I have no clue where this is going, but I decided to write an introduction anyway...

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Prologue

“Don't be such a fusspot Nathaniel,” God roared, “you'll be fine! Need I remind you that your brother was able to return? Rather quickly, in fact”

“Need I remind you,” Nathaniel replied dryly, “That we aren't all saints like my dear, dear brother.” At that, a collective groan circled the room.

“Go. Before you anger me further. Michael, get Nathaniel's things and see him off. NOW.”

The exchange took place in the center of a large room, filled with men and women surrounding a raised dais. The room was magnificent, with rustic cathedral ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The windows depicted winged angels saving mortals, defeating mythological creatures and praising the lord. The sun filtered through the pictures, spreading a multicoloured light over the room. This might have been what was causing an ethereal glow to emanate from each person, but it seemed like the coloured light came from deep inside of this strange race. Sun yellow, ember orange, flame red, ocean blue, moss green, and those were only some of the shades. Much of the glow was comprised of deep, and soulful colours, but many were light and carefree. Only one of these creatures had a white glow, and she was sitting on the dais obviously trying very hard not to kill something, or someone. She had stopped breathing, and her fists were clenched at her sides. Slowly, almost timidly, a large man approached.

“Ahem, Milady?”

“What is it Gavreel? At this moment, I really don't want to hear a speech about inner peace or loving thy enemy or whatever it is this week.” God's sigh echoed in a suddenly silent room.

Gavreel took a deep breath, and prepared himself to speak again.

“Yes Ma'am... But it is in his nature, and we should learn to accep-”

“Am I mistaken or did I just say I didn't want to hear it? Have I lost my sanity along with my temper? I understand Gavreel! It's in his nature to be insubordinate, immature and tricky, just as it is in your nature to understand, forgive, and give lectures about peace. I got it.”

“It would not seem-' Gavreel was cut off, yet again.

“Do you wish to be banished as well? You could keep Nathaniel company. I'm sure he'd appreciate it.” God's temper was quickly fraying. She looked like she could use a hot bath, and a good night's sleep.

“N-no sir! I mean.. Ma'am.” Stuttered Gavreel.

“Okay then, I suggest you get out of my sight until I cool off.”

The lilt in her speech suggested she knew an older, more complex dialect of English. The mix of old and modern sayings was alarming, to say the least. Strangest of all, was that most of the creatures in the room had the same way of speaking. Gavreel rejoined the crowd as the chatter picked up again.

Outside the building, Nathaniel and Michael were speaking casually, and ignoring the two tiny creatures sitting on their shoulders and climbing in their hair.

“You just can't leave her alone, can you?” Michael chuckled, “What did you do this time, singe her wings?”

“I was bored! And she's so... vibrant when she's irritated.”

“We all knew you couldn't charm your way out of her bad books forever, she was bound to banish you. At least you can finally impress your father. You know how much he wishes you were like Jesu-”

“Don't say his name!” Nathaniel's voice was commanding, “You'll summon him. He's so annoying when he's being supportive.”

Michael's brow raised, but he changed the subject. “So, what do you plan to do down there? Cause trouble, or do you actually want to come back?”

“Oh, I'll come back. I plan to have a little fun first, that's all.” Nathaniel's form shimmered, and disappeared. Michael just shook his head, and walked away.

Chapter One

The day was perfect; the sun was shining, glinting off the sidewalk and shop windows, the gulls were crying overhead, occasionally swooping down to grab a scrap of food from an unsuspecting tourist and the sound of the ocean was clear. Though the water was blocks away.

I watched all the busy people rushing about and slowed my pace. Some had children clinging to arms or legs, some had briefcases in hand and were heading home from the office, some were lapping up ice cream while talking on cell phones. Some were just enjoying the outdoors. All the voices blurred together, so it seemed strange when I heard one over the rest. I was still to far away to hear distinct words, but the voice itself was lovely. The sound was like warm honey, low and sweet. At first I thought it was Azy, but it was to expressive. Azy always tried to downplay his charms. He acted like they were a burden, and so he attempted to speak only in monotone. He almost never succeeded. This voice, however, was the kind that would make certain girls run home and write in their diaries for hours. I didn't waste paper on daydreams.

The voice had reminded me of my family, and I was trying to determine whether or not Christine, my foster-mother, would be home when HE came into view. He was standing at a crosswalk, unmoving. He was certainly gorgeous, the kind of man you'd see on television or in a magazine. The perfect face for the perfect voice, figures. A group of young girls were eying him and giggling. I watched them whisper to each other and felt a flame of jealousy. It was ridiculously pointless, but I found myself staring as well, though I had already chosen to ignore him. I tried to commit the sight of him to memory. He was tall, with flaming red hair. It was casually ruffled, and fell into his eyes. When he turned, it seemed to flash orange, yellow and black in the sunlight. His mouth was full, and set below a strong nose. I saved his eyes for last, they were the strangest and most beautiful things I had ever seen. They large and framed by long lashes, but the colour was extremely unsettling. Green and red, they painted the picture of a burning forest. Eventually his voice startled me out of my reverie.

“Why won't you leave me alone?” He asked his shoulder. “I don't need you here!”

Great, a nut case. I had enough of those at work. Right as I decided to brush past him, the weirdest thing happened. Something on his shoulder glittered. Only for a moment, but it was enough. Was I seeing things? This man was definitely out of his mind, but talking to him couldn't hurt. Could it?

“Hello there, I couldn't help but notice your shoulder sparkled when you spoke to it. Now I'm wondering, am I going insane or just losing my mind?” I asked as politely as I could manage.

He grinned mischievously. “Care to find out?”

As I slowly walked home, I turned over the rest of the conversation in my head. Any other girl would have smiled, and answered slyly, flirtatiously. I wished I was as confident as them, as able to confront people. Naturally, I blushed and attempted to leave as soon as possible. Stupid I chided myself, remembering how I had to search for the right words.

“N-not... particularly... no. I'd rather pretend I'm quite normal and just go about my day, thank you v-very much.”

“Suit yourself,” He shrugged, raked his eyes over me and added “My name is Nathaniel, by the way.”

“Good to know. I'm Stella, and I'd best be off. Uhm, have fun with your shoulder.”

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Not for the first time, I wondered how growing up with Christine had not made me more like her. She was outgoing, outspoken, and of course – beautiful. Everything I wasn't. Life was so unfair. I chuckled at the idea, how many times had I thought that since I left Rome? A twinge of pain seized me and I began to walk faster. I needed to get home, then I could curl into a ball and succumb to my feelings. I was trying so hard not to lose control that I bumped into someone. As I turned to apologize, a man growled and pushed me into the grass. Today was just getting weirder and weirder.