Fallen

Chapter Eight

Folding his hands on the thick wooden tabletop, Jonathan was quick to begin.

"Before we start, I want to again thank you for your willingness to oversee this matter. I understand that all parties involved, the archangels included, are ready for a swift resolution."

It was Ariel who responded. "It is true, that our Lords are tired of this matter. I am sure I do not need to remind you that no other affair in our history has been this length in reaching a conclusion. Most other issues resolved with a much more expedient pace."

"Which is why," Jonathan added quickly. "We wish for this matter to end on our side just as much as your Lords. We too are tired of the matter, and of our separation from our true forms."

"We assure you, every effort will be made to give fair and just resolution through this council,"

"Thank you,"

Although the group was small, it felt as though he room was crowded. Much like the final meeting with the messengers only a week before, this same gathering held a similar tension; a weight of anticipation. Only six people were granted access to this meeting, and yet, it felt like much more.

The three Angels, each wearing human clothes for the first time since their arrival, sat across the table from the three Fallen representatives. Jonathan, Anne, and the first council Steward, Julian, met them eye for eye. Unlike previous meetings, everyone at this table appeared equal. The same mortal clothes, the room now the small, confined meeting room of the Angel quarters, rather than the vast expanse of the Summit hall.

The Angel quarters were in fact a large home, much like that of the highest Fallen council members. A tall, two story build, with white facing against wood trims. The younger in the community referred to the latest aesthetic as 'California sheik', whatever that meant. Balconies in each bedroom, each facing over the gardens, with limited direct views of the busy Los Angeles cityscape that the community knew would be distasteful to the Angels. Each room was kept in a neat, simple manner, much in accordance with the differing needs of the occupants. There was no television. No internet. None of the additional benefits and extravagances of human life were made available here, as most was considered overindulgences, and should not be relied on by the pure.

"Now, having said this, we must address the issues which currently prevent our verdict turning in your favor."

Jonathan nodded, although his face was tight. "By all means."

"We were made aware of many aspects of your case before our arrival. This was in no way intended to sway judgment, nor was it a means to make us biased in any way. I am true to my word that we are an impartial jury in this matter, and that our notes were made purely to better understand the history of your crimes, as well as the sins committed since arriving on Earth." Ariel informed.

Miles was quick to interject. "But we admit, much of what was noted in your history was also demonstrated in various ways at the gathering you hosted only two nights ago."

Anne balked. "How so?"

"First, despite the requirements and requests, alcohol was in the premises."

Jonathan opened his mouth to protest, as Ariel raised his hand.

"I am sure you were not aware of this, Lead, as it was an act committed by some of the younger in your group. We know the lengths you went to in your effort to ensure prohibition, but not all followed your example."

"Beyond that," Miles added. "Is the matter of several of your group. You are already aware that not everyone is as strict or as dedicated to the cause as others. Some resist while in the compounds, but are quick to abandon those practices while outside these walls. We are not unsympathetic to the challenges that come with resisting temptation. Despite our purity, we know the draw and pull of sin. But we relent, as we are expected. There are some in particular that so very little to match our example."