~video~

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[it has to be said he has had to have time to get over certain things, but he's rested a bit and reconnected a bit and no longer feels like he is falling apart at the seams. And so! He stands in front of the window, light streaming in around him, because Presentation is 50% of...well...proceeding to foment.

Anyway, the point is, with the light on his wings and through his hair and his immaculate clothes... that he is a bit tired of wearing, he must say. That, however is neither here nor there.

Added to the mix, the sapphire on his rose gold pinky ring is glowing faintly.

When he speaks, his voice is low and quite musical though he's not singing. There is a certain richness to it. Like honey or warm milk. Something nostalgic and full of meaning]

Good afternoon, everyone.

We've had quite an adventure, haven't we! Some more adventure than others it seems. And look. Sometimes it took a miracle, but we have all survived it-- and succeeded no less. And have gotten sparks for our trouble. [he presses a hand to his heart, the one on which the ring sits and the sapphire seems to trail light into the air]

It might have been difficult and trying... but the reward is that we are a little closer to success. To making things right. To discovering ourselves and what we are truly capable of. Thank you for those who rescued Dreamfinder and [he falters, then says confidently] Pigment.

And even though the quest to retrieve the amulet sadly didn't do as much as was hoped-- who knows what may come of it? Perhaps the real benefit was the friendships we made along the way.

As before, I am always here to help as I can... But please make an appointment first unless it's crucial. I do have a lot to learn myself. Beyond that, I'll always lend a willing ear to any of your problems.

Rest easy my friends. We have much to be proud of.

Comments

[video]

[bigbadrose]

Yeah, exactly! [Fist punches the air!]

Figment, by the way. And I don't think the amulet is as useless as Merlin claims. I think he's just a liiiittle bit senile.

[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he is surprised by, and yet appreciates her enthusiasm. He is not with her on the medallion, however]

I'm sure he knows what he's talking about, my dear. But it's alright. These things do happen.

[video]

[bigbadrose]

No way! I've been on dead end runs loads of times! You never know what was important from it. Pretty sure the significance of the medallion won't come to fruit... action, fruit-bearing, fruit... you know what I mean, it won't be realized until later! And you guys got to see how far the corruption spread and it in action! That's why yours was the toughest! And he clearly didn't think it would be since he sent Eleanor and Roseabella with you.

[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

That's the spirit! [he's glad for her supporting enthusiasm. And yet, he still can't really agree with her]

I rather think it's because I do have some experience with training and was able to keep us above water, a little.

[video]

[bigbadrose]

Okay. [So angels are allowed to be even more egomaniacal than the Doctor. Duly noted.]

[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

...Right. [he really has no idea how to talk to her] Er... have a good day.

[video]

[bigbadrose]

You too!

[takeitsleazy]

The friendships along the way! Ugh, so that's how that one goes. I knew I got it wrong on the train.

[ahem]

I'm not that great at aphorisms.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Aphorisms are a life saver. Honestly. It's something everyone understands. Mostly. And when you need to give someone a little push it's easy to trot out an old saying with all the context already packed in it than to tailor make something for every individual. Especially if you're rather disinclined to know them.

[takeitsleazy]

Why, Aziraphale. Are you saying you're anti-social? I never would have guessed!

[just a little light teasing between ... acquaintances?]

In all seriousness, though, I'm terrible with them. Any suggestions?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

I am not anti-social! [huff!] I am selectively social on a case by case basis while maintaining a general air of peace and civility. [a pause] Obviously. Since, unlike you, I'm meant to provide, well..."customer service"

[but that is neither here nor there]

That depends on what you wish to use them for.

[takeitsleazy]

Hey, Architects are in Customer Service, too, you know. It's just a little different. And I'm working at the Emporium, now.

[don't be racist, Aziraphale, he was only joking with you to be friendly]

Um. Conversation. ... Relatability. I can tell someone I relate, but whenever I get into the specifics of why, it can get a little weird. If aphorisms are that generic ... it gives me a way to show people I understand without ... disturbing them.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Maybe but who are your customers? [it's one thing to give service to hell and quite another to be expected to form lasting relationships with beings whose life spans were a drop in the bucket. But then he shakes his head]

Never mind. I do apologize. Every job is difficult in its own way and I'm sure you've your share of frustrations.

