{S} Sarra

[Magni Prime]

Rael stares out at the sky and the scenery, not taking in any of it. The beauty is common to him, and calming. The sight is both comforting and damning to him. His charge, his people reside here. He is the leader of the Light, and it is by his hand that this war was culminated. His closest advisors- those left, stand with him in this place of apparent peace. Far from the war, and lording above the recruits preparing to walk into a world so far from this, so different and damned. Earth has become a battlefield. The world of humans is more demonic than ever now as it lays wasted. Yet, every time he tries to find out where he went wrong, what he could have done over the centuries, the same answer comes. He did what he needed to. He led the Light to the only choice it had. Humans were a cosmic gamble. Leaving them naive and given free-will, existence wanted to see if good and evil would balance each other.

Time and time again, Humans strived for good, but the toxic evil seeped in. Hope transmuted to envy and hate. Peace broken for meaningless wars over dirt. No- the humans are the catalyst and the proof that this must be done. Pitiful and weak, corrupted. There is the crux of the dilemma. Everything those damned demons touched is corrupted, tainted, destroyed. Without turning to face his champions, Rael speaks softly. "The purge is only the beginning. Behind the battle lines we must begin the Elysian reforming. If we wait until all is empty, then the battle will last another eternity. No . . . we must begin the work." His voice is quiet, thoughtful, and introspective as he walks through the room. Idly he runs a hand across one column, his fingers moving fluidly along the stone.

"As the upstart humans and unforgivable demons fall, their focal point is how war terraforms Earth into another hell. We must create an outpost of Light, an expanding Eden to prove our point. Below us, recruits become tainted by war- let them know that their work is not to become our enemy, but to expand the greater good. Such gardens of plenty and life will also rejuvenate our forces, and discourage the Horde. They can no more abide our life and light than we could flourish in flame and ash." As he turns, Rael's wings brighten slightly, though remain dim as he carries the heavy burden of war. His passion to protect makes his wings only shine over the battlefield anymore, and though at peace in the Sarra, the thought of his light only shining in war weighs heavily upon him.

Walking back to them, his wings brighten again as he gently cups the face of Degial in his right hand and strokes the cheek of his 'golden' general. "You who always sees the best in others- the piercing light, you understand this likely better than even I. You who can purify the hearts of corruptible mongrels should be able to see a way to reform the Earth. Please . . . look into this. Let you beautiful light shine, and begin the creation of expanded paradise." Lowering his hand after a lingering touch, Rael's wings dim only as long as it takes to place his left hand upon the shoulder of Sabidan.

For Sabidan, his wings glow yet again, and his smile is no smaller or less welcoming. "Be cautious, old friend. Just as Degial is my hope, you are my will. The slings and arrows of small-minded and corrupt-hearted fools are a hard burden to bear. And yet, I can think of no better soul to have at my side when the Horde comes. Those soldiers need you, the effort to change all of existence is a worthy one. Don't let that pessimism devour you. I need you. My right hand . . . " Rael lifts his right hand vertically, and clenches his fist, a sliver of energy trickles across his knuckles. " . . . My sword!"

Gently removing his hand from Sabidan, he walks along the long hall, heading away from his throne and towards the door. Perhaps the soldiers could use an inspection and inspiration. His generals have only slightly less freedom in the Sarra than he, and the invitation to join him is open as always- but not required. He never orders them to his side unless on a push on Earth. Here, they must be given free reign and the right to do as they feel they must.  

[Magni Prime]

The sigh did not go unnoticed, and Rael's wings dim a fraction further at that sound. It is so familiar anymore, and he really wishes it wasn't. With a non-committal tone his voice is still soft as he speaks. "Wherever we hold ground on Earth. Like rain, each drop holds fast on the ground, but over time the drops meet, converge, and form puddles. Those bodies of water will expand. Any place we hold should be turned- as soon as we have methods to combat the ichor of corruption from the very land. I am confident that Degial will find a way. Beauty is his specialty, after all." As he walks slowly through the halls, he does turn his head lightly to look at Sabidan easier.

"Speak your mind, old friend. Bottling up your heart and mind does none any good. Perhaps I can help you through the quagmire of your own doubt?" Though his wings remain dull, the smile is warm and inviting. Rael takes pride in being approachable by all his people. Not a royal lording over the peons, but a member of the race given authority. Part of the reason he goes to meet the troops regularly is to learn them. Each fallen light has had a name. Rael always knows those names- he always knows the faces, and mourns the losses as much as if he had himself lost his light. He refuses to let negativity cloud Sabidan- he can't allow his right hand to become disillusioned in what must be done just because it has to be.