He left Heaven because Lucifer considered his Truth more important than anything else. Fleurity disagreed. In his eyes no Truth is worth the pain and suffering inflicted by The War. He wants more than anything for both sides to make peace and stop hurting each other. This is what caused him to leave the Exiles, shortly after they elevated him to Superiorhood. He couldn't be a party to the pain they would inflict in the name of what they thought was right. Even his mother Novalis, once the most merciful of Archangels, couldn't bring herself to forgive the Host, but instead chose to continue fighting.

An idealist to the end, even today he tries to soothe the pains both sides have inflicted on each other, and heal the rift that divides them. He and his angels wander the Earth and Marches, aiding all those in need of their aid, no matter what affiliation they have. Some of his Servitors can be found associating with angels of one side or the other, in order to influence them towards causing as little pain as possible, and to soothe and heal those who might be injured by their plans. Those on both sides who have become disillusioned by the War approach him to enter his service. He only accepts those who convince him they are not still loyal to one side or the other, but to a peaceful end to The War, and the Soothing of all.

He also is trying to help heal the Symphony, or at least Soothe the effects of its condition. Among the Outcast Archangels, he is one of the most proactive in direct attempts to cure the Symphony's sickness, and heal its wounds. He and his Servitors are willing to render aid to Israfel, Eli, and other angels on both sides for this purpose.

Fleurity tailors his appearance to put people at ease. Currently his favorite manifestation is that of a young man with a friendly smile wearing a doctor's white coat over a tie-dyed shirt and jeans. He exudes an aura of mellowness and tranquility that makes people forget any discomfort or anxiety they might feel. Just being near him seems to make pain, stress, and the numerous ills of the world just go away.

Fleurity dislikes violence, but objectively recognizes one sometimes has to fight to prevent a greater pain from being inflicted. He regrets the necessity of violence in those situations, but accepts it. He and his Servitors try to keep the hurt to a minimum, and soothe and heal all they can, even those they've had to hurt to defend themselves and others. Especially those.

It is dissonant for a Servitor of Fleurity to not attempt to heal, or at least soothe someone's pain unless circumstances beyond their control prevent it. They don't have to heal them totally or erase all their pain, or even succeed at all, but they have to at least try to make their condition somewhat better.

Obviously they can't heal someone when they are defending themselves, but if they manage to subdue their attacker, and are able to restrain him, they must do what they can to heal him. Being forced to retreat is a circumstance beyond their control, so they do not gain dissonance if they are forced to leave a battle. Similarly, if they are forced to slay an opponent in battle it doesn't result in dissonance. Servitors of Fleurity can attempt to eliminate Dissonance gained through violating his Dissonance Conditions by soothing or healing the pain they encountered at a later time.

Soothing encompasses all means used to relieve pain and alleviate suffering, of all types and all levels. A wide range of things fall under its jurisdiction, from medicine to counseling to mediation. Soothing is about making things better, or at least feel better, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Healing the injured, feeding the hungry, comforting the troubled, and reconciling the estranged are all matters pertaining to Soothing. It's a powerful Word. Unfortunately, that's because it's so needed in the world.

<Sidebar>

As a former Servitor of Flowers, Fleurity has always been well versed in the medicinal properties of plants. Indeed, as the Angel of Remedies, he encouraged the use of herbs to help treat ailments. With the expansion of his Word to Soothing, he expanded his arsenal accordingly, pioneering the use of substances to treat all maladies, emotional as well as physical. Aspirin for headaches, Prozac for mental problems, Valium to relieve stress, and alcohol to temporarily forget one's troubles were all encouraged by Fleurity or his Servitors. Anything to relieve the pains of life and make people feel better.

<Sidebar>

When Fleurity first wandered the Marches, after the Rebellion, he won the gratitude and friendship of many ethereals due to his attitude and ministrations, especially gods of healing and life. They worked together for many common causes. When he first became a Superior, he established his Halls of Healing at the edge of Hades, overlooking the Marches (Where Babel is today) to be close to his fellow healers, and those who needed his aid.

When he finally realized that he could no longer stay with the Exiles, it was said that his Halls vanished almost overnight, as they and their contents were taken down into the Marches. A short time later, the White Lotus, Fleurity's roving hospital ship, was first seen sailing in the realm of Dreams. The Symphony's only mobile Cathedral, it's rumored that Fleurity had the help of many grateful Pantheons in its construction. Since then it has sailed the Marches, providing aid and comfort to all in need.

