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tsuru_sanWhoo, now it's Raphael's turn. Kind of an angelic version of what I did for Asmodeus's post. So this post is about the angels and their ranks, the structure of Heaven, bio of Raphael, and some sketches of angel wings.
Once again, art is worksafe, but some images are large.
the structure of Heaven
Heaven is composed of seven levels that are stacked one on top of the other, 1st Heaven at the bottom and 7th Heaven at the top. Each heaven is governed by one of the Seven Archangels of the Lord (who are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Zacharael, Raguel, and Jophiel). These Seven also represent each of the seven capital virtues.
1st Heaven: governed by Jophiel
2nd Heaven: governed by Zacharael
3rd Heaven: governed by Uriel
4th Heaven: governed by Raguel
5th Heaven: governed by Raphael
6th Heaven: governed by Gabriel
7th Heaven: governed by Michael
Human souls live in the lower five heavens while 6th and 7th Heaven make up the Silver City where the angels live (although some humans have been able to visit this city).
The hierarchy of Heaven:
-God
-the Seven Archangels of the Lord and the Metatron
-the nine choirs of angels:
1. Seraphim
(The most powerful of all the angels.)
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones
4. Dominions
5. Virtues
6. Powers
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels
Archangel rank vs. the Seven Archangels of the Lord
The Archangels as a rank are numerous and the second lowest choir whereas the Seven Archangels are the most powerful in heaven and are from Dominions rank or higher. This sharing of the term "archangel" is confusing, and no one quite knows why God set it up this way. After the Fall, Lucifer has been known to bitch about this discrepancy, and many people think that that is one of the reasons why the hierarchy of Hell is simpler than that of Heaven.
A group or gathering of angels is referred to as a choir. And on that note, a group or gathering of demons is called a cacophony.
bio of Raphael
Raphael is of Thrones rank and is one of the Seven Archangels of the Lord, specifically the Archangel of Love. He is also the Governor of the 5th Heaven as well as the Angel of Healing. (Raphael's name even means "God heals".) He's less strict and serious than some of his comrades (especially Uriel), and Raphael can occasionally be a bit of a practical joker.
Like for Asmodeus, I typed up something involving Raphael and one of the Beings of Renown protagonists. This time it's Zoraiel, the Virtues stationed in Great Britain. This isn't actually and excerpt from BoR though. It probably happened some time pre-book.
Anyway, Virtues Zoraiel is technically one of Uriel's many subordinates, but since Zoraiel is so knowledgeable about humans, he was also one of the angels sent to Earth with Raphael to fight and contain the Bubonic Plague during the Middle Ages. Zoraiel stayed on as an Earth agent, and sometimes Raphael likes to pop down and check on him.
"[...Zoraiel had been looking in a shop window at the time. Alongside other wintry garments hung a lovely red scarf, and Zoraiel was just thinking he might buy it for Cineead—because, really, the scarf would match the demon's eyes perfectly—when suddenly there was a flash of divine energy and a sense of presence, and Zoraiel realized that he was no longer alone. The Virtues turned, blue eyes widening in shock as his cigarette almost fell out of his mouth.
On the pavement next to Zoraiel stood another angel wearing a white dress shirt, khaki slacks, and a long tan overcoat that was perfect for the cool November weather. The angel's long auburn hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and his green eyes sparkled. He looked like he would make a good Classics professor, the kind who spoke in random spurts of Latin. His unlined face resembled that of a well-to-do human in his late twenties, and the mirthful smile that turned up the corners of the angel's pretty mouth suggested a sense of humor.
"Hello, Zoraiel," the newcomer greeted, giving a little wave with one of his brown-gloved hands. "Long time no see."
"L-lord Raphael!" Zoraiel gasped, but quickly he reigned in his shock and bowed politely before the higher angel. "I, ah, mean, Thrones Raphael, this visitation is an honor. What may I ask is the occasion?"
"Oh, don't be so formal, Zoraiel, it's uncharacteristic," the archangel laughed. "I know very well you don't give a darn about decorum if you can help it. Besides, if I wanted people bowing and scraping before me, I'd go visit the Vatican. So anyway, how are you? Is that a cigarette in your mouth?"
Zoraiel blinked. "I...um, I..." The cigarette vanished.
"Ah, no, I didn't say get rid of it!" Raphael protested. "I already know that you're a—what's the human word these days? Chain-smoker?"
The cigarette reappeared still smoldering, and the lesser angel gave a noncommittal shrug though he at least had the decency to look guilty.
"I must say," the archangel continued, "it is terribly unangelic, you know. Second hand smoke and all that."
