The Malevolent and The Mindful ((Xan&Ves))

[~Xandrael~]

The last rays of sunlight streamed through the branches, the patches of light upon the ground fading with the sun. The hour of twilight was upon the world, and Xandrael was enchanted.

It tread carefully through the trees with bare feet, walking on dead leaves and undergrowth. Every so often its hands would reach out and touch the rough bark of a trunk or the leafy branch of a bough.

It had come to the forest to think, to be alone in its thoughts. There was a lot to analyze and formulate. Reaching the base of a particularly tall tree, Xandrael glanced up at its height. Turning, it settled down lightly among the roots, sitting with legs crossed.

It wore a blank tank top and grey cotton pants. Its long dark hair fell down its back. Leaning back against the trunk, it mused softly under its breath, "There must be a way..."

As it walked in its thoughts, its hands pulled at the grass and plants.

[vespera]

Watching any type of life was a good way to keep the Princess of Hell entertained. Observing her former race, Angels, kept her from reaching the depths of boredom for hours on end. They all seemed so peaceful and calm, it made the forever beautiful fallen. Since none of them knew what it was like to experience any other feelings then pure joy and bliss Vespy thought of them as rather naive creatures.

On this particular evening you could find Vespera out in the depths of the Epping forest. Not having anything to accomplish she had been wondering through the forest all of the day. She wanted to finally settle down and watch the life of the forest. To do so the fallen had nestled herself between two branches that were close together. Just because she wanted to her hideous black wings stretched across her only revealing her head.

Under the leathery black shield Vespera was adorning something that was usual attire for her. Over a black knee length leather dress a red trench coat. Her brunette hair rolled down her back in flawless waves. Burgundy eyes that resembled the flames of hell peered down at the angel who appeared to be deep in thought.

[~Xandrael~]

Its eyes had fallen closed as its mind became more focused, but by no means did this close its other senses. Not at all. Eyesight was replaced by mindsight.

It was in this way that Xandrael sensed a power, a roiling shadow. It roused it from its trance of memories, its hands pulling up slowly from the grass. Opening its amethyst eyes, it stared straight ahead. Its voice slipped out softly between its lips, but it did not worry that it would not be heard.

"...I am flattered that you find me interesting enough to spy upon..." A small smile started to curl the corner of its lip before it faded away.

[vespera]

It was obvious that the angel was still paying attention to everything around itself even though his eyes were closed. Anyone smart enough wouldn't fall into a trance while in the Epping forest. No one ever really knew what was out here. Well, anyone with common sense would know to pay attention to their surroundings.

She was growing more impatient by the second. Did he want her to attack? That option passed through her mind yet Vespera had restrained herself from doing so. No one had died at her hands tonight, for some reason she felt like keeping it that way. The angel should have considered itself lucky.

Her red lips formed into a small smile when it finally replied. A little cocky. That meant he would be even more fine to toy with. If the angel was smart enough it would run while it still had the chance. Tonight Kai was in the mood to play.

Her wings uncurled from around her. "Don't flatter yourself. Anything that has the ability to walk is interesting enough for me." She slyly replied.

[~Xandrael~]

Its smile returned briefly at the Fallen's words.

"...Sure they are."

Leaning back against the trunk, it seemed to relax its posture. The nature of this one's power was unique...and strong. Quite strong. Xandrael was no fool, yet neither was it completely defenseless either. It could hold its own. It had had forever to perfect its song.

Eyes still open, mind still alert, its voice rose a tenth of a decibel.

"Though we might have something in common there..."

It sat up and turned its head slowly, casting its glance over its shoulder up to where she was in the tree.

"I too, am easily fascinated..."

[vespera]

Listening to the Angel she allowed the current smile on her face to form into an even wider smile. There was no doubt the engagement between her and it would be rather interesting.

"I only speak the truth, Angel." She replied, her voice drenched with seriousness. Did he doubt her? For a second she really thought over the option of lunging herself at the angel.

It had been a good while since she had taken part in a decent battle. She knew for a fact that it already processed she was strong which meant that it would most likely fight with all of its power. Pushing the thought out of her mind she focused back on him.

"I wouldn't start comparing myself with you. We are different in some many ways that it would be a waste attempting to list them all." Amusement was what filled her voice. "Tell me, what does the holy one call you?"

[~Xandrael~]

Xandrael knew it was playing with the proverbial fire, but at the same time, this exchange had to happen, because it was happening, and had already happened.

"Rather, what you perceive as truth...at the time. We can never truly know truth..."

It was not mocking her in the slightest. It was actually serious, with an undertone of curiosity.

"But this one can understand why you would want to exaggerate the differences between us. It is the base, the foundation, for what you are. The other side of the coin, the inverse..."

Its voice began to meander, to muse, to wax poetic, until it caught itself and looked once more into the eyes of the Fallen.

"...I am named Xandrael." It tilted its head slightly, interested in why she was interested.