<Sidebar>

It may be surprising for most angels but Fleurity's Cathedral, far from being a helpless vessel, possesses a wide array of powerful armaments. In fact, it may be the most potent concentration of military power in the Marches. There are several good reasons for that. Foremost is to protect his charges. Aboard the White Lotus are patients from many factions. Some of their more zealous enemies might be tempted to attack them when they are so vulnerable. The might of Fleurity's Cathedral helps discourage all but the most foolhardy groups of such notions. And those few who choose to attack are easily neutralized by Fleurity's forces.

Another reason is to insure the continued recognition of Fleurity's neutrality. While most angels on both sides of The War respect his status, there are some militant Archangels such as Laurence who are hostile to Fleurity. The White Lotus's power, coupled with its mobility, serve as a great deterrent against those who might consider mounting a major offensive against Fleurity and his angels. There are easier targets with more worth to attack than the incredibly powerful roving battle-station of a neutral Archangel. Which means the White Lotus usually can go wherever many need healing without having to deal with one side or another hampering its mission of mercy with hostility.

Third is the fact that when creating the White Lotus, Fleurity took the advice of many of those who are friendly to him. Among those are gods such as Athena, Odin, and others who convinced him of the value of a good defense in avoiding conflict. Fleurity saw the value of their counsel, and incorporated their suggestions in his design. Thanks to the advice of those many, a number of interesting and ingenious armaments capable of inflicting either ethereal or celestial damage have been incorporated into the White Lotus. And since in many ways a Cathedral is considered an extension of its Archangel, thanks to Fleurity's Malakite Attunement any damage inflicted by its weaponry is easily negated by him.

Finally, there's The Terror, Beleth's military force in the Marches. More specifically, their unspoken threat to inflict pain and death on a multitude of helpless sleepers. Fleurity believes in countering the fear that Beleth's Servitor's generate in peaceful ways, and does not wish to engage in a full scale military conflict with her. He grudgingly accepts the status quo.

However, should The Terror ever carry out their threat and begin a mass slaughter of Dreamers, then Fleurity will change his stance and go on the offensive. For now Fleurity merely monitors The Terror, hoping that they will remain benign. If the day of mass pain and slaughter ever comes, then he will calmly and remorsefully exterminate them and their mistress, and the White Lotus shall be the scalpel which slices the malignant tumor they've become from the Symphony.

< Sidebar>

The Soothers, The Healers, The Good Samaritans, The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, The Hippies, The Peaceniks, The Angels of Mercy

Fleurity's organization may seem disorganized, but that's only to those on the outside not familiar with its internal workings. In truth, while it is loose and informal, all its members know how to work together for maximum efficiency. When it comes to healing and triage, the Healers work together like a well-oiled machine, pooling their efforts for maximum effect. Those of higher skill and healing ability are deferred to, recognized as being higher in the scheme of things and usually have Distinctions. Of course, with such recognition come increased duties and responsibilities, as they are better suited to handling the heavier load. Those who are Word Bound are usually in charge of coordinating Soothing efforts which are related to their field of expertise. There are no shirkers or lazy in the ranks of Soothing. Everyone recognizes that to slack off would leave those hurting in pain. Angels of Soothing are almost always busy. The only time they take a break is when someone higher up tells them to, in order to Soothe their own weariness. No one is above Fleurity, so he works almost constantly.

<Sidebar>

Fleurity has a habit of healing. He can't help it. He sees something broken or in pain, and he just has to fix it. This has extended to Remnants. Fleurity's organization has more former Remnants than any other Archangel's in the Symphony. He has a standing order to report any possible Remnants to him, and bring them in to a Tether to be healed when possible. This has given him a number of Servitors with interesting Songs, Attunements, and Distinctions. He even has gained a handful of Word-bound with this practice, bearing Words that would not normally fall under Soothing.

<Sidebar>

Seraphim

Seraphim of Soothing are capable of dampening painful sensations. They are able to automatically dampen a being's physical pain for their Corporeal Forces in hours. During this time the subject is inured to all physical trauma and can not be stunned. They do not have to suffer any pain afterwards unless the source of the pain is still around.

Cherubim (Partially Restricted)

Cherubim of Soothing can take upon themselves the damage of those they touch, or those they are attuned to at anytime. Other choirs can purchase this attunement but of course could only absorb damage from those they touch.