Taking the cigarette from his mouth, Zoraiel found his voice enough to say, "It's not smoke."
"Pardon?"
"I said 'It's not smoke.' The smoke turns to oxygen a few seconds after I exhale," the Virtues explained.
Raphael smiled a charmed smile. "Hmm, that's actually quite clever. The image still isn't very angelic though," he added sternly, but the tone of voice didn't reach his eyes which still glowed with amusement
Zoraiel raised an eyebrow. "Are you ordering me to stop, sir?"
A small chuckle. "No."
Zoraiel nodded relieved. That was one thing he liked about Raphael: the Thrones wasn't anal retentive enough to write him up for a measly cigarette...]"
A few Raphael expressions and story bits.
1. Raphael had never really gone to see any of the paintings that humans did of him. Oh, he'd known about them of course, but he'd never really bothered to see exactly what man's mind conjured up. Eventually during a visitation at the Vatican, Raphael decided that he could afford to take a little side trip to see what the humans came up with when they thought of him.
Strolling through galleries, the angel found paintings in various museums in various countries. Some of the pictures were rather close to the truth while others didn't resemble him at all. Raphael found one oil painting that was particularly accurate; however, in the picture, he was wearing an incredibly serious expression that Raphael was almost certain he couldn't possibly make.
For a lark, the angel tried to mimic the painting. He managed to hold the stoic expression for about five seconds before bursting out laughing as humans nearby shot him strange looks.
2. Raphael liked to go down to Eden which was in the 1st Heaven. When he wanted a bit of peace and quiet, the angel would go there, and the birds of Paradise would flock around him. Raphael was particularly fond of the flighty little swallows and the handsome sparrows, and the angel would often take some bread crumbs from his pocket and offer them to the birds.
3. Raphael was there with Gabriel that day at Golgotha, and together the angels wept. The healer wanted to run to the cross, push the guards away, and heal his Lord's wounds, but the angel knew he wasn't allowed. Finally when the Son of God called out to his Father, Raphael found he had to look away.
4. The Black Plague turned out to be more than the European Earth agents alone could handle or contain so Raphael, being the Angel of Healing, had been sent to intervene. He'd touched down in the midst of a badly infected city that was positively teeming with the plague, and the reek of disease and demonic influence sent the archangel reeling. "STOP!" he thundered, and everywhere within a mile radius, infected rats and fleas dropped over dead.
5. When Raphael had first seen the humans in the Garden of Eden, he found their lack of clothing odd, but even more, he'd wondered why they never unfurled their wings.
Eventually Raphael asked God, "Father, does Man not glide through the heavens as the angels do?"
And God had Smiled and said to Raphael, "It is because they cannot fly like you, my dear one."
Raphael was so shocked that he'd nearly toppled out of the air. Instead he gasped incredulously, "They misplaced their wings?!"
The Lord laughed in that deep rich way of a fond parent when their beloved child says something adorably naïve. "No, no," God explained, "they do not have them."
Here's the design for Raphael's formal clothing. All angels wear robes though they all vary; most robes are white, but there are some angels who choose to wear more color than others.
Angels are also incredibly modest and conservative in how they dress. Their formal robes cover every inch of skin from the head down. Even when they're not working and they've shed their robes, angels still show very little skin though they may choose to have their hands uncovered.
This also applies on Earth. For example, Raphael always covers himself from the chin down (while still observing mortal fashions). Donning the excessive clothing is almost like a compulsion for angels, and most would feel highly uncomfortable wearing less.
the anatomy of angel wings
All angel wings are white. The only difference between angels is sometimes the number of wings. Seraphim have six wings, and Cherubim have four, but all angels below Cherubim rank only have two.
The wings are one of the absolute most sensitive parts of an angel's body, and in a fight, demons will often specifically go after their enemies' wings. On that note, demon wings are just as sensitive, but they don't get attacked as often because a) most angels aren't vindictive enough to go straight for the wings (they just try to hit whatever target is presented) and b) demons don't unfurl their wings unless they're forced into an air battle. Angels tend to have their wings out more often.
In Heaven, angels often groom each others' wings, and this is considered a sign of trust and friendship.
Up soon: finals for university but also Asmodeus/Raphael fic—the bunnies are crawling out of the woodwork!
Once again, art is worksafe, but some images are large.
the structure of Heaven
Heaven is composed of seven levels that are stacked one on top of the other, 1st Heaven at the bottom and 7th Heaven at the top. Each heaven is governed by one of the Seven Archangels of the Lord (who are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Zacharael, Raguel, and Jophiel). These Seven also represent each of the seven capital virtues.
