Churches are strange places. Not so different from their own temples in a lot of ways, especially the ones with colorful artwork worked into everything including the windows, but more than foreign enough to make Osiris feel unwelcome within their walls. His very existence never feels like more of a challenge to the modern status quo than when he's standing in a church.
But the time has come for Osiris to seek out information that even Thoth doesn't know, and Emmanuel's taciturn nature makes him a poor candidate for teacher - besides, he's got his hands more than full enough at the moment. Priests and pastors are, as far as Osiris knows, generally quite happy to be asked in-depth questions about their faith, so he doesn't anticipate any trouble in finding another who will be better suited to the task.
Only the familiar, creeping discomfort as he walks among the pews and tilts his head up at a stained glass portrait of a serene face encircled by feathered wings and wonders what connection, if any, all of this has to do with him and the power he used to wield.
Churches are strange places. Almost liminal when they're empty (or nearly empty), almost commercial in the way a grocery store or shopping mall (do those even still exist?) is when they're full of people. Potentially creepy or a place that feels like a warm sanctuary. There are so many variables that make them such interesting places! Lucas likes them when they're like this: mostly empty, perhaps a couple of people meandering about. It's nice.
Well, it's nice until something weird walks in. Something with an oppressive presence (perhaps inadvertently). Something that radiates the kind of discomfort at being here that can't help but draw Lucas' attention.
Slipping into the main aisle between the pews, Lucas simply walks up the Osiris with a welcoming smile. "Been a while, huh?" There. A way to address the awkwardness by offering this person the excuse of having not been to church for a while. Or, probably ever in this case.
Ah. So the alien feeling he carries with him in a place like this also shows externally, does it? That's a bit disconcerting, though he's not exactly surprised.
As for the man currently approaching him, his easy smile and warm voice match up with what Osiris has been led to expect from the leaders of modern Christian churches, which does help him to relax somewhat. Is this the leader of the church? He has no outward markers of being a priest, but Emmanuel also dressed casually when they met so Osiris isn't making assumptions in either direction.
"I've never made a habit of visiting, I'm afraid," Osiris admits. "But I'd like to remedy my ignorance when it comes to your faith."
Maybe it would be less noticeable to a common human. Lucas senses it because he is what he is. There's a familiar feeling to this stranger, but also a very foreign one.
"Are you a writer?" There's no judgement in the question. It's just that a lot of folks with questions about the faith tend to be researching for a book. At least, that's been Lucas' experience.
"Ah - no," Osiris says, struggling for a moment with how to explain himself before offering a small, helpless smile. "I'm not sure my reasons would make sense to you even if I tried to explain. Are they something you need to understand?"
And there's always the issue of respect. Osiris wasn't exactly happy about having to explain the nature of rising and falling religions to Emmanuel, and it's something he'd rather not repeat with another man of the faith.
"No," he assures. "What I need to understand before we begin is this: are your questions about belief, doctrine, or the truth?"
Listen, they're all different (even Emmanuel acknowledges that since the Church doesn't trust him with teaching doctrine). Lucas gestures for Osiris to find a seat. It will probably be a long chat.
What a pragmatic question. Pragmatism seems to be a common thread, which Osiris realizes he never expects when walking into these situations. He might have to work on that particular bias.
As he sits in the nearest pew, he mulls over the right words for his answer. "The truth. Inasmuch as anything is provable and proven in a quantifiable way, that's what I need."
Lucas slides in beside him, making a soft hum to acknowledge the answer. It's a brave answer, he thinks. Who better to provide at least some of the truth than someone who's been privy to most of the unfolding of their usurping of power from the deities that came before?
Good. So it's possible to find the answers he needs, at least.
Osiris lifts his solemn, clear-eyed gaze to meet Lucas's and asks, without losing any of his preternatural composure: "Does the devil act with purpose, and if so, what is his ultimate aim?"
The first point has to be clarified because - well. Most of the time, Set doesn't act with purpose. He's driven by his nature.
"Yes, he does." While some would prefer to paint Lucifer as a chaotic force, that's hardly the case at all. It's not a matter of order versus chaos in any traditional sense.
Lucas lowers his head, eyes falling closed. "I'm afraid I can't speak to his goals in any meaningful way." It's been a very long time, after all. Goals can change.