Ofanim of Soothing are Fleurity's couriers and ambulances, able to carry supplies and people where they need to go. An Ofanite of Soothing is capable of carrying up 100 pounds or 1 being per Force when using their Resonance.

Elohim of Soothing are capable of easing mental and emotional pain. They can automatically induce a sense of peace and calm in a subject in place of feelings of fear, guilt, or other mental anguish for (Ethereal Forces) hours. This will also give the subject a bonus equal to the Elohite's Ethereal Forces to any rolls to resist the effects of Songs, Attunements, or other powers which cause painful emotions during that duration.

Malakim

The Malakim of Soothing, often called on to fight to keep other from inflicting pain, are capable of totally removing the harm they are forced to do. Using the Symphonic Connection between the inflicter and the damage inflicted, they are capable of healing at will all damage they personally inflicted, for (personal Forces in the appropriate Realm) hours after it was dealt.

Note, this will restore 'lost' Forces in cases of Celestial Combat, eliminate Discord inflicted by Ethereal Combat, and even 'resurrect' those who have died Corporeally, but in the matter of Celestial Death the injured is beyond the power of this Attunement to restore to life.

However, due to the more extreme nature of such damage, these things can only be undone within a number of rounds equal to the lower of the Malakite’s or the subject’s Will, and only if the Malakite is willing and able to pay the cost.

To heal Ethereal Discord, the Malakite must make a Will roll. If he succeeds then the Malakite will gain the Discord it removed from the subject. If it already possessed levels of that Discord then add the levels gained to the ones already possessed. If this would increase the level beyond 6, then the excess levels are instead taken as levels in a randomly generated Ethereal Discord.

Lost Forces can only be restored if the Malakite sacrifices one of its own of the appropriate type. Note that if this is done within the window of opportunity to a newly created Remnant then the result will be a restoration of the old angel rather a new Celestial.

If a Malakite seeks to reverse Corporeal Death, then it must give up a number of Vessel levels equal to the Vessel slain. In the case of humans, it must give up a number of Vessel levels equal to the human’s Corporeal Forces. The angel can of course choose how many levels are taken from each of its vessels.

Personally inflicted damage includes all forms of inflicting one-on-one damage, including the use of melee weapons and firearms wielded by the Malakite himself, but explosions, fire, and other area attacks do not fall under this Attunement's jurisdiction. Nor does damage inflicted indirectly by a Malakite, such as the damage caused by a fall caused by him.

This Attunement is popular with many of Soothing who expect that they may have to fight, since they could leave their opponent behind and heal them from safety.

<Sidebox>

Malakim in the Tattered Symphony sense how a being compares to their standard of honor, and Fleurity's are no exception. What makes them differ from their choir brothers is the standard that they use. Their Order of Things is quite different than that of the Host, or even the Exiles. For them, there is no Great Chain of Being. All beings are ultimately equal in their capacity to feel pain.

Instead, they are concerned with Cruelty and Kindness. In Fleurity's Order, pain is the great evil. Sometimes it is necessary to inflict it, but it must be minimized as much as possible. Those who are cruel are dishonorable, for they take pleasure in the infliction of pain, and thus take glee defying the Order of Things. Unlike Gabriel's angels, they are not concerned with punishment but prevention. They take no pleasure on any pain they might have to inflict, but only a calm, determined ruthlessness borne of the utmost confidence that what they do is necessary. They see themselves as the God's scalpel, inflicting precisely only as much harm as necessary to slice away cancerous and infected tissue from the Symphony. The only pleasure they take in any battles they fight is that they are doing their part to serve the

Greater Good. In a way, this detached equanimity makes them even scarier than other Malakim.

</Sidebar>

Fleurity has given Kyriotates of Soothing an extra option to avoid corrupting a host. They can instead choose to absorb the corruption into themselves, which then manifest as Ethereal damage equal to the level of corruption which would have been inflicted. Fleurity will offer this attunement to any Kyriotate who asks him, no matter what affiliation.

Mercurians

Being the social creatures they are, Mercurians of Soothing are able to heal relationships. With a successful contest of Wills, a Mercurian of Soothing is able to impose the desire to talk peacefully with those a subject would rather avoid, or even actively try to harm under other circumstances, for (CD) hours. If attacked by the person or persons they still will defend themselves if they have to, but will try to leave without harming him if possible. Hopefully, by the time the effect is over, both sides would have taken a step closer to reconciliation.