1st Heaven: governed by Jophiel
2nd Heaven: governed by Zacharael
3rd Heaven: governed by Uriel
4th Heaven: governed by Raguel
5th Heaven: governed by Raphael
6th Heaven: governed by Gabriel
7th Heaven: governed by Michael
Human souls live in the lower five heavens while 6th and 7th Heaven make up the Silver City where the angels live (although some humans have been able to visit this city).
The hierarchy of Heaven:
-God
-the Seven Archangels of the Lord and the Metatron
-the nine choirs of angels:
1. Seraphim
(The most powerful of all the angels.)
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones
4. Dominions
5. Virtues
6. Powers
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels
Archangel rank vs. the Seven Archangels of the Lord
The Archangels as a rank are numerous and the second lowest choir whereas the Seven Archangels are the most powerful in heaven and are from Dominions rank or higher. This sharing of the term "archangel" is confusing, and no one quite knows why God set it up this way. After the Fall, Lucifer has been known to bitch about this discrepancy, and many people think that that is one of the reasons why the hierarchy of Hell is simpler than that of Heaven.
A group or gathering of angels is referred to as a choir. And on that note, a group or gathering of demons is called a cacophony.
bio of Raphael
Raphael is of Thrones rank and is one of the Seven Archangels of the Lord, specifically the Archangel of Love. He is also the Governor of the 5th Heaven as well as the Angel of Healing. (Raphael's name even means "God heals".) He's less strict and serious than some of his comrades (especially Uriel), and Raphael can occasionally be a bit of a practical joker.
Like for Asmodeus, I typed up something involving Raphael and one of the Beings of Renown protagonists. This time it's Zoraiel, the Virtues stationed in Great Britain. This isn't actually and excerpt from BoR though. It probably happened some time pre-book.
Anyway, Virtues Zoraiel is technically one of Uriel's many subordinates, but since Zoraiel is so knowledgeable about humans, he was also one of the angels sent to Earth with Raphael to fight and contain the Bubonic Plague during the Middle Ages. Zoraiel stayed on as an Earth agent, and sometimes Raphael likes to pop down and check on him.
"[...Zoraiel had been looking in a shop window at the time. Alongside other wintry garments hung a lovely red scarf, and Zoraiel was just thinking he might buy it for Cineead—because, really, the scarf would match the demon's eyes perfectly—when suddenly there was a flash of divine energy and a sense of presence, and Zoraiel realized that he was no longer alone. The Virtues turned, blue eyes widening in shock as his cigarette almost fell out of his mouth.
On the pavement next to Zoraiel stood another angel wearing a white dress shirt, khaki slacks, and a long tan overcoat that was perfect for the cool November weather. The angel's long auburn hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and his green eyes sparkled. He looked like he would make a good Classics professor, the kind who spoke in random spurts of Latin. His unlined face resembled that of a well-to-do human in his late twenties, and the mirthful smile that turned up the corners of the angel's pretty mouth suggested a sense of humor.
"Hello, Zoraiel," the newcomer greeted, giving a little wave with one of his brown-gloved hands. "Long time no see."
"L-lord Raphael!" Zoraiel gasped, but quickly he reigned in his shock and bowed politely before the higher angel. "I, ah, mean, Thrones Raphael, this visitation is an honor. What may I ask is the occasion?"
"Oh, don't be so formal, Zoraiel, it's uncharacteristic," the archangel laughed. "I know very well you don't give a darn about decorum if you can help it. Besides, if I wanted people bowing and scraping before me, I'd go visit the Vatican. So anyway, how are you? Is that a cigarette in your mouth?"
Zoraiel blinked. "I...um, I..." The cigarette vanished.
"Ah, no, I didn't say get rid of it!" Raphael protested. "I already know that you're a—what's the human word these days? Chain-smoker?"
The cigarette reappeared still smoldering, and the lesser angel gave a noncommittal shrug though he at least had the decency to look guilty.
"I must say," the archangel continued, "it is terribly unangelic, you know. Second hand smoke and all that."
Taking the cigarette from his mouth, Zoraiel found his voice enough to say, "It's not smoke."
"Pardon?"
"I said 'It's not smoke.' The smoke turns to oxygen a few seconds after I exhale," the Virtues explained.
Raphael smiled a charmed smile. "Hmm, that's actually quite clever. The image still isn't very angelic though," he added sternly, but the tone of voice didn't reach his eyes which still glowed with amusement
Zoraiel raised an eyebrow. "Are you ordering me to stop, sir?"
A small chuckle. "No."
Zoraiel nodded relieved. That was one thing he liked about Raphael: the Thrones wasn't anal retentive enough to write him up for a measly cigarette...]"
