railroad tracks

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ Comfortably numb, as one of his favorite bands put it, is what Sam was feeling. The medication work wondered, it was literally heavenly as it coursed through his bloodstream, soothing his pounding heart and mending shredded muscles. A sigh of relief could finally be heard from the weregrine, fluttery eyes remaining closed for the time being; despite his guardians affectionately matriarchal ministrations. "Good, it'd get deplorable, having to read how much depravity the world is thinking right now. I'd just get plain embarrassed." Sam's tone was so low and relaxed it nearly became a hum as he droned about, babbling nonsensically like she so predicted. "Sleep. Sleep is a fickle mistress. She comes when I want her, but not when I need her...." After a minute or two of this word vomit he proceeds to knock out - but not before saying a slurry of thanks in the clearest voice the man could muster.

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ Ariana smiled as she watched him get sleepy. To aid him in his escape to the dream realm she scooted closer, slowly starting to pet his hair. “I /can/ read minds, I just choose not to most times. I think it’s rude to intrude on someone’s personal thoughts. The only time I use it is if I know the person is going to hurt someone or commit a crime.” Her voice was feathery light, coming out high pitched and sweet like cinnamon. She moved to drag her fingertip lightly from the middle of his forehead, down the slope of his nose, “sleep now, sweet boy.” She whispered, even quieter this time. She watched as his eyes fluttered closed. With a wave of her wings the curtains flew closed, shrouding the room in semi darkness. “Drift off to your sweet dreams, call for me if you wake and need me.” She pressed one last kiss to his forehead, whispering the rest of the healing spell against him before letting him fall completely asleep.

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ "The Fates have their way of weaving paths, I won't count on it but I am content to know I at least belong there currently." Now with his secured-fingers wrapped tightly around the rust-colored mug, Sam leaned back and sipped as the liquid-level got lower and lower and the man was able to lean all the way back down into the comfort of his pillows. When it was done in a flash, a crisp ah left his lips before he dragged a forearm over them to haphazardly swipe at any remaining moisture before musing, "I don't know if I forget that. It's kind of hard to forget you're an angel. You're probably reading my mind right now and won't even tell me." Grunting out a satisfied sigh as the farmer found the perfect position, Sam's head snaps in the direction of the window when he hears something whir by after her call. After all these years, he still found it impressive. Relaxation soon overcame him with the introduction of the quilt and the good company, and Sam felt his eyes growing heavier by the second. "I thank you, once again, Ariana."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “I can see into your heart, Sam. Trust me, I knew you were making it to Heaven the second I met you.” Ariana giggled softly, sitting down on her knees next to the couch to be near him, “I think you forget I am an all knowing, all seeing otherworldly entity. Even if I act like an airhead sometimes, especially when mara loads me up on wine.” She chuckled at her own antics, watching him slowly sip his tea and get cozy against the couch. With another dainty wave of her hand, she enchanted a quilt to tuck around him securely. “I already have it covered. I already called to my bow and arrows, they’re waiting outside just in case I need to use some force.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ After hobbling over to the couch in the parlor and pulling himself up upon its tattered floral fabric, he collapsed in a heap of ease as the cushions engulfed him readily. From his sunken place he calls out gratefully, still mildly experiencing some heaven-induced delirium. "What makes you think I'll go to heaven? I thought only those pure could go, and I don't fancy repenting any time soon." Now shifting to tuck a cow-shaped pillow beneath his battered arm, Sam could sit up a bit to welcome the floating mug into his eager embrace, the soon settling down to the side right as he perched his lips to the rim to partake. "Don't forget the watch please. The foxes have been relentless this month, and I can't afford to lose another hen."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “Good. Beyond losing a piece of my physically, I’d be beside myself if I lost you. I’d honestly probably have to go back to Heaven full time in order to one, keep an eye on you, and two, recuperate from the loss.” Ariana smiled softly down at him, shaking her head in amusement, “I don’t. Not one that won’t put you in a week long coma, anyways. And I only use that on bad people.” As the kettle screamed she scurried back to the kitchen, her heeled boots clacking and her cupcake shaped dress flouncing slightly. She mixed up the Healer’s Tea in the warm brown mug, using an incantation to have it float over to Sam with an enchanted spoon stirring it slowly, “There you are, little one. Drink up, and I’ll get you to bed.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ Now that Sam could play ignorant to his absent pain, he took the opportunity to stretch his wings and lurch off the chair, doing all kinds of stretches that elongated his torso and arms. Every now again, you'd hear a crack and a satisfying wince of release. Stuck momentarily in this stretching stupor, the story of lost souls snapped Sam right into focus, eyes falling to the pieces of her that were just, simply - missing. Gone without a trace. It made his expression grow inquisitive as he eventually took a pontificative seat, fingertips rustling through the bristles on his chin while he speaks. "I can see why you'd be so vigilant. I'll try not to add to your collection." Gesturing to her frame, Sam then leans back in his seat before offering all he could, with a genuine smile that exuded fondness. "Really. I'll try to be more careful. And yeah....I should probably hit the hay soon. You don't have a spell that'll send me to the couch in a single snap do you?"