Lilim

Lilim of Soothing can sense what ails a being. With a successful Perception roll they can sense all injuries, illnesses, afflictions, and potentially harmful conditions in a being. This includes Discords and Disadvantages, but they will be unable to tell whether the condition is a Discord or Disadvantage, just what the affliction is and its severity.

With the degeneration of the Symphony, a second use has been found for this Attunement. It also allows one to sense any areas of Symphonic Dissonance or Discord within line of sight. The user learns the type, severity, and area covered of any Symphonic Discord detected with this attunement.

As canon Blandine's Attunement of the same name on page 8 of Superiors 3.

Those with this attunement automatically are aware of all beneficial and detrimental effects of any substance he examines.

This allows the Celestial to allow a subject to enjoy all the benefits of a drug, herb, or other remedy, and none of the harmful or inconvenient side effects, as long as he was present when the dosage was administered.

This Attunement allows one to create any herb, drug, or remedy from nothing, at a cost of 1 essence per quart for liquids or 1 essence per cubic foot for pills, powders, and other solid forms.

Relief

This Attunement allows the user to temporarily negate the effects of Discords or Disadvantages in a subject. With a successful Will roll, any one Discord or disadvantage is reduced by a number of levels equal to the CD. This effect lasts for the user's Forces in the appropriate Realm in hours.

This Attunement can also be applied on areas that suffer from Discord. However, it requires a number of beings successfully using this attunement in concert equal to the level of Discord in such an area, with the lowest CD generated + extra user beyond necessary used to calculate the number of levels reduced. The duration is calculated with the user with lowest amount of Forces in the appropriate Realm.

This Attunement allows a user to exude a aura which acts as a sedative, soothing any feelings of hostility and aggression. When activated, anyone within the user's Forces in yards must win a Contest of Wills roll against the user every time they wish to make a hostile action against anyone.

Those who hold this Distinction are able to actually heal others of dissonance. With a successful Precision roll, they are able to flush away the build up of dissonance in another celestial's system by spending essence, on a one for one basis.

With the degeneration of the Symphony, a second use has been found for this attunement. This attunement can also be used to generate 'white noise' which negates lingering or permanent disturbance in an area by spending Essence on a one for one basis. If the Precision roll is successful, no new disturbance is generated. Of course, if one fails the Precision roll, it generates new disturbance, making the problem worse. Thus it is possible, with a great enough expenditure of Essence, to get rid of Symphonically Dissonant Zones.

This Distinction actually allows one to permanently remove Discord and Disadvantages. With a successful Precision roll, a Surgeon can actually cut a number of levels of one Discord or Disadvantage away, up to the CD, with the expenditure of an equivalent amount of Essence.

Unfortunately, unlike other Attunements and Distinctions, this Attunement has not been able to be successfully applied to the Symphony at large. One can not permanently remove an area of Symphonic Discord with this ability, even in groups. The best that can be managed is to do is slice the Discord into smaller pieces, reducing the severity but spreading the size. It takes a number of Surgeons equal to the level of Symphonic Discord working in concert to slice the area. The lowest CD is used, and the Symphonic Discord must be moved to an adjacent area. The area of the original Symphonic Discord will remain the same, and the resulting new one will be equal in size to the original. Areas of Symphonic Discord can never be sliced below 1.

Example: A Lustful/3 area is sliced by three Surgeons. They all succeed on their roll, and the lowest CD is a 1. They are able to slice 1 level of Lustful away and place it in any area adjacent to the original one. The original area will be Lustful/2 and the new one will be Lustful/1. Since the original area had a 15-yard radius, the new area will also have a 15-yard radius.

Fleurity doesn't hate anyone. As an Elohite, outside of his Word, he's able to view things objectively and recognize that to hate would undermine his very purpose. Nevertheless, there are some beings that he must work against, due to the fact their very goals and procedures are at cross-purposes with his Word.

Also, while he wishes that all beings were free of pain, there are some Superiors who are before others in triage, either due to the fact their Words or efforts complement his own, or because they are in greater need of his ministrations.

The Others

Allied: Gabriel, Mariel

Associated: Soldekai, White Star

Neutral: Beelzebub

Hostile: Jordi

The Host

Allied: Christopher, Israfel

Associated: Andrealphus, Jean, Kobal

Neutral: All others except...

