Michael waited for the young woman in the forest. He desperately hoped she would come. Not just so that he could see her again. He promised he would help get her home, and felt a responsibility to carry his promise through. The young Seraphim paced around the trees. Ravenna would need food. If that disgusting man did not care about her consent, he wouldn't care about her basic needs either. She must need food. Who knows how long she had been tied up in that man's possession?
The thought of the dead man irritated Michael; he kicked at a few fallen leaves on the ground, his wings flicking back. He shook his head; being angry was not going to help Ravenna. He needed a solution. Michael paused, scanning his brain for what would be his best move.
He wanted to help the young woman. –I need to find her some food. She needs to be comfortable, I need to show her I can provide. How can I do that in the Human Realm? I need…I need…I need Ophelia and Victoria!–
Ophelia and Victoria could help him. Ravenna would not be here for a while; he had time. Michael closed his eyes and stepped forward, entering the Kingdom. He traveled directly to the entryway of his home, wanting to avoid bothering with any of the other Brothers today. He opened the door to his home, where he promptly found his maidservants bustling around his home.
"Seraphim Michael! Good day!" The pair of maidservants curtsied when they noticed the Seraphim in their presence. Ophelia left the parlor to join Victoria in the kitchen, where Michael seemed to be interested in going.
"Hello, ladies. I need your help with something." Michael entered his kitchen and began his instructions. "I am heading out for the afternoon, and would like to have some food to take with me. I would like, oh, let's see…" Michael's voice trailed off as he thought about what Ravenna would like. "Okay. Perhaps a bottle of wine, several cakes and pastries packed, a pot of roast, and anything else you ladies feel would be good for my – afternoon."
Ophelia looked at Victoria, and Victoria looked at Ophelia, the pair trying to communicate silently with each other about the odd request.
"Of course," Ophelia began. "But if I may ask, where is your waistcoat? You had it when you left for your walk."
Michael's eyes opened wide, and he looked down at his clothes. His waistcoat. The one Ravenna wore. All he had left was his white shirt, the sleeves pulled back to his elbows, and white pants. The waistcoat was always part of his outfits. He needed an explanation that did not involve snapping the neck of a human and giving his waistcoat to an exposed woman.
Michael forced a laugh. "Oh yes! What a funny story. Zerachiel jumped from his balcony and landed on me. You two would have cried from laughing at such a sight. He absolutely ruined my waistcoat. He is just lucky he didn't ruin the rest of my clothes!"
Victoria's eyes narrowed as if she didn't fully believe only one article of clothing could be ruined by such an event. Michael smiled wider, raising his brows, encouraging his maidservants to laugh at the scenario he described. The two women shared another glance, as if they did not believe Michael, but continued to half-heartedly giggle along with their master.
Ophelia raised one of her eyebrows at Michael's words. "Zerachiel can be such a joker some days. His maidservants must have their hands full with him."
Victoria brewed some tea while they waited for the meat to cook. She poured it into three cups, and placed several cakes alongside the teacups on the tray. She motioned for Michael to join them in the parlor as he always did. Instead, he chose to stand with his cup, pacing as he drank. Ophelia sat next to Victoria while they waited.
"Seraphim Michael, please, join us, wearing out your floorboards will not make the roast cook any sooner." Ophelia patted the chair next to her, trying again to get Michael to sit.
Michael looked at the small cup in his hand, and at the tiny blonde maidservant patting the chair. He bit his lower lip, and reluctantly sat. He tried to keep up with the conversation with the maidservants, but his mind was in the Human Realm, along with Ravenna.
"Is everything alright? You seem distracted. Perhaps a cake?....Seraphim Michael?" Victoria gently reached out and touched Michael's knee, snapping his attention to the redheaded angel sitting near him.
Michael was about to answer when a small bell rang, indicating that his meal was ready. The two maidservants left their place in the parlor to attend to their cooking. The Seraphim let out a breath of relief; he did not want to tell the women what was on his mind.
Ophelia finished packing the items Michael asked for. "I have everything here that you have asked for. Is there anything else we can do for you, Seraphim Michael?"
Michael looked at the bag that was prepared for him. "No, thank you, ladies, this is more than enough. I appreciate you more than you know. Have a great rest of your day." He thought momentarily, reaching above the two smaller angels and grabbing a second dishware set. They were only expecting to pack for one. Ophelia and Victoria shared another look of silent confusion, trying to determine what their master was up to, but neither dared ask.
Michael stepped out of his home, closed his eyes, and realm-travelled back to the Mortal Plane. He arrived just in time to see Ravenna looking around for him. Warmth spread throughout his body seeing the young woman in the forest – she had come to the forest to see him, and he had not scared her with his sudden appearance. A grin stretched across the Seraphim's face, reaching his eyes. –Ravenna feels safe with me, she actually came!–