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “I’d never betray your trust, Sammy. Although, you would be surprised by how many people have made good on that very threat.” Ariana giggled softly, brushing his hair back over his shoulders. It was true, she had many a demon come to pick on her throughout the years of her being an angel. Once he was healed (or at least, numbed) she was on her way to make his tea. “How many? Hmm… two.” She put the tea on to boil, before standing in front of him. She tugged her top down slightly to show the scar on her chest, “Chunk of my skin when I lost a young boy I was guarding and,” she turned around, pulling the long blonde ponytail with her to show off the back of her neck, “another when I lost a teen girl. But each time I lose a little piece of my heart, too.” She folded her arms behind her back, smiling innocently under his gaze. But, soon enough, he was slumped from the the spell and she was giggling. “Are you sure you’re even going to be able to stay awake?”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ "I can respect that thoughtfully. It's pretty serene isn't it? I think everyone needs a passion that brings them to a focused calm. For you, knitting. For me....I think it's picking berries. But I swear to Goddess -" Sam gathers up enough strength to snap his gaze in her direction with a serious but non-threatening glare, "if you tell anyone my favorite hobby is picking berries, I'm going to have to become a demon just so I could come back and bother you for all eternity." The were-peregrine attempts to shift up into a more helpful-for-healing posture, he winces out bemoaned curses until happily settled where his muscles could truly relax, he prior sternness evaporated into his signature aloof expression topped with a becoming smile. "That's very interesting, angel. I would've wished it was only parts of our corporeal bodies that could be taken. How many parts of you have you lost?" Sam was naturally blunt, but his tone remained thoughtful and inquisitive as he cocked his head to the side, seeing the angel before him through a slightly different lens. That focus all but diminished soon as he underwent the spiritual procedure, his frame slackening and the pained wrinkles in his face absolving. With a breath of fresh air and a crackling roll-back of his shoulders, Sam felt /nearly/ good as new for the time being. "I'm glad someone does."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “Knitting has always been a passion of mine, even before I was bestowed guardianship. It’s so relaxing, I liked to knit for all of the lost souls I came across when I was still in Heaven full time. Thankfully, the skills transferred here, to my mortal form.” Ariana stretched her arms up over her head as he did his own stretches, elongating her torso and pulling her wings to their full span. “I sound like a broken record I know, but it’s my job to protect you. I know I’ve never shared this before but- whenever someone I’m guarding dies on my watch, I lose a little piece of myself. And I do mean that literally. Obviously it doesn’t apply to old age or natural disaster or things of that nature, but… it’s self preservation too, making sure you’re safe.” She sat down on the arm of his chair to give him a soft kiss on the cheek, whispering an incantation while holding her hand against his face. The whisper of a spell seeped into him, she was sure that would ease his pain a bit. “There- and for the record, I like your babbling.” She stood up once more, adjusting her skirt before making his way to his kitchen to make his tea. It wouldn’t be too hard, especially at her age she knew her way around the kitchen. She didn’t necessarily need to eat, but it was still something she enjoyed doing. Food and drinks were so yummy. She went into his herb rack, pulling out what she needed before moving to get one of the terracotta mugs from the top cabinet.