Well, that's fair, Osiris supposes. They didn't exactly go around sharing their deepest motives with the keepers of their temples. After a pensive pause, Osiris changes tack.
"If he were to take on a partner, an ally... would you call that an escalation worthy of serious concern?"
Lucas isn't one of the angels closest to his God, so he's not privy to all the personal motives and details. Only what he's experienced and seen for himself, and been told from those higher up in the hierarchy than he.
But that question earns the angel narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Of Osiris? Or of Lucifer? Hard to say.
"There are precious few he would consider equals. If he's entered into any sort of true partnership with another, I don't think it would bode well."
"The same could be said of the one who's raised my concern."
Okay, there's never any hope of tap dancing around this. Not if Osiris wants to learn anything of real import. He could ask vague questions about the Devil's weaknesses, how to combat him, but this man's eyes tell Osiris that he's starting to skate on thin ice.
"Now I have you ask you a more direct question, maybe even personal," Osiris says, his voice apologetic. "Where do you stand on the possible existence of gods other than your own, at any time in which humans have sought higher counsel?"
Maybe it's time for Lucas to be more direct. Well, he should, but he isn't. He chuckles lightly.
"Possible existence," he repeats with amusement. "More than possible, I assure you." He knew a few before they went... wherever forgotten gods go. Or maybe wherever his God exiled them to. He can't say for sure.
Then, more seriously, he adds, "Some people believe that humanity worships the same gods with different names and faces. I'm sure it's a little reassuring to them to think that." Too bad they're wrong.
Hoped against hope, Osiris thought, but he seems to have gotten the wrong idea about Catholics. So far they've proven to be impressively aware of the place they hold in the history of higher powers.
"This is probably an opportune moment for me to introduce myself," he says, sitting up and offering a gloved hand with a hint of a smile on his lips. "My name is Osiris. This form was crafted for me by one of my fellows, but in my original form I was known as the father of kings in Egypt and I still act as ruler of the underworld of Duat."
Well, Lucas isn't exactly a Catholic. But how's Osiris supposed to know that? This particular angel actually tries to hide some of his holy aura. But would an ancient god who came before his really recognize it?
He can't help the way his eyes light up. It's obvious from every strained muscle under that black shirt that he's holding back from clapping his hands in delight. Not only is he meeting an ancient god, but a famous one! One these modern humans even remember! This is like some random human running into Lady Gaga on the street.
"Oh! So you are still around! I always wondered..."
"I wondered where you all went. All the ones who came before us. Where did you go?" Gods are primal forces, natural and universal. They can't just stop being, right? That's always been what Lucas thought, given some were still around. But the rest? The forgotten ones, the obscure ones whose names no living soul remembers? Where did they go?
"Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself as well. If you're okay with it, that is?" He's not just going to give Osiris a glimpse of what he really is without warning.
Yes, he definitely should introduce himself! How does Osiris keep being taken off-guard lately? First Enma and now this... he's really losing his grasp on this realm. Still, he's not so stung that he won't answer the question first.
"It varies. Many of us have chosen to take up permanent residence in Duat, but others live among humankind. My sisters have made very happy lives for themselves here, for example. Of course, I can only speak for my own pantheon."
With a gesture that very eloquently says now your turn, Osiris adds: "I'd appreciate it if you would."
"May I?" Even as he asks, he lifts a hand in such a way to indicate he wants to touch Osiris' arm. This is an ancient god he's dealing with, so showing restraint and respect are crucial. Or maybe they're actually not, but he'd rather be cautious than overzealous. Only with Osiris' consent does he lay his hand on one covered forearm.
Lucas wouldn't reveal his real shape in a church, but he can telegraph it directly into someone's mind. A bright, blinding fire, feathered wings, thousands of unblinking eyes, coiled wheels spinning within each other much in the style of a gyroscope. The aura with it, large, calming, a step below divine.
"My name can't be spoken by human tongues. So you can just call me Lucas."
Osiris gasps, eyes popping wide open as if the sight were right in front of him, and almost backs up against the pew until he feels the energy emanating from the strange, massive creature dominating his inner vision. No, it may be startling and completely alien in appearance but it's not a threat.
