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Although the Angels had a fondness for flying cities, some of their cities were simply too large to fly. This was true for the capital city imaginatively named the Shining City. Seraphiel was glad that they hadn't dared to name the place the Silver City, as she would've considered that somewhat heretical. The city was not the original capital city of the race, but it was the current capital of a race pushed off their previously lofty position. The city had been a grand metropolis even during their height as a dominant race of the universe, and it still spanned over such a large area that it could easily be called a megacity. Most of the city was a shining example of architectural wonder only a civilization at their height could accomplish. It was no wonder the place was the political heart both of the Angels and Draenei, although the Draenei presence in the city was smaller due to history.
As she looked down on the city from the flying ship carrying her, she could also clearly see that “Angel” was a rather broad term that covered many different kinds of beings. Some she recognized from history lessons and her own experience, and some she did not. There were Angels with wings made of pure energy coming from a world called Sanctuary, beings called Flügel from a world called Disboard, Ainur and Valar, and many others. Some were more like elementals of light rather than standard humanoids. Still, the vast majority of them were rather similar in appearance with slight differences like the number and placement of wings.
From the airship, she could also see several important landmarks, such as the Silver Arch, the Council Chambers where the rulers of the Angels gathered, a large stairway that led to some kind of heavenly gates, the grand library, the Cathedral of Light, many monuments to both victories and defeats, countless enormous statues, towering spires, and many others.
The airship didn’t land in the city though. Instead, it flew to one of the flying islands circling the perimeter of the city. The most important and influential families of Angels lived on those islands, and Ophiel's family was no different. Seraphiel's mother hadn't been all that forthcoming with details, but a quick search on the magical equivalent of the internet was rather enlightening. The Elohim, a rather pretentious name all things considered, were a major political player and had produced many Archangels and members of the ruling council. They also had several high-level beings that could be considered pillars of support for the entire race as a whole. They were not the only family of their kind, far from it, but they were one of the most influential ones.
The Elohim Estates occupied one of the largest flying islands, almost big enough to be classified as a small city by itself, which made sense since the island was home to many branch families as well as the main family. Many servants also occupied the island, along with extensive grounds that could be used and abused for anything a wealthy family might desire.
As the ship landed, it became immediately obvious to Seraphia that the décor was somewhere between ostentatious and way over-the-top wealthy. She knew displaying your wealth and power was part of politics, but this was a little too much even for that purpose. In other words, both she and Lucifer would've loved staying here. Why have wealth and power if you can’t rub it in everyone’s face?
A servant that was clearly high in level, her [Gift of Knowledge] giving the result [Servant - ???], waited for her on the landing platform and started leading her inside without saying a word. Considering the man's level, he couldn't have been badly trained, which meant she was being snubbed on purpose. Interesting, considering Ophiel had implied they would be trying to bring her into the family. A hot and cold tactic, trying to show the difference between being part of the family and not? Maybe also meant to show that while the family was interested in her, she was still an outsider, and they were downplaying that interest.
She didn’t mind. If the servant wanted to be rude, then let him. His loss.
She was led to a beyond luxurious waiting room with furniture and decorations made of materials even she didn't recognize. Everything was made with form over function and was decoratively carved, filigreed, gilded, or sometimes all three to an almost grotesque level. The servant rather obviously guided her to sit in one of the chairs and spoke for the first time. “The Mistress will be with you in a moment.” Not elaborating or even offering refreshments. The snub was becoming more obvious, just in case she missed it the first time.
She didn’t waste any time before entering a meditative state, as she knew she’d be waiting for a while. A basic power play tactic. She was right, although thanks to her meditation she wasn’t sure if she waited for minutes or hours. Finally, the door on the other side of the room opened, and a very majestic and awe-inspiring female Angel dressed in gilded white robes entered the room. The woman raised her eyebrow a bit, as Seraphiel returned the earlier snub by not rising to meet the woman. The same male servant from earlier accompanied the woman and frowned at the open snub even more clearly.