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ For a moment the farmer pondered that sentiment, before a shrug of admittance was uttered and more laughter ran seamlessly from his lips. Only this time making sure Sam didn't jostle himself around much, and utilizing his semi good arm to clutch the other for support. Thankfully they wandered close enough for the cottage to come into vision, and soon felt the creak of wood beneath their feet upon entry. "It's hard not to respect an angel, with how steadfast you remain and all. You've also had my tail more times than I can count." Now that they were somewhere safe and secure, Sam's stiffened frame grew lax as the strong facade crumbled and he limped towards a chair his wounded frame succumbed to. "Maybe just a teensy bit now. I wouldn't want to burden you with my babble. We'll top it off when you leave." Now clutching his side, the man stretches out his legs before him with a few cracks of alignment; his neck coming to rest on the ridge of an old-fashioned wooden rocking chair next to the hanging-herb cabinet." Attempting to relax by crossing his ankles, Samuel lets out a breathy wince before continuing, "I can't say I'm not looking forward to seeing that side. I've always been a kinda 'what you see is what you get,' kind of guy. But you two lovely creatures seem to have more secrets up your sleeve. Chock it up to.....time, and experience. Is that why you're so good at knitting?"

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “Funny, Mara said something along the lines of ‘stealing my innocence’, you two are so similar. No wonder I care so deeply for you both.” Ariana spoke candidly as she glided beside him to his beautiful home. Her eyes glimmered at how nicely the crown rested on top of his head, thinking briefly she’d like to take a picture of him, but would never do so without asking. “She certainly handles her business and handles it her way, I never faulted her for that. She’s a softie at times too, though. I’ve seen it, plus she takes care of me as much as I take care of her. You knitting… we’ll start you off with something really easy, that way you’ll be able to catch on. Maybe we can even make it a little knitting club, if you like it.” Once they approached his cottage, she waited patiently for him to unlock the door and invite her in. Resting on her feet again, she moved nimbly to his kitchen, “do you want the little dose of the spell now, or later?”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ The moment the leafy crown sat atop his flowing locks, the man instantly felt like Jesus - to the point where it made him hold in a snort. Deep inside the thresholds of his soul however, Samuel basked in admiration at how powerful he felt with just a touch of nature - something he often tried to return to. "I don't think I could handle corrupting an angel anyways, I have a full plate as a common everyday sinner already." Speaking right as the angel booped his nose, he crinkled it in response, along with soft mellifluous laughter. Sam couldn't help the slight temptation, with their being slim picking in the decrepit city and with a literal angel as his only friend could be considered quite the temptation. Due to his animal-infliction, he only experienced intense feelings of primal lust during breeding season; which happened to end the last day of May. Not that his human side didn't experience ual attraction, he just had commendable control and honestly - work ethic kept him from mingling. The lack of 'fish in the sea,' added to this. "Well, she's a cut throat business partner, but that's what I like in this line of work. Too many people 'round here are shifty. I'd like to get to know her other sides, such as the one that would come out of a game of scrabble, or an hour of knitting. Why do I imagine knitting for a beginner like me will be arduously irritating? I'm a perfectionist so if the yarn isn't tight, it isn't right."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “The creation of the universe went something like that. I wasn’t around for it, but I’ve heard stories.” Ariana laughed softly at his suggestions, her slim digits still working to make a pretty crown just for him. Finally, once it was done, she ascended slightly into the sky to be able to bestow the crown upon his head. She clapped her hands together at her masterpiece, moving to slide next to him once more. “Healer’s tea- I can do that.” She nodded her head, chuckling softly at his proposition, “You’ll have to ask Mara what makes me hot and bothered, if you want me to participate in sins of the flesh.” She reached out to tweak his nose, thinking to herself how much she liked seeing him smile. As he drew in a breath of pain, she was right at his side, ready to make sure he didn’t fall. He didn’t, thankfully, and they continued to walk up the path to the pretty farmhouse. “Mara is lovely to spend time with. I’ve been meaning to tell her we should take some kind of vacation soon. A pajama party- we could watch a movie, play board games, and of course, knit!”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ "Is is sacrilegious to claim that she might get around? I can only imagine what the creation process looked like. I imagine a huge, cosmic between planets. Real fun stuff." With curt laughter Sam defended his verbal antics while his gaze remained fixated on the flower crown her fingers worked so nimbly at - in fact, the off-duty peregrine wouldn't have noticed the speed of her movements if it wasn't for his enhanced vision. To most, it'd probably appear much like a glowy, incandescent whirlwind. After she posed her question,Sam mulled over whether or not to continue or bring his wishes down to the bare necessities, when he figured 'why not both.' "I could really go for a Healer's tea. Some ginger, valerian, milk thistle.....that sort of thing. I should have all of the ingredients - fresh - in my herb cupboard. Anything else I'm afraid would be sins of the flesh, as those are the most relaxing. Oh, and that heaven-grade valium you've already agreed to give me. Maybe serve that in the tea, before you leave." As if counting off a checklist on his fingertips, the man loses count when another sharp pain causes him to recoil and clutch his arm; however it is becoming easier for him to walk off the pain. "That does sound fun. I usually don't where I eat, but Mara's a good time, and so are you matter of fact. Hopefully I can bring some wine to that. Ha."