Hm, I see what you mean. [he seems like someone who hasn't gotten much surface time] Well, if you're using them to relate, you're still going to come off as a bit awkward I'm afraid. I generally use aphorisms only in a work setting rather than social.But if it's a shortcut to understanding you're looking for, I'm sure there's a book of various aphorisms somewhere. Though they can become outdated rather quickly.

Otherwise I can help you if you are looking for one or the other-- even if that'll have to necessarily be a bit ad hoc.

[takeitsleazy]

[he's only had a few months of surface time, that he can remember. the last time they gave him surface time, he liked it too much and wanted to stay, so they had to wipe it all. he's not allowed back in Boston.]

Oh. So there's not really any sort of human shorthand? I can't really say "I get what you mean, because there was this one time in the Bad Place" ... I mean ... I guess I could? I expected people to freak out a lot more about how I looked at the start of our little trip into the woods, but they all took it extremely well. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not instantly looking to rip their limbs off or reach down their throats and turn them inside out? I mean - eugh. Just saying it, now, makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't do that anymore. I'm pretty ashamed I even did it to begin with.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Well do you have to empathize so specifically? If you say: 'I get what you mean' or. 'Oh I'e been through that', they can fill in the blanks. It's even helpful if you don't get what they mean but wish them to be...soothed. Honestly it doesn't take much. Humans have such vivid imaginations.

[he does frown a bit though]

Well... All have sinned-- Most all have sinned--

The point is, you've been given the gift of change. The ability to see what you've done and to want to be better. It's quite extraordinary and I hope you get some sort of...well boost for it. Commendation.

I do dislike the idea that once Fallen always Fallen and I'm rather beginning to think that's propaganda rather than any divine word.

[az_shrimp_horny]

Thanks for the after school special, Aziraphale. Don't you think you're overdoing it with the whole angelic thing, though?

[She's teasing, of course. The smile on her face should make that obvious.]

All you're missing is a halo and some choral music.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh... well, if you insist. You might want to lower your eyes just a skosh.

[and just because he can, he manifests... or at least, gives the appearance of it through magic. Golden light grows around his head, bright to almost be blinding and his wings seem to become luminous, throwing off glints of light and sharp shimmering rainbows. The ring glows bright as a star]

Is this better?

[his voice seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, almost a song hovering on the edge of the senses]

[az_shrimp_horny]

A skosh? Who the fuck says... Holy shit!!

[Guess who didn't listen? She shouts, covering her burning eyes with her hand.]

Anyone who says angels can't be assholes is lying. Well played, Aziraphale. Well played.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh dear, I am sorry, are you alright? [he sounds amused inspite of trying not to and snaps his fingers to turn it off.] There. It's safe to look now.

That is a common misconception. We are meant to overcome evil and push people into doing the right thing. Not just stand to one side and pet small animals.

[az_shrimp_horny]

[Once the light is back to normal levels she lowers her hand. She's still blinking, though.]

Yeah, sure, I see spots all the time.

[Eh it'll pass. She shakes her head.]

And just how hard do you usually push people, huh?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh I just nudge now and again, honestly. I rarely manifest. Honestly, I have to fill out seventeen forms if I want to do it outside of orders and by the time those are processed there's no point. It's rather silly, isn't it?

[he straightens his vest a bit self consciously and folds his hands once more in front of him]

But how are you?

[az_shrimp_horny]

Shit, you guys had paperwork? Seriously? That's lame.

[She winces on his behalf. No really that sucks!

But she gives him a lopsided smile.]

I'm not too bad. Especially now that I'm clean and rested... And my hangover's gone. How 'bout you?

[bigbadrose]

You're pretty now!!!

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Er...thank you. [he really has no idea what to do with her]

[bigbadrose]

Sorry, just blurted that out.