Instead of saying anything though, the woman just sat opposite her, and stared at her, not saying anything. Seraphiel smiled a bit at that internally. Most young Angels would’ve felt very uncomfortable under the piercing gaze of a woman with as much gravitas as this woman obviously had. She practically oozed authority and power. Those same young Angels would’ve tried to hastily fill the silence with introductions, but Seraphiel wasn’t like most young Angels. She knew how these little games were played, and this whippersnapper was way too young to make her nervous. The one that spoke first lost face, admitting to being the inferior party in the negotiations, seeking the approval of the other.
And unlike the older woman, she wasn’t in a rush. She had all the time in the world. The woman on the other hand looked like someone who valued her time. They both knew that, and the woman’s gaze gained a slight approving light. She gave the tiniest gesture towards the servant. “Mistress Anuriel, may I present to you, Ophiel’s daughter Seraphiel.” The man turned a bit towards Seraphiel. “Matriarch Anuriel is the vice-head of the Elohim family and a member of the Council of Archangels.”
Seraphiel made a small hum in her mind. Even the order of introductions was important. She had been introduced first, and you always introduced from the bottom up. Still, in this situation, the servant wasn't exactly wrong, as Anuriel was higher in level and position currently. Unlike the earlier slights, this wasn’t a snub, just basic etiquette.
Stolen story; please report.
She gave a simple nod, acknowledging the difference in standing, without granting the older woman any authority over her. “Matriarch Anuriel. A pleasure.” A nice neutral response using her title. Using just the woman’s name would’ve been presumptuous and gauche.
The older woman allowed a shade of a smile on her face, clearly noting Seraphiel’s tact. “Miss Seraphiel. How is your mother?” The woman asked politely, though there was just a hint of genuine interest in her voice. Seraphiel wasn’t sure, but the slight similarity in appearance might suggest close relations. A grandmother or aunt perhaps?
"She seems rather happy. Currently teaching magic at the Mahora Academy." She didn't go into detail, but gave the important information, getting a nod of acknowledgment. They had of course known as much, but politeness necessitated this much.
“I hear your studies have begun quite well. Only halfway through the first year and already evolved your first Class. That is quite efficient. Overwhelming success in the competitions between academies as well.” Anuriel said, as if reading off a list. In a way she likely was.
“I work hard.” She replied simply. Her tone carefully didn’t suggest humility, just that she was stating a fact and didn’t plan on elaborating.
“That is a good quality. Which is why you’re here.” The woman stated, getting to the point. She really did value her time. “You are of course aware of your mother’s…distancing from the family.”
"She has explained the general outlines without going into too much detail," Seraphiel replied neutrally.
“Being part of a family like ours comes with certain privileges, but it also comes with certain responsibilities.” Anuriel elaborated. “We must limit our behaviour and activities in some ways to what is considered appropriate, or our rivals and enemies will take advantage of our lapses. That is the world of politics and power. Your mother chafed under those limitations and went against the will of the family. That is not uncommon in families like ours, but your mother insisted on continuing her rebellion. For that, she was expelled.”
Seraphiel understood the family’s point of view quite well, and they weren’t exactly wrong, although that didn’t mean she approved either. People with power and authority were constrained by their competitors and enemies. It was smart to keep a tight leash on their children. She understood and knew it was necessary. That didn’t mean she wanted to live under said limitations herself. She’d had enough of that while living under Father’s rules.
The older woman continued. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to share her fate, as the sins of the mother are not the sins of the child. As I said, being part of the family comes with certain advantages and privileges. Some that you might find quite useful as well. And the family likes to reward those that achieve great results and bring us glory. Those that work hard and have something to show for it.” She nodded towards Seraphiel, echoing the earlier words. “For example, many of our number have evolved their race to become Archangels, and we can offer access to Classes rarely available. You would of course have to live by the rules of the family in return.”
Seraphiel tapped her chin a bit before speaking. “Before I give my answer, I want to explain why my answer is what it is. Your offer, as it currently stands, has absolutely zero value to me.”
The woman looked at her sharply at that.
She continued. “I already have access to Classes that outstrip any you can offer. I should mention that my first Class was ranked SS even before evolution, and it wasn’t the only Class of high rank I was offered. Those offers have likely not grown worse since then. As for evolving my race, I do not need your help in that regard.” She decided to lay some cards on the table, as she didn’t want to alienate her family, in case she might need them later. Instead, she put bait in the hook, making sure the family was even more interested.