Hostile: Beleth, Demogorgon, Malphas

The Exiles

Allied: David, Eli

Associated: Blandine, Lilith, Novalis, Ogiel, Raphael, Vapula

Neutral: All others except...

Hostile: Malphas

<Sidebar>

One of the situations Outcast Archangels have to deal with is how to gain more Word-bound. Fleurity's main method involves relying on the good will and aid of those Archangels who are friendly toward him. Fleurity is one of the most popular of the neutral Archangels and many Superiors on both sides of The War are sympathetic to him.

When Fleurity needs a Word-bound, he simply asks that a friendly Archangel take in his candidate. Then, as a 'member' of that Superior's organization, they are sponsored for the desired Word. After they receive it they spend some time serving their sponsor for formality's sake before 'defecting' back to Fleurity.

This arrangement has worked well for Fleurity for a long time, and in tandem with actual defectors and the restoration of Word-bound Remnants, has provided him with all the Word-bound he needs.

</Sidebar>

: Making someone feel better

: Healing someone's wounds

: Healing a relationship

: Teaching others how to seal or soothe

: Encouraging others to heal and soothe

: Preventing an event which would have caused suffering

Fleurity tries to be available to all who need him, but there are just so many of them.

+1 A first aid kit

+2 Inside a local hospital, counseling center, or other facility of Soothing

+3 At the site of a medical emergency, emotional crisis, or other such situation

+4 On the premises of major facility of healing and relief

+5 In a refugee camp, or other place which needs the attentions of Soothing

+6 Ground Zero of a major disaster where many need Soothing desperately

He wasn't always Archangel of Soothing. No, in the beginning of things he was merely a Word-bound servitor of Novalis, the Angel of Remedies. To him fell the task of seeing to those injured - not there were many in the early days in Heaven. An accident here, some overly rambunctious games there. He had little work to do, but he did it well, with elegance and precision.

Then came that fateful day when strife broke out in the streets of Heaven. Fleurity had no idea what was going on. All he knew was that angel fought against angel, inflicting wounds most grievous upon each other. Never before in the history of his existence had he witnessed such hurt, such pain, inflicted on a fellow angel. It confused him, paralyzing him with doubt and uncertainty. But then he realized what he must do. He could not let such injuries go untreated. Following his Word, he set about his mission, healing the wounded and organizing others as confused as he to help aid in the relief.

He had no idea what set off this madness, or anything about the causes of the two factions. All he knew was that his fellow angels were in pain, and he had the ability to remedy it. He and his followers set about their task, moving through the holy streets to heal those on both sides. It was only a matter of chance that they encountered the retreat lead by Ogiel. Had they taken a different route, who knows what would have happened to him? But encountered them they did, and without a word immediately lent their aid to the wounded among them. And thus Fleurity and his followers found themselves in the Marches, separated from his beloved Superior when the Gates of Hades slammed shut.

Once Ogiel's Michaelines reached a place of relative safety, Fleurity and his healers set about the task of tending to their wounds, and making sure they could recuperate in peace. It was only then that Fleurity had learned the whole story of what had occurred. He was shocked and saddened by the news, but when asked by Ogiel if he would join in the War against Lucifer, Fleurity had to refuse. He could not bring himself to inflict pain on another being unless absolutely necessary. Instead, he told Ogiel, he would go back to the Heaven and try to talk peace. He was told he was crazy and would most likely die.

Fleurity agreed, but he said he had to try. If there was any chance that the rift could be healed, it was his duty to find it.

When Fleurity marched back into the Shining City, he received a joyous welcome. Many among the Host had benefited from his efforts, and gathered to thank him. By the time he reached the throne of Lucifer, a veritable throng of celestial had accumulated in his wake. He marched straight up to the Lightbringer and stated he was here to speak for reconciliation. Lucifer, mindful of the following Fleurity seemed to have gathered, received him warmly, explaining that reconciliation was impossible, for the Exiled dared to defy the Will of God. Fleurity listened patiently, and then stated that the highest ideal of God was Harmony. At this, Lucifer's voice grew low and dangerous, and he asked Fleurity which philosophy he supported. Fleurity looked the Lightbringer unflinchingly in the eyes, locking him into a stare that seemed to the crowd to last an eternity.