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ Ariana shook her head at him in amusement, chuckling softly, “I think she’d be fairly upset with me still, breaking my vow of chastity to indulge in sins of the flesh. I suppose either- or both- of you would be good partners, though.” Her eyes sparkled at the innuendo that she did pick up on, her hands steadily working to weave the flowers into a pretty crown. “Is there something else you’d like? I could make you some Heaven’s cloud hot chocolate before I go and mix the spell into it, so it goes down smoother. Is that what you’re after?” She asked curiously, big brown eyes blinking softly. She floated off the ground behind him, pulling the gate back and continuing next to him, “a pajama party for all three of us would be quite fun, yeah? The loft gets awfully lonely at times, I’d enjoy so much having both of your company.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ "It's only proper, to bed a demon. I'm sure God understands you have needs to some degree. If she gave you the needs, why would God want them to be oppressed, y'know. I love Goddess, but that's no God I seek." Alongside the man's word he shook his head in shallow thought, finding her story more than intriguing. It didn't seem to take any convincing, in fact it seemed the angel needed it. That's how it should be, Sam didn't think it was cliche at all - just perfect timing."It's probably just the demon who she'd disapprove of. Me or Mara on the other hand, I think we'd get a hall pass." Sam's remarks trotted metaphorically away from his supportive speech in support, and right back into daring territory in delightful tango he was dancing in by himself. Sam was in no shape or form to be in compromising positions tonight, that was beyond obvious. Despite the pain the trip back was turning out to be the rejuvenation he'd need after such a fall, with low impact activities scheduled and the wonderment of a pure entity expressing appreciation for the world around them. "That's all I ask for. Anything else you give me tonight will be on your terms." Alluding to things Sam was fifty percent sure would fly right under the angel's radar, the quips being uttered proved a decent distraction for a broken man. "Give me a time and I'll be there superstar. Fuzzy slippers and all." Sam clutched his side upon parting from the angel to unclip a rickety gate that led to his property, which only opened to a longer road back to the cottage.

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “The last time I slipped up?” Ariana thought back to the last time she broke her vow of chastity. He was a close friend, much like Mara, she was sure he’d enjoy the story, “It was a little over a year ago. It was late, and I had just delivered a soul to Hell. I was beyond exhausted, and- oh gosh, you’re going to tease me. It was the oldest trick in the book.” She chuckled softly, “A demon, named Chance, he offered me a place to sleep. I should’ve said no, but the journey back to Earth would’ve taken me hours, and again, I was so exhausted. So, I went with him to his dormitory, and then when I asked where I’d be sleeping, he just chuckled, hopped into bed, and patted the spot next to him. I should’ve known better, and I know it’s hard to believe, but I do have needs too. I’m just usually much better at impulse control. So, we kissed a little, and then- you know, he didn’t even take my dress off, which at first I thought was chivalrous but looking back on it, it was probably a weird thing. Anyways- I was lucky I didn’t get in trouble with God, I know she wouldn’t have approved.” She nodded her head at the end, continuing to walking at a leisurely pace next to him. When her life was so /go go go/, it was nice to smell the flowers, metaphorically and literally. She knelt down to pick a few wildflowers to make into a crown. She straightened up and fell in step with him once more, “just a /tiny/ vial, Sam, that’s all you get. It should put you right to sleep, but you can’t cajole me out of any more. And you better be down for knitting and Heaven’s cloud hot chocolate as it is.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ All it took was one grunt, a knee up, and Sam was back on his feet, hobbling next to Ariana like the eagle she recalled sharing a chuckle about. As thankful as he was, the man didn't verbalize his emotions because he knew she'd feel it. Perks of befriending an angel. Despite her keen senses of emotion, Ariana was adorable in a way that she took everything to heart and to soul. Sarcasm didn't bode well, and flirtations were becoming increasingly humorous to initiate. "Your words - not mine, 'we're all pretty people.' Tell me about it, then. When you slipped up. And I'll tell you the funny human joke I translated to the eagle, which I'm pretty sure - looking back on it - was the moment I pissed him off." After a few limps he was all good in carrying his own weight, so he didn't weigh down her support. So as she helpfully guided him, he didn't feel the need for drug-like spells....yet. "How about when you leave me for ladies night, you give me a little dose of the heavenly stuff. Just so I can have a good nights sleep. You know, to be down for knitting and, and and - Heaven's cloud hot chocolate. Which does sound divine, I must admit." Drowning her in a cheeky smile, Sam's gaze flickered from her cherubic visage to that of the skyline - as he could spot the outline of his property from more than a couple miles away.