He's visibly paler from shock when Lucas ends the vision. Wetting his lips with a pensive flick of his tongue, Osiris takes a moment to process what he's seen - and realizes that it's not entirely alien. Something very similar was sketched alongside one of Thoth's many pages of notes about Biblical creatures.
"Oh! You do know me!" Not him specifically. He wasn't sure if an ancient god would be able to put a name to the being that Lucas is.
"The Hebrews called us Ophanim but these modern folks call us Thrones." normally, he'd be up there in the Seventh Heaven singing glorias to God at His Throne, but something's been afoot down here in the land of mortals and unsavory things. So a few of each of the choirs has been spared to investigate.
"Why are you asking about our Fallen One? Has he wrong you somehow?"
"Only theoretically until today, but yes. You can thank Thoth for that." Osiris can't help but be charmed by Lucas's excitement now that things are clearer in his own mind, but the fact that he's got the ear of an actual angel of the lord means that there's no time for casual conversation. He seems to realize the same thing at the same time, thankfully, and Osiris shakes his head at the question.
"No, I'm afraid the news is more dire than that," Osiris says, losing the hint of warmth that had just begun to sparkle in his eyes. "My brother, Setekh, has joined with him to form a new cult that's proving to be alarmingly popular."
A warm smile settles and he nods. "Thank you, Thoth," he chirps as if that god is right there to hear him. Can he not? Is that not how it works with these ancient gods? Even when they were more active in the world, Lucas had little occasion to interact a great deal with them.
That brightness quickly fades, replaced by thoughtful concern. "Setekh," he repeats carefully. "Disorder and storms." There's a pause during which Lucas' expression becomes completely blank. It snaps back into focus just as suddenly as it went out. "Is he trying to renew his power through believers?"
This is the point at which Osiris would usually say I suspect so or it seems that way but really, who is he kidding? No one understands his brother's motives better than the god who died for them.
"Yes. And I can guarantee that he plans either to scapegoat or sacrifice Lucifer if his power is allowed to grow great enough. Set does not share power."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
But the time has come for Osiris to seek out information that even Thoth doesn't know, and Emmanuel's taciturn nature makes him a poor candidate for teacher - besides, he's got his hands more than full enough at the moment. Priests and pastors are, as far as Osiris knows, generally quite happy to be asked in-depth questions about their faith, so he doesn't anticipate any trouble in finding another who will be better suited to the task.
Only the familiar, creeping discomfort as he walks among the pews and tilts his head up at a stained glass portrait of a serene face encircled by feathered wings and wonders what connection, if any, all of this has to do with him and the power he used to wield.
no subject
Well, it's nice until something weird walks in. Something with an oppressive presence (perhaps inadvertently). Something that radiates the kind of discomfort at being here that can't help but draw Lucas' attention.
Slipping into the main aisle between the pews, Lucas simply walks up the Osiris with a welcoming smile. "Been a while, huh?" There. A way to address the awkwardness by offering this person the excuse of having not been to church for a while. Or, probably ever in this case.
"something weird" ;;
As for the man currently approaching him, his easy smile and warm voice match up with what Osiris has been led to expect from the leaders of modern Christian churches, which does help him to relax somewhat. Is this the leader of the church? He has no outward markers of being a priest, but Emmanuel also dressed casually when they met so Osiris isn't making assumptions in either direction.
"I've never made a habit of visiting, I'm afraid," Osiris admits. "But I'd like to remedy my ignorance when it comes to your faith."
no subject
"Are you a writer?" There's no judgement in the question. It's just that a lot of folks with questions about the faith tend to be researching for a book. At least, that's been Lucas' experience.
no subject
And there's always the issue of respect. Osiris wasn't exactly happy about having to explain the nature of rising and falling religions to Emmanuel, and it's something he'd rather not repeat with another man of the faith.
no subject
Listen, they're all different (even Emmanuel acknowledges that since the Church doesn't trust him with teaching doctrine). Lucas gestures for Osiris to find a seat. It will probably be a long chat.
no subject
As he sits in the nearest pew, he mulls over the right words for his answer. "The truth. Inasmuch as anything is provable and proven in a quantifiable way, that's what I need."
no subject
"Go ahead. Ask your questions. I'll do my best."
no subject
Osiris lifts his solemn, clear-eyed gaze to meet Lucas's and asks, without losing any of his preternatural composure: "Does the devil act with purpose, and if so, what is his ultimate aim?"