"Healing and relief. How can anything be more important than that?"

And then seeing that his efforts were futile, he sadly shook his head and turned to leave. The crowd watched on with uncertainty. Would the Lightbringer order him struck down for his defiance? And if so, could anyone there dare to lay a hand on one so beloved? But Lucifer did nothing but watch him leave. And Fleurity returned to the others in the Marches.

<Sidebar>

A number of angels, possibly including Archangels, who were around during the Rebellion are extremely reluctant, if not totally unwilling, to harm Fleurity or his Servitors due to their gratitude for his efforts to heal and soothe sides during the fight. It was this sentiment that allowed him to walk out on Lucifer, with no one daring to raise a hand against him. Some even believe Lucifer himself would rather Fleurity himself not be harmed, either for personal reasons, or due to potential political fallout. Like the largest riot in Heaven since the Rebellion itself.

</Sidebar>

From then on, Fleurity and his followers wandered the Marches, healing those who needed it, and easing the pain of others. It was they who mitigated Beleth's reign of terror, soothing the fear she generated and offering relief to the dreamers of humanity. It was they who patched up Host and Michaeline alike, while forever trying to end the suffering caused. For the most part, both sides left them unmolested, hesitant to strike at those who relieved them.

Then finally, the doors to Hades swung open, and Fleurity journeyed to see his mother. He entered Hades a hero, for though he did not harry the Host, he soothed the pain and kept hope alive for an otherwise helpless humanity. Like Ogiel, his reunion was celebrated by an elevation to Superior status, and Fleurity became the Archangel of Soothing, encompassing all attempts to relieve and heal hurts, whether physical or spiritual.

But Fleurity soon realized his place was not among the Exiled either. For they too were to bent on strife, eager to inflict pain on those of the Host. Even his mother Novalis had changed. Where once she could forgive all, now there was nothing but enmity in her heart for the Host. Sadly, he and his servitors left Hades. Now they roam the Earth and Marches, relieving the suffering of those in pain and working for peace between all.

More than anything else, Fleurity wants peace. He's the original conscientious objector, a Red Cross, Doctor Without Borders type of guy whose willing to cooperate with either side if it helps ease pain and reduce suffering. He's a peacenik, but not a total pacifist, recognizing that sometime one has to fight to prevent greater pain. But he feels that the only ethical thing to do is to keep pain to a minimum, and soothe it whenever one can, even in one's enemies.

It's not just because of fashion sense that his favorite manifestation harkens back to the sixties. The ideals of that age, Peace and Love, are those close to his heart. Why argue about petty differences like who is wrong or right, or which species is most important. Isn't the fact that they all feel pain make them equal? His philosophy is that the pain of others outweighs the merits of any abstract argument, no matter how right or wrong it is. The War is foolishness, stubbornness, pain, and resentment masquerading as high ideals. If everyone would stop fighting and come together in peace, then maybe the Symphony could be healed, and everyone could be happy again.

He's trying to end it. That's one of his major goals. Failing that, he wants to minimize the pain it causes as much as possible: the lower the level of conflict, the better. He heals all those who are victims of the conflict, no matter which side they are on. Many who are disillusioned by The War flock to him, thus rejecting the conflict, and are eager to promote his cause. He tests all those who come to him, and only takes those into his service those he feels care for peace and the Soothing of all more than any side. He is one of the major shelterers of outcasts and deserters, and many on both sides like or respect him enough not to pursue any Servitors who enter his service. On the opposite end of things, some of his Servitors work "'n Service' with more acceptable Superiors on both sides, doing what they can to minimize any pain they might cause, and to heal all those they can.

Fleurity doesn't think about God much. He's too busy dealing with the pain in the world here and now to ponder the philosophical possibilities of God's death or continued existence. On the rare occasions he does ponder such theological matters, he concludes that it really doesn't matter right now. If God's alive, maybe he'll return and heal the Symphony. Until such time as that comes to pass, Fleurity will just have to continue his best efforts. He hopes God is still alive, but until he shows himself, his life or death has no impact on him.

The Others

Beelzebub: "Keeping War under control is not enough. The ideal solution is to work to eliminate it entirely. I fear his Word blinds him to this Truth."

Gabriel: "Her wounds were inflicted long ago, but the pain is still fresh. We must do all we can to help her."

Jordi: "His actions inflict wounds on the World. Doesn't he realize that?"