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ Ariana knew all too well the way back to Sam’s beautiful farm. She had carried him there whilst he was unconscious many times, never asking for thanks or telling him it happened so as to save him any embarrassment. Plus, as she had said earlier, it was a labor of love, a job she did proudly. “I know you did, I passed by that eagle after you gave him his whooping, he was grumbling about you and your ‘stupid effing farm’, obviously using the true curse words. It was funny, despite my moral objections, I’ll admit it made me laugh. I was just patrolling as he hobbled by me.” At his next sentence, the red traveled down her neck and over the tips of her ears, and she used a perfectly manicured hand to tan her face, “You two will be the death of me- and for the record, I /have/ slipped up in that regard before!” As he crumpled to the ground, though, she kneeled down down next to him, curling one hand around his own to help him back up to his feet, “I can’t use another spell on you, it’ll make you loopy; and quite candidly, I enjoy you much more when you’re coherent.” She made sure he was stable on his feet, taking one of his arms to loop around her shoulders, forcing him to lean on her for support, “Mara is a great friend. She’s a very good listener, everyone can learn a thing or two from her.” She walked at Sam’s pace, the gravel crunching delightfully under her platforms, “we can knit on my balcony, and I can make us some hot cocoa with a little bit of Heaven’s clouds. Great replacement for marshmallows, and it tastes like caramel.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ Seeing as though Sam lacked a verifiable agenda, he wouldn't have been happier to kill some time in idle chat. It was also refreshing to converse with someone as pure of heart as she, considering all he's really known was darkness. Wry, sarcastic, unforgiving darkness. "Walk me back to my grounds then, it's in the exact direction as the crow flies." Demonstrating by slicing his better arm through the air in the direction his treads pulled him, Sam cocked his head to the side to share another amicable, yet mischievous laugh. "That one eagle had it coming. He said he purposely s on my tack-barn so that if we ever have a fire, it'll be more flammable. And I'll be damned Ariana...." Shooting a more-angered (albeit at the eagle, really) glance towards the angels feet he clenches his fist in a quick bout of irritation before her aura soothes him once more. "I took that as a threat, y'know? Now he's somewhere up north, shy a few tail feathers." Brazenly basking in his intermittent glory never slowed down Sam's jumping from one topic to the next, his remaining sentiments even more reckless. "No, we plan on doing it together." Ariana's red cheeks fueled his desire to further, but he relented and instead burst into a fit of chuckles that soon had him keeling over in pain. "Ah, . Seems like I can go for some low-activity activities. Like knitting." He grumbled out while his side also seared with agony, dappled in lacerations that healed quicker due to whatever spell she had weaved. All he did next was extend his arm so she could help get him back on his feet, to hobble home wingless. "I can only hope so. Mara's been nothing but a pleasure to work with." He states through gritted teeth and a hitched breath.