“That…is rather surprising.” Anuriel finally stated. “Though I do see why you would reject the offer that being the case.” She nodded. “I would not place myself under another’s authority if that authority had nothing to offer in exchange either. Very well. I shall keep your words in mind. Let’s see if the situation changes and we can revise our offer in the future.”
The matriarch rose up from her seat, recognizing that her position in this negotiation was untenable currently. Her information was simply too much in error, and she recognized that there was no point in continuing the negotiation from such an erroneous starting position, and would only lead either to embarrassment or to a bad deal. They would have to reconsider everything in light of the new information before trying again. "We will meet again Miss Seraphiel.”
"I'm confident you are right Matriarch Anuriel," Seraphiel replied while getting up as well.
The woman rang a bell and another servant came to escort her outside. Maybe she could see some of the sights in this city before returning to Mahora?
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“Impressions?” Anuriel asked the butler.
The man shifted his weight from one foot to another, a simple gesture for most but a clear sign of hesitation for him. “There’s more to her than meets the eye.” He finally replied.
Anuriel couldn’t help a small snort. “That much is obvious. But you are right. She’s hard to get a good read on. One thing’s for sure. If we do bring her into the family, Michael is going to have competition.”
"Surely that's an exaggeration?" The servant showed a bit of surprise. "Michael is more than three hundred levels higher than she is."
“Except we don’t choose our heirs based on current level but their potential. While the short-lived races have to be shortsighted as well, we can afford to take a longer view.” Anuriel argued.
“Level isn’t entirely irrelevant though.” The servant argued, something most servants didn’t dare to do. He was Anuriel’s personal butler though, and it was his job to be the devil’s advocate at times.
"No, but we're not making the selection today. Michael won't have such a gap when the time comes, I'm sure. While I do not value Mahora highly, they have a good reputation when it comes to helping their students level. Especially those students they take special interest in." She shook her head a bit. "Still, Michael is Michael, so it's too early to tell if the girl can actually rival him. Tanael and Ciel on the other hand…"
“That’s all presuming she does join the family.” The butler pointed out.
"Only too true. We really misunderstood our starting position in this negotiation. However, she didn't shut us out entirely. Otherwise, she wouldn't have dropped those little tidbits of information. She didn't need to reveal the rank of her Class, or that last part about her race, but she did anyway. She was telling us that we need to come up with a better offer. Much better. And if nothing else, we have plenty of things to offer. We just need to figure out what.” She tapped her lip in thought. “At least we’re not in a rush. It’s not like she’s going to just suddenly join another family.”
“Speaking of, it seems Ophiel hasn’t poisoned her against us. Rather good news.” The butler suddenly added.
She smiled. “Yes. Despite everything, Ophiel still wants the best for her children, and she recognizes that we might be that best.”
“What of her son?” The butler asked.
“Still pending. He hasn’t shown quite the same talent as his sister, but he has done quite well. I don’t think many in the family would find him wanting. Maybe that’s an angle we could use with the girl as well?” She had to ponder on that some more.
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Visiting the grand library had been quite disappointing. It wasn't that there wasn't information inside. There was. It was that not just anyone could peruse it. It would take her more time than she had to fill out the necessary forms and applications, not to mention getting them accepted. With a disappointed sigh, she walked along the central plaza that had many majestic buildings surrounding it. On one side was the Cathedral of Light, while on the opposite side was the main non-denominational temple where any other could be revered and made prayers to.
Her feet slowly took her towards the non-denominational temple. As she stood on the steps leading to the doors, she hesitated. Once again, she realized that she was supposedly a Champion with no idea whose Champion she was. Clearly not the Light’s as that spot was already taken. That was perhaps why she’d made her way to the non-denominational temple in the first place. But she didn’t want to go inside, as she didn’t know who she was supposed to address any prayers to, even if she had been the praying type. She rarely even sent prayers to Father.
With another deep exhale, she turned around and stepped down a couple of stairs before a voice interrupted her. “Why don’t you step inside Sera? It’s certainly been a while.” A very familiar voice. One she hadn't heard since being exiled.
“Mother?”