Mariel: "I'd make her forget, but that would inflict even worse pain than what she feels now. I can only try to ease the pain of her memories. To take them away would be cruel, not kind."

Soldekai: "Hope is one of the greatest balms in the Symphony. I appreciate the Word and its Archangel's attempts at countering Beleth."

White Star: "He has part of the answer, but he's too concerned with the spiritual to the detriment of the corporeal. He must learn the value of holistic healing."

The Host

Andrealphus: "If only more would embrace Love, then the War would end that much sooner."

Asmodeus: "He's not a Superior, but I wish he were. The Host could use more Archangels with such kindness and compassion."

Beleth: "Healthy fear can help one avoid pain, but unnecessary fear just causes suffering. Because of this, I am forced to oppose her, and can not Soothe the pain she feels."

<Sidebar>

Before the Exiles were freed, Fleurity was Beleth's main opposition when it came to the dreams of humanity. Making his home in the Marches, he saw that unchecked Fear would inflict untold pain and anxiety in the human race. So, he had to oppose her. He and his followers did all they could to Soothe the Fears generated by her and her Servitors. There was no personal animosity in his actions against her, then or now, only the cold, logical realization that it was his sacred duty to undermine her Word.

</Sidebar>

Beth: "She hides her pain, burying it within her memories. Unhealthy, but I have worse cases to deal with. She'll have to wait."

Christopher: "Her Innocence is refreshing, and her existence gives me Hope. If only more among the Symphony could embrace her attitude."

Demogorgon: "He's been driven mad by his Word, hurting himself and others, including the Symphony itself. I fear the only cure would be to strip it from him."

Eve: "She has a great potential to heal. If only she'd see beyond the Host. The pain of her breakup with Adam still cries out to me. Their love must be healed."

Gebbeleth: "Holy Mysteries offers many some comfort, but he could do more to help Soothe others."

Iblis: "I don't hate him, even though he's a warmonger. I just wish he'd learn some empathy, and realize the pain War causes."

Israfel: "Her pain is that of the Symphony itself. Aid her and her Servitors, for in doing so you aid everyone."

Jean: "He's working to help heal the Symphony. Hopefully he'll be of help in our efforts, and we in his."

Kobal: "Sometimes, Laughter is the best medicine."

Laurence: "I take consolation in the fact he does things out of duty, and not cruelty. Still, like Iblis, he must lift the blinders of The War from his eyes. Black and White doesn't matter when Red drowns both."

Lucifer: "He could do so much to end the War, if only he would apologize, compromise, reach out for rapprochement. But he's blinded by his own Light, and the War continues. A Tragedy."

Malphas: "Dividing people breeds fear and resentment, which leads to stress and suffering. His methods are cold and cruel."

Marc: "I'm happy he's willing to help people. If only he could realize the feeling that comes with Soothing others is in itself satisfactory payment."

Zadkiel: "Sister, dear sister. I can only do so much. You won't be free of your pain until you let go of your hate."

<Sidebar>

As a fellow child of Novalis, Fleurity has a personal concern for Zadkiel. One of his biggest regrets was that he was unable to help her in her time of need.

Almost overwhelmed by the duties he and his followers had taken on in the early days after the Rebellion, Fleurity was not aware that his sister was wandering the Earth despondent and sorrowful. Had he known her whereabouts, he would have taken her in and given what comfort he could. Alas, he was not even aware she was alive until she publicly emerged as the Archangel of The Watch.

Today Fleurity does as much as he can to look after his sister's welfare without compromising his primary duties. This is difficult, because he also tries to look out for the wellbeing of his mother Novalis. His feelings force him into a delicate balancing act in matters involving the both of them. He mainly tries to minimize what harm they do inflict on each other, and try to heal all the wounds they inflict. He hopes and works to promote forgiveness between them, so that one day the two would set aside their mutual hatred, and they could be reunited as a happy family.

Alas, that day does not seem to be approaching anytime soon.

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The Exiles

Baal: "His protection of the weak is his redeeming quality. I just wish I could convince him that forgiving the Host would be the most Valorous thing he could do."

Blandine: "Dreams make people feel better, and chase away the Fears Beleth creates. I'm glad to help her when I can."

David: "Among all the Exiles, he's in most need of Soothing."

Dominique: "She tempers Justice with mercy. For that I applaud her."