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ was something that bothered her when she first became an angel, but as with other things, she learned to get over it. It was beautiful, seeing people in their purest form. Plus, souls she carried to Heaven or Hell always came , so she got used to all kinds of sights in her many years working with them. In most cases when someone was getting dressed she used her wings to shield them to protect their modesty, but she knew Sam didn’t care, so she stopped trying after she first few times she had caught him undressed. “I’m happy to share, if you’ve got the time.” She looked at the position of the sun- it was still early enough in the day she’d be able to indulge him in a chat and also make it to see mara without leaving anyone out or causing an tardiness. “I don’t like when you drink and fly, you always get yourself into fights. It worries me terribly.” She floated next to him as he walked, and her cheeks flamed red at such comments, “you two really are one in the same, is there some secret bet for see who can bed me first?” She shook her head with an amused chuckle, “I like to knit! I also enjoy candle making and archery. But as for games, I’m a wizard at Clue and Catan.” She didn’t pick up on his sarcastic tone, her smile ever bright. That’s one thing about angels, they had great teeth. “I’m sure she doesn’t hold it against you, she’s very forgiving- especially with pretty people such as you and I.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ Luckily, he'd kept his dive-zone near the takeoff area so all of his clothes were neatly folded a mere ten feet from where the duo stood. Sam had quickly learned to not be shy of his body - it was just skin, anyways - and it made him get over the problem of losing his clothes or being unprepared for whenever he shifted. It made it easier to be in front of Ariana, who'd probably have a much wider concept of bodily realities and how meaningless they really could be after all stigma was lost. Being under-dressed in the literal sense was one of the more animal-like things about him, so as he dressed back into his tattered clothing he continued engaging in lackadaisical conversation with the angel. "I'd like to hear a story or two, I don't think you've told me much. It's always, 'I'm worried about you, Sam.' and 'Don't drink and fly, Sam.'" The sarcasm was evident as he buttoned up his shirt half way, his already-stiff joints aching with every movement as he coyly projects a daring remark, "You can always slip up with me, don't act like the opportunity isn't there." Finding his watch and sunglasses in the pile, he hurriedly dons those before looking towards the sky to gauge the time. "I appreciate that much, angel. Maybe tomorrow night we can play yahtzee, or shuffleboard, or whatever old souls do. If you want to get real spicy, maybe we'll buy some wine coolers." Teasing and boyish, his smile elevated his words until they had him chuckling and walking off towards the setting sun, hoping she'd follow to chat on her way. "About the wine, I just don't have a shipment ready for her this month for the cabaret."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “You certainly give me a run for my money, that’s for sure.” Ariana chuckled softly, stretching her wings out before letting them rest once more. The gravel on the ground was starting to dig into her knees, but it was a small price to pay so she could watch over the one she was guardian. She pulled the skirt of her dress down to keep her modesty, it having ridden up slightly as she shifted around him. “She tries, and I can’t say I blame her. I’ve shared stories of times where I’ve let loose, as you say. They’re scandalous, but she gets a kick out of them every time I tell them. I think she’s waiting for me to slip up again so she has a new story to hear.” Listening to his next request she sat up straighter, nodding her head at the mission she was given, “No need for thanks, it is my duty. Plus, I’m happy to make sure you’re taken care of. I can do that for you, it’s on the way to the bar as it is. And I’ll relay the message, although it’s cryptic and I’m not sure I know the meaning behind it.” She shrugged her shoulders, the tips of her feathers sparkling against the sunlight, “you and I ought to have a night in together too.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ It felt too wholesome for the undefined career criminal and now-farmer to have a guardian angel. The feeling of a near-omnipotent spiritual being gazing down on you at your most unexpected times was seldom an easy adjustment for someone involved in often seedy, reckless endeavors. "I hope you get paid enough, if this is your job." Sam grumbles, though at the corner of his lips he exhibits a warm smile, subtly appreciative of the matriarchal care he simply wasn't used to receiving. "Ah, maybe she can loosen your feathers a bit. Mara's a good time." Sam grunts as he finally levies himself against his fallen position, thanking Ari with a nod after the gentle brushings and wholesome sentiments. Of course, it all made sense coming from an angel. "I can't thank you enough. I have to be on fox duty tonight, for the chickens. You mind giving the farm a once-over around seven?" Now dusting his knees off, the man winces again and again when he undertakes a delicate rolling of both shoulders. Even in other parts of his body, he knew he'd be - as she's forewarned - sore. "And tell Mara again for me, sorry about the wine."