The first point has to be clarified because - well. Most of the time, Set doesn't act with purpose. He's driven by his nature.
no subject
Lucas lowers his head, eyes falling closed. "I'm afraid I can't speak to his goals in any meaningful way." It's been a very long time, after all. Goals can change.
no subject
"If he were to take on a partner, an ally... would you call that an escalation worthy of serious concern?"
no subject
But that question earns the angel narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Of Osiris? Or of Lucifer? Hard to say.
"There are precious few he would consider equals. If he's entered into any sort of true partnership with another, I don't think it would bode well."
no subject
Okay, there's never any hope of tap dancing around this. Not if Osiris wants to learn anything of real import. He could ask vague questions about the Devil's weaknesses, how to combat him, but this man's eyes tell Osiris that he's starting to skate on thin ice.
"Now I have you ask you a more direct question, maybe even personal," Osiris says, his voice apologetic. "Where do you stand on the possible existence of gods other than your own, at any time in which humans have sought higher counsel?"
no subject
"Possible existence," he repeats with amusement. "More than possible, I assure you." He knew a few before they went... wherever forgotten gods go. Or maybe wherever his God exiled them to. He can't say for sure.
Then, more seriously, he adds, "Some people believe that humanity worships the same gods with different names and faces. I'm sure it's a little reassuring to them to think that." Too bad they're wrong.
no subject
Hoped against hope, Osiris thought, but he seems to have gotten the wrong idea about Catholics. So far they've proven to be impressively aware of the place they hold in the history of higher powers.
"This is probably an opportune moment for me to introduce myself," he says, sitting up and offering a gloved hand with a hint of a smile on his lips. "My name is Osiris. This form was crafted for me by one of my fellows, but in my original form I was known as the father of kings in Egypt and I still act as ruler of the underworld of Duat."
no subject
He can't help the way his eyes light up. It's obvious from every strained muscle under that black shirt that he's holding back from clapping his hands in delight. Not only is he meeting an ancient god, but a famous one! One these modern humans even remember! This is like some random human running into Lady Gaga on the street.
"Oh! So you are still around! I always wondered..."
no subject
"You - I'm sorry?"
no subject
"Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself as well. If you're okay with it, that is?" He's not just going to give Osiris a glimpse of what he really is without warning.
no subject
"It varies. Many of us have chosen to take up permanent residence in Duat, but others live among humankind. My sisters have made very happy lives for themselves here, for example. Of course, I can only speak for my own pantheon."
With a gesture that very eloquently says now your turn, Osiris adds: "I'd appreciate it if you would."
no subject
Lucas wouldn't reveal his real shape in a church, but he can telegraph it directly into someone's mind. A bright, blinding fire, feathered wings, thousands of unblinking eyes, coiled wheels spinning within each other much in the style of a gyroscope. The aura with it, large, calming, a step below divine.
"My name can't be spoken by human tongues. So you can just call me Lucas."
no subject
He's visibly paler from shock when Lucas ends the vision. Wetting his lips with a pensive flick of his tongue, Osiris takes a moment to process what he's seen - and realizes that it's not entirely alien. Something very similar was sketched alongside one of Thoth's many pages of notes about Biblical creatures.
"An... angel?"
no subject
"The Hebrews called us Ophanim but these modern folks call us Thrones." normally, he'd be up there in the Seventh Heaven singing glorias to God at His Throne, but something's been afoot down here in the land of mortals and unsavory things. So a few of each of the choirs has been spared to investigate.
"Why are you asking about our Fallen One? Has he wrong you somehow?"
no subject
"No, I'm afraid the news is more dire than that," Osiris says, losing the hint of warmth that had just begun to sparkle in his eyes. "My brother, Setekh, has joined with him to form a new cult that's proving to be alarmingly popular."
no subject
That brightness quickly fades, replaced by thoughtful concern. "Setekh," he repeats carefully. "Disorder and storms." There's a pause during which Lucas' expression becomes completely blank. It snaps back into focus just as suddenly as it went out. "Is he trying to renew his power through believers?"
no subject
"Yes. And I can guarantee that he plans either to scapegoat or sacrifice Lucifer if his power is allowed to grow great enough. Set does not share power."
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)