Playing With Hellfire

The meeting, outwardly, seemed insignificant. Less than twenty souls filled the seats and platform of the small, natural amphitheater located just inside of the pearly gates. For those that were unaware, it resembled something like a lecture hall with all attention on the singular person speaking. In actuality the stakes were much higher than a simple class being taught and tensions were high.

Within the audience were the seven most prominent figures of the High Heavens that made up the entirety of the council that had risen up in the absence of their God. Alongside them sat other dignitaries and supporters of the council. Along the outer edges of the seats stood statuesque guards; four Seraphs, the highest ranking soldiers in the angelic armies. These heavenly warriors swaddled in gold and white were mirrored by four soliders of the nine hells; Terror Guards. Their dark, rippled bodies were unwavering. Their twisted, demonic faces were covered by gold, formal masks that matched their armor. Even without weapons the soldiers were intimidating. On the platform stood three advisors to the latest Lord of Hell, though they were silent. All eyes were fixated on the speaker.

“… and so it is Mammon’s finest wish that we can indoctrinate civility into the happenings between the High Heavens and the Nine Hells. He, we, believe this to be within our reach and of the greatest benefit to both our peoples…”

Her voice, confident and sultry, echoed through out the area. Faces, some stern and others hopeful, all nodded in fervent agreement. The words she spoke and ensnared all that listened in, as if her voice alone were some kind of spell. The only magic she used was knowledge; the knowledge that both sides were rocky within themselves and so needed some kind of outward support. The recent civil war that had afford Mammon victory had been vicious, and she knew that not all supported the Council of Seven.

Niluxiel seemed out of place, standing alone before the audience with her head raised. She was hardly a soldier, nor a scholar. At first glance she was simply a strikingly beautiful woman. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the sunlight, seemingly desaturated like fine porcelain. Thick, dark hair was pinned atop her head, with tendrils falling down in soft curls. Her womanly curves were immodestly covered by a crimson gown that put her in stark contrast to everything else in proximity. It’s low back and long trail would have placed her in perfect company at some sort of ball or soiree. Only with closer inspection did one begin to notice the subtle differences between Lux and a mortal. The iris of her eyes matched the hue of her dress, her ears were pointed and incisors elongated and sharp. High cheekbones and petite frame would, under other circumstances, seem deathly though she somehow looked hauntingly beautiful. For those that could detect illusions, there was no doubt that she was concealing more of her demonic appearances.

Lux made an elegant motion, and one of the three behind her stepped forward. What he held, or more so levitated in his hands, was a large glass sphere. Within the bubble glowed green fire. It was Hellfire, infamous for how hot it burned and the damage it had caused in many of the countless wars. Whispering rippled through the audience, but Niluxiel on smiled and parted her lips to speak again and weave her auditory spell.

“Mammon sends this gift to you, in hopes that with your infinite wisdom you can see light within these dark times. Please, let these talks be the embers for a brighter future, and let this ever-burning fire represent our budding alliance.”

The audience was nodding again, and soon applauding. The smile remained on Lux’s face. The man, demon really, at her side leaned towards her and in a low voice only heard by her he congratulated her.

“Well done, Lady Niluxiel, well done.”

Her smile only widened. Everything was going to plan.

The sound of the voice echoed through out, even louder than the applause and conversation that had erupted. Niluxiel, along with all other eyes in the auditorium, turned towards the singular figure that stood with such purpose towards the dais. A slender eyebrow rose in question at the outspoken confrontation, though she made no other movement nor sound. Instead, her vision swept to several of the councilmen, waiting for their response. Surely the soldier, as her armor marked him for, was a joke.

“Aina! Please control yourself and leave this meeting now!" One of the councilman, Gabriel, spoke.

“Surely you don’t let your soldiers make executive decisions.” One of the advisors at Niluxiel’s back said, snidely. She hissed, narrowing her eyes over her shoulder at him and he clamped his mouth shut.