Eli: "Creation itself is in pain. We must do all we can to help him."

Haagenti: "His exuberance lifts many beings spirits. If only he'd watch where he's going."

Lilith: "She released the Exiles so they could help heal the Symphony. And in doing so she enabled me to be reunited with my beloved mother. With or without geases, I would owe her for that."

Malphas: "On either side, his methods are the same. The goal doesn't matter, for it is his means I oppose."

Novalis: "Oh Mother, your privations have changed you so. I long for the joy of Flowers past, and the mercy unending you once had. Still, even so changed, I love you still, and aid you when I can. If only you could find it in yourself to forgive the Host."

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One of the saddest discoveries Fleurity made after the Gates of Hades were open was how much Novalis had changed. He remembered the Novalis of old, with her boundless joy, kindness, and mercy. The one that welcomed him to Hades was a different person entirely. Warmth was still there, but tinged with sadness. Kindness and mercy she had, but now it was finite and not extended toward the Host, not even her daughter Zadkiel. Where once she was an angel of Hope and Life, now she was associated with Grief and Death.

The Novalis Fleurity knew was gone, traumatized by the tragedies she endured and worn away by her long time of imprisonment. Fleurity mourned this loss. Some say it was his inability to convince even his mother to forgive the Host for the sake of peace that finally convinced Fleurity his place was not among the Exiles.

Today, Fleurity does what he can to aid his mother, while trying to convince her to soften her heart toward the Host. More than almost anything else in the Symphony, he wants the old Novalis back. He does what he can to lay the groundwork for reconciliation between her and Zadkiel, so that one day they can be a family again. If that day ever came, Fleurity is sure it would be a big step toward a larger peace, and an end to The War.

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Nybbas: "Communication has so much potential to bring us all together in peace. He could realize it if he would but let go of his devotion to winning The War."

Ogiel: "I remember him from the old days, and I know the wounds he still bears. He gained my friendship then, and he still has it now, even when we disagree about his tactics. And sometimes, he gives my people enough information to heal those he leaves alive in his raids. I know he does this mainly so the survivors could spread tales, but I like to imagine that at least a small part is to show mercy to those he hurts."

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One is an angel of peace and mercy, while the other is a being of ruthlessness and vengeance. Yet despite these differences they have a good friendship. On the surface the association between Fleurity and Ogiel seems to make no sense.

But there are very good reasons the two are as close as they are.

First and foremost is that of history. In the early days after the Rebellion they found themselves relying on the other. Fleurity and his followers provided great medical aid to the Michaelines. While Fleurity did not deliberately favor them, they did receive more of his aid based on the fact they were in greater need of it. As for Ogiel, he and his followers often helped protect Fleurity and his healers against the attacks of those who did not respect Fleurity's stance of neutrality.

Another reason is that of need. Fleurity tends to let how much he is needed affect his relations. The angels of Resistance tend to fight harder and take more risks than most of the others. Thus they tend to need the ministrations of his angels more. And Ogiel himself has pain that needs soothing, even though he vehemently denies it.

Finally, there is Fleurity's hope that he can use his association to encourage mercy in Ogiel and his Servitors. From Fleurity's perspective, this seems to be having limited success. Sometimes Fleurity's people are given enough notice that they are able to arrive in time to help the survivors of one of Resistance's raids. Of course, the fact that those survivors live to tell horrific tales about the Resistance, or that the arrival of the White Lotus itself after a major engagement gives the injured among them sanctuary from pursuit might have something to do with it. But Fleurity would like to think that he's influencing Ogiel to be a little merciful. And Ogiel doesn't try to dissuade Fleurity of his beliefs.

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Raphael: "The Knowledge of medicine and psychology have helped Soothe the world, and she too works to help heal the Symphony. In promoting these matters she has my help."

Uriel: "I can only hope one day he'll realize conflict is messy and impure, and embrace the Purity of peace."

Vapula: "SCIENCE! has done much to produce things which heal. I just wish he'd promote medicine and cures more rather than spend time on whatever mysterious project he's working on. Still, I am grateful for all the help he has given."

This version of Fleurity has come to the realization that the Symphony is dying and there's nothing he can do about it. It's gone beyond his ability to heal. The only thing left is to make sure the end comes as quickly and painlessly as possible. This Fleurity is working to commit the ultimate act of euthanasia. Only when the Final Darkness comes will the Symphony know peace.