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ Ariana knew never to take Sam’s nasty tones that he took at times to heart. He had a pure soul, she knew that. Sometimes his feelings just manifested in such a way that he would lash out at her. She had been an angel for over one hundred years, she had learned that sometimes people just spoke out of anger for the sake of it. “I know you can take care of yourself. That doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. I’m your guardian angel, remember? It’s my job to make sure you’re safe.” She chuckled at the gentle teasing, he sounded eerily like her vampiric best friend, “Mara asks me the same thing all the time. She even cajoled me into having a drink with her later this evening. It’s not that I don’t know how to have a good time- usually my time is just spent making sure you and others are safe.” A little risk has a lot of reward, huh? “I’ve never been a gambler.” She used one wing to fan his face, pulling his bangs away from his forehead, “the spell will last a few hours; you’ll be sore, but nothing you won’t be able to handle. It’ll be like if you got a few bruises.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ "Of course I trust you." The farmer didn't mean it, but he nearly spat out those words, a throttling moan of pain soon escaping his lips the moment her fingertips encased his forearm. Although light at first, the initial pressure was welcomed before the snap in place started out agonizing - but was quickly assuaged by whatever spiritual agent Ariana utilized. It made Sam slump forward as he eventually caught his breath, realizing now with his surging chest that the pain had made him hold out for the oxygen he so very needed. Most of her words flew in one ear, and out the other, first due to the excruciating pain, and then the cosmic-drug-induced haze. But he caught the ending, her tone sweet but coiled with a gentle scolding that made him crinkle up his nose in defense. "I can take care of myself you know. Generally speaking, I mean. Do angels not know how to have a good time?" Then with a cheeky grin aimed directly at his angelic friend's visage, he continues with another sarcastic remark. "A little risk has a lot of reward, you know." Despite the calmness in his voice, the man's hair clung to his sweaty forehead and he still appeared quite disheveled, his metaphorical feathers ruffled. He just hadn't gathered his bearings yet, and he didn't know if he should blame it on the pain or the spiritual opium coursing through his veins

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ “Sammy, it’s okay. Please, you have to calm down. I know you hate it when I say that, but you have to trust me. You trust me, right?” Ariana waited for his feeble nod, “okay, good. It’s going to smart for a second, but I promise I’ll make you feel better. Just hold still. Deep breaths. Are you ready?” She waited another beat, “deep breath in… three, two…” she rested both hands over his arm, wincing at the crunching of bones slotting back into place. She poured her magic out through the sigils on her palms, a healing property that was equivalent of morphine to humans. A pain agent, something to soothe whoever was needing it. She watched as his shoulders sagged slightly, the tension falling from them, “I know you think you have to watch your language around me, but I promise it’s not the worst that I’ve heard. I frequent Hell, remember?” She smiled gently, pushing his hair back away from his face, “it’s okay, sweet boy. But you mustn’t do such things without anyone around. I know you like your independence and your solitude, but what if I wasn’t here, hm? What if, Goddess forbid, that I was delivering a pour soul to Heaven and I wasn’t able to make it here in time?” She put her arms around him, pulling him into a soft embrace, “you scare me half to death, when you do things like this.”

@⌖ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ɢʀᴀɴᴅᴇ It was never in the books for Sam to have a 'guardian angel,' but one found him anyways, and despite not being the most outwardly appreciative; the farmer was elated to have /something/ that didn't change in his life. Well except for, their figure. It was a harrowing, private experience to lose a guardian angel but he gained one right back - only this time they are a her? He thinks. A little too often, actually. He knew angels had to be beautiful but in like, a scary way. This was way different. Suffice to say, she was his only friend at the moment and with them both having wings; he could enjoy some fly-time with her. However on this particular day, Sam decided to practice his dive-bombs by himself; only the night prior he'd gotten into a tussle with a raptor who managed to pull some of his dive-feathers out. So when he pulled them out to create some lift a mere few feet from the ground, he instead pummeled into rock hard igneous rock. In peregrine form this meant a broken wing, but when he morphed back into his true form the man curdled over, wrought with pain as the bones in his forearm appear visibly cockeyed beneath taught skin. Clutching the wounded part, he ceases his seething when he hears the voice of that little angel. "Ariana?" Looking up, Sam winces as he inadvertently moves the broken limb. "Of course you're here the first time I hurt myself bad. Ouch! , excuse my - !" He mumbles out a series of expletives before nearly begging out breathlessly, "....just fix it please."

@⌖ sᴀᴍ ᴋɪsᴢᴋᴀ Ariana considered herself to be a guardian over all. She had first met Sam when he was sixteen, stumbling into their fair city. At this time she did not hold her current form, but the form of a middle aged man named Jicheol. But, when the mortal body dies, the angel is sent back to heaven and reassigned to a new mortal being. Jicheol’s body died when Sam was 18, and she had to find him again in her new form, as Ariana. Seeing the young boy all alone brought out the paternal and maternal instincts in her, so she always made sure to keep an eye on him. Not to mention, he always found himself in trouble. Now, here she was, floating down from the sky to find the young boy sitting on the ground nursing a broken arm. Nobody around for miles, she wanted to scold him for being so careless. Still, though, it wasn’t the time. She knelt down next to him, spreading out her wings to shield him from the sun, “what have you gotten yourself into this time, Samuel?” Her tone was calm and warm, not wanting to startle him. She gently took ahold of his arm, shushing him as he whimpered in pain, “I’m going to make it all better, just hold still.”