that their Father gave to him. Raegul on the other hand had always been the neutral party amongst their family; he’d often thought of her as the best of them - she judged fairly regardless of who or what you were… He and Gabriel had not always agreed with her judgement and yet he could not argue with her either.

Taking the plant he smiled warmly. ”Thank you Uial, for all of your help. It’s greatly appreciated.” He said as he placed the Elf Root into his satchel. ”Would you help me gather some and tell me more of your Village? If you don’t mind me saying your people seem somewhat secluded. Or as one of my younger siblings has often said about me ‘aloof, loner and like you have a stick up your arse’. Not you but a lot of your people.” He added swiftly, smiling at her.

”Oh, I am liking you,’ she thought with an internal chuckle as he spoke with proper manners. It was almost too polite, but she was going to let him go on that. Uial wanted to enjoy the afternoon without the necessary pomp and circumstance that usually followed along with her Council’s dedication. They had certain objectives to be accomplished. That particular afternoon would have been quite unpleasant for her if it had not been for Michael’s unknowing rescue. Conversation had begun to heat prior to his arrival. She had already heard rumors of where they were attempting to direct the next bit. Even with his kind words, Uial’s focus shifted for a moment. Hand lightly tightened on his arm as if holding on to someone that was her protector from the barrage that was to happen.

His movements did not go unnoticed to shield her from view. A light appreciative smile graced her lips as her head dipped to hang closer to his bicep. It took everything in her not to turn around and stick her tongue out at her advisors. She knew that they wanted the best for her, but it was difficult to not feel burdened underneath all of their ‘support.’ Uial was sure that Shin was most likely clutching his hands into white knuckled fists as they disappeared from view.

”Well, aren’t you adorable.” Her response was not meant to be rude, but it had been a long time since she had met anyone with such straight manners like Michael was displaying. It was almost like her brother though he was not as ridged as the angel was displaying. ”I will allow you the room for growth, as long as you allow me to call you Michael without fuss. I rarely get to speak with others on a first name basis without concern for political issue. What is an Archangel?” They walked along while she glanced up at him for an answer. If there were creatures that had strong energies such as Michael the Matriarch needed to know. There were disadvantages to not being attuned to the outside world. Revaliir was common for her hunters, and yet unknown to the one who led the Clan. Uial desperately wanted to leave the sanctuary but there was no option. The loss of past leaders told them that it was too dangerous to be allowed.

”Lady Teu…is she a noble woman…or is that a title you bestow based on your moral compass and manners?” It was an unusual feeling of her chest tightening at the mention of this Lady. She couldn’t quite place the reasoning behind it. Even so, Uial pushed it aside in an effort to learn more about her mystery guest.

When the Matriarch sat on the hillside it was more of a flop upon the ground. Legs tucked to her side as her ceremonial gown was less than comfortable for such an arrangement besides sitting on her throne. As Michael took the plant she returned the warm smile. ”You give me excuse for being out in the sun instead of inside. I appreciate it just as much.” Her hands worked to pick more of the elf root for him. If fresh was what she wanted, then this was a perfect batch to give.

Hands slowly brushed through the soft grass as Michael spoke. Her hands froze with her gaze lifting up to meet his eyes. Out of nowhere she burst into a fit of laughter that left her clutching her right side from the pain. Tears had streamed down her face that had to be brushed away from the intense laughing bout. ”Dear gods, that was the best way to describe my War Council outside of my brother and mine own. Thank you for that. Yes, I will help. Gods, that was funny.” She brushed away some more tears from her face while shifting to her knees to get a better vantage point and pick the elf root.

”My people are known was the Jiyu Clan. We are an ancient clan comprised of demon hunters. It is our duty to continue our traditional ritual and go into the world to dispose the land of evil demons that descend on the innocent population. Contracts are brought in for our services.” A small pile of her targets were set to her right side while she had to reach a little further to get some more. ”It is my Clan’s prerogative to provide such a service. The War Council are the elders of different portions of my hunters. They are good people, if not intense. I was not to be ruling alone….” Her hand halted for a moment before she was able to continue her work. ”They worry about me that’s all. There are those that would like to end our clan in order for them to thrive. Demons have broken into our Village before and killed many of us.” Uial took her pile and reached over to carefully place them in Michael’s satchel.