Lux’s attention turned back to the Seraph as she continued rather dramatically. Still, her gaze was unflinching; in her many, many years she had seen and heard worse. Still, the new arrangements and treaties had set her up for a careful rebuttal, and even the twistet and contorted appearances of her kin would net set the conversations off kilter.

“Lady Niluxiel, please disregard Aina’s objections” One of the councilmen spoke, rising to his feet. “You have given us much to think about, I think some time to discuss amongst ourselves is in order.”

The three cohorts that shared the stage with her were exchanging glances with one another; she saw their hidden smiles. There was humour that a simple brute were publically spouting questions to her superiors, painting a picture of discontent amongst their ranks. Niluxiel hissed low under her breath so that on the demon at her side could hear, and she saw him swallow again. When she looked back his face had been an emotionless slate. Perhaps if ther Seraph had known that she was Lady Niluxiel, a name to strike fear and pleasure in men, angels and demons alike, the attitude would have been somewhat different. She, alone, remained in favour with all seven of the Princes of Hell, and was the sole mother to the succubi.

Lux strategically waved her hand; the purple gemstone set in a ring on her left ring finger glinted in the light. “Please. Gentleman, no apologies are necessary. Each pivotal point of our daunting histories were marked by opposition. It is such antagonism that lets us truly look at events at hand and see them with unbiased point of view. The fact remains that a new age is rising, and pigeonholing persons based on race is outdated practice.”

Aina. She mentally repeated the name, remembering it for later. The intrusive Seraph had peaked her interest, and already her mind was at work. One thing was for certain, any should pity the soul that Niluxiel set her sights on.

“We have discussed much, and there is much more to think about. We shall leave you to discuss amongst yourselves, and look forward for when you next send word. Adieu, farewell. “

It was with such parting words that the four and their Terror Guards descended the stairs and exited the elaborate doors. Once outside, Lux raised her left hand and a fluctuating portal appeared. She motioned for the Terror Guards to enter, and then for the advisors. The last, the one whom had held the hellfire, paused and bowed.

“After you, m’lady.” He purred with a devious smile.

“You’re too kind, Belthane.” She replied cordially, though they both knew he was anything but.

When the last of them had stepped through the portal disappeared, though there was a kind of electricity in the air that remained with the distinct ability to make any around feel more than a little nauseas.

The water was hot, near boiling as she Niluxiel slid herself into the large bathing pool. Her pale skin tinged red from the heat, though the woman merely sighed in contentment. The silence was refreshing, broken only by the bubbling of the hot spring welling up to the surface. The tranquility was fleeting.

Heavy doors swung open followed by heavy footsteps. Without looking she knew who would be at her back, even as thick black claws gripped themselves on either side of her seemingly frail shoulders. A serpent’s tongue snaked out, smelling her and she fought the urge not to stiffen. It had been less than one hour since her return to Hell and she had made an expectative decision to leave the debriefing to the advisors while she soaked in the tub. Mammon, it seemed, had been satisfied with the reports but couldn’t resist her in such a vulnerable state.

“My Lord.” She cooed.

“Well done Lady Niluxiel, Belthane tells me you already have those archons eating out of the palm of your hand. It shouldn’t be long now until we have their complete faith.” He whispered into her ear in the harsh syllables of the demonic language. “And then, you shall sit Queen at my side over all the Heavens, Hells and mortal planes.”

“If it pleases you, My Lord,” She replied, “then I will enthrall them until they don’t know what is happening…”

“Much would please me…” He began, sliding his clawed hands down over her naked body as he perched on the edge of the water.

“Patience, My Lord, I need my rest. Tomorrow plans, long schemed, come to fruition…” She said, excusing herself from the room. Only when the doors shut, and he was from her sight, did she lean against the wall and close her eyes. Niluxiel sighed in relief. Such relief was then replaced by a small smile; tomorrow was another day, but she had plans for that night.

“Aina.” She whispered to herself.