Tumbletown - Reach
~~~
The people were stunned by Gabriel's words, shock written across every face—even the septon's.
"I see," the septon murmured, and for a moment silence fell once more.
After a pause, the septon spoke again.
"My lord, perhaps you would wish to rest, or find a place to stay. I can take you to the village elder."
Gabriel inclined his head. "After you?"
The septon straightened, offering his name. "Gawin. Septon Gawin."
Gabriel smiled warmly. "After you, Septon Gawin."
Gabriel followed behind Septon Gawin, and the villagers stepped aside as they passed, still carrying the wonder of what they had witnessed.
"I felt something warm when his wings were there," one whispered. "It was so comforting… as if my weariness vanished for a moment."
Others murmured in agreement, their voices hushed with awe, as they made way toward the house of the village elder.
When they reached the door, Septon Gawin knocked gently and called out,
"Elder Garth, may I come in?"
From inside the house, a voice called out,
"Septon Gawin? Of course, come in, come in."
They entered together, and Elder Garth looked up in surprise at the figure following behind the septon.
"And who is that with you, Septon Gawin?"
Gawin cleared his throat. "Ahh… this is Gabriel. Ahem… an angel."
"Angel?" Elder Garth repeated, curious.
Gabriel spoke then, his tone respectful.
"I am Gabriel, village elder. Forgive me for the commotion outside earlier."
"Ahh, so that was the noise I heard," Elder Garth replied. "What happened out there?"
He gestured toward the seats. "Come, sit with me."
As they sat together, Gabriel spoke softly.
"Forgive me once more for what happened earlier, Elder. I descended suddenly upon your village."
"Descended?" Elder Garth repeated, puzzled.
Gabriel nodded. "It may be easier if I show you."
He willed his wings forth again, and in an instant they unfurled—radiant, flooding the elder's home with a brilliant light. Septon Gawin and Elder Garth shielded their eyes, overwhelmed by the glow that poured from Gabriel's wings.
Elder Garth trembled, his voice breaking.
"What… what are you?"
Gabriel's reply was calm, yet carried the weight of truth.
"I am an angel of God, Elder Garth."
Elder Garth gasped, overcome.
"By the Seven… forgive me, my lord," he whispered, moving as though to kneel.
But Gabriel raised a hand, stopping him gently.
"Do not kneel, Elder Garth. I am like you."
The elder faltered, his lips trembling. "B-but…"
Gabriel only smiled, calm and reassuring.
After a moment, Elder Garth returned to his seat, still shaken, while Gabriel willed his wings back into himself. The radiant light faded, leaving the room in quiet shadow once more.
Septon Gawin sat in silence, his thoughts unsettled. Why did the light of his wings comfort me so deeply? he wondered. It was as though the glow itself eased my spirit…
Gabriel spoke again, his tone gentle yet earnest.
"Elder Garth, Septon Gawin… I hope I will not be a disturbance to you or to the whole village. But if I may, I would humbly ask to stay here for a short while."
The words hung in the quiet room, filled with both reverence and uncertainty. Elder Garth and Septon Gawin exchanged glances, weighing the request of the angel who had descended upon their village.
Gabriel spoke again, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Do not worry, Elder Garth. I will help with the labors of the people."
But Elder Garth shook his head quickly.
"No, my lord, no. You may stay here in my home, and I will even give you a servant to tend to your needs."
Gabriel smiled gently and replied,
"I have no need of a servant, Elder Garth, for I am myself only a servant of God. All I ask is a place to dwell for now."
The elder fell silent, humbled by Gabriel's words, while Septon Gawin watched with quiet awe.
A storm of thoughts swirled within Septon Gawin's mind.
What manner of being is this? His nature is so divine, yet his humility is profound. A creature of the Old Gods… this should be heresy.
And yet, he could not deny what he had felt.
Why then… why did my heart and soul draw so near to the light of his wings? Why did it comfort me so deeply, instead of repelling me?
Confusion and awe wrestled within him, leaving the septon shaken, caught between the teachings of the Seven and the undeniable warmth he had experienced.
Elder Garth bowed his head slightly, his voice filled with respect.
"Then I welcome you to Tumbletown, my lord, and to my home."
Gabriel smiled gently.
"Just Gabriel will do, Elder Garth. And thank you. May God bless you."
The elder's eyes softened at the humility in Gabriel's words, while Septon Gawin looked on, still wrestling with the awe and comfort he had felt from the angel's light.