The smells filling the air were simply mouth watering. I never tire of mortal fare. If only they knew how good they have it! In heaven, the food tends to nurture the spirit more than the body. Food on the Prime is so much more… primal, I suppose. Smells, textures, tastes, and something solid just filling your belly. Comets and Spheres, even the refuse pile has a certain appeal. At least a little, in this form anyway.
Joagathciel couldn’t suppress a grin and a chuckle. Of course, it came out as a low “woof” while in this covert form, but a laugh is a laugh. The nearby guard looked at him and smiled. “Legs” was now a bit of a fixture in this settlement, and pretty much all of the mortals liked to greet him and give him a pat. He was especially welcome around the back door near the kitchens. That was by design; he’d really turned on the canine charm at that first meeting.
The festival was in full swing for the fourth night in a row. The harvest had apparently been a good one, considering the noise and laughter. He could tell that his charges were inside enjoying themselves. The halfling has a, well, an especially “distinctive” laugh after a few drinks. Actually, pretty much all of the mortals of this settlement were inside except for a few guards who drew short straws for duty. The landlord and his wife had also been spending time away from the parties, usually apart from each other as well. They’d both suffered greatly during recent events, and they would both need time to heal. The priestess and her abyssal companion had done their work well, and understanding the severity of the fallout would take time.
The battle at the ghost town had been a worthy one. The Dawnflower’s Servant rediscovered the light and the powers of righteousness carried the day. It had been especially gratifying to fight the babau, even if it escaped after the fall of the Norgorberite. Slaying a priest who abandoned Sarenrae for Norgorber would have been tragic yet necessary, but fighting fiends from the lower planes was the true calling of the hound archon. Whether as soldiers in celestial armies or as protectors of individuals in peril, they are renowned for helping the righteous and maintaining order and law. Hound archons are skilled swordsmen, and are very mobile in the field, having the ability to teleport when and where they wish. Unfortunately the babau could as well, and it proved to be quite elusive. Days of meticulous searching led Joagathciel to believe the demon was truly gone from the region.
There was still an evil aura in the town, but not the chaotic menace of the babau. No, this was a more rigid and disciplined evil. Some diabolical presence, working methodically behind the scenes. Which would explain why I’m still here and haven’t been called home. The mission isn’t over. Many powers seem to have taken an interest here, but I’m humbled to be chosen to represent Heaven among these adversaries. I shall observe, guide, and assist. And as I succeed, so shall I grow with the Light and be entrusted with greater strength to further Heaven’s Glory.
And so Legs sat, keeping a silent watch and enjoying the rapidly cooling evenings. I’ll leave before dawn so the mortal heroes don’t pester me with questions I’m not allowed to answer. But before I go, a final celebratory nibble from the kitchens, even if the cooks are unaware of my victory.