A few Raphael expressions and story bits.
1. Raphael had never really gone to see any of the paintings that humans did of him. Oh, he'd known about them of course, but he'd never really bothered to see exactly what man's mind conjured up. Eventually during a visitation at the Vatican, Raphael decided that he could afford to take a little side trip to see what the humans came up with when they thought of him.
Strolling through galleries, the angel found paintings in various museums in various countries. Some of the pictures were rather close to the truth while others didn't resemble him at all. Raphael found one oil painting that was particularly accurate; however, in the picture, he was wearing an incredibly serious expression that Raphael was almost certain he couldn't possibly make.
For a lark, the angel tried to mimic the painting. He managed to hold the stoic expression for about five seconds before bursting out laughing as humans nearby shot him strange looks.
2. Raphael liked to go down to Eden which was in the 1st Heaven. When he wanted a bit of peace and quiet, the angel would go there, and the birds of Paradise would flock around him. Raphael was particularly fond of the flighty little swallows and the handsome sparrows, and the angel would often take some bread crumbs from his pocket and offer them to the birds.
3. Raphael was there with Gabriel that day at Golgotha, and together the angels wept. The healer wanted to run to the cross, push the guards away, and heal his Lord's wounds, but the angel knew he wasn't allowed. Finally when the Son of God called out to his Father, Raphael found he had to look away.
4. The Black Plague turned out to be more than the European Earth agents alone could handle or contain so Raphael, being the Angel of Healing, had been sent to intervene. He'd touched down in the midst of a badly infected city that was positively teeming with the plague, and the reek of disease and demonic influence sent the archangel reeling. "STOP!" he thundered, and everywhere within a mile radius, infected rats and fleas dropped over dead.
5. When Raphael had first seen the humans in the Garden of Eden, he found their lack of clothing odd, but even more, he'd wondered why they never unfurled their wings.
Eventually Raphael asked God, "Father, does Man not glide through the heavens as the angels do?"
And God had Smiled and said to Raphael, "It is because they cannot fly like you, my dear one."
Raphael was so shocked that he'd nearly toppled out of the air. Instead he gasped incredulously, "They misplaced their wings?!"
The Lord laughed in that deep rich way of a fond parent when their beloved child says something adorably naïve. "No, no," God explained, "they do not have them."
Here's the design for Raphael's formal clothing. All angels wear robes though they all vary; most robes are white, but there are some angels who choose to wear more color than others.
Angels are also incredibly modest and conservative in how they dress. Their formal robes cover every inch of skin from the head down. Even when they're not working and they've shed their robes, angels still show very little skin though they may choose to have their hands uncovered.
This also applies on Earth. For example, Raphael always covers himself from the chin down (while still observing mortal fashions). Donning the excessive clothing is almost like a compulsion for angels, and most would feel highly uncomfortable wearing less.
the anatomy of angel wings
All angel wings are white. The only difference between angels is sometimes the number of wings. Seraphim have six wings, and Cherubim have four, but all angels below Cherubim rank only have two.
The wings are one of the absolute most sensitive parts of an angel's body, and in a fight, demons will often specifically go after their enemies' wings. On that note, demon wings are just as sensitive, but they don't get attacked as often because a) most angels aren't vindictive enough to go straight for the wings (they just try to hit whatever target is presented) and b) demons don't unfurl their wings unless they're forced into an air battle. Angels tend to have their wings out more often.
In Heaven, angels often groom each others' wings, and this is considered a sign of trust and friendship.
Up soon: finals for university but also Asmodeus/Raphael fic—the bunnies are crawling out of the woodwork!
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Date: 2007-12-10 11:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-12-11 12:44 am (UTC)Btw, icon love!
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Date: 2007-12-11 01:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-12-11 02:16 am (UTC)80's Detective au Ryro/JWalk! Gangsta!
http://skoosiepants.livejournal.com/230291.html
Ryan's a robot au! Do it! You know you want to. I talk about it enough!
http://ficsoreal.livejournal.com/1594.html
Um, FOB and P!atD are all spies...yeah...
http://skoosiepants.livejournal.com/196619.html
Ryan of Green Gables...it's, you know, set in older times.
http://skoosiepants.livejournal.com/197017.html
Way Old Spencer and Jon. Seriously, spencerfuckingsmith.
http://community.livejournal.com/patrickxpeter/855128.html
Victorian England all boys school. Patrick is sensible, Pete is romantic...and a troublemaker...and horny.
Um, I might have gone overboard feel free to not read any.
<3 Seriously...FOOT RAPE SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH!
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Date: 2007-12-11 02:49 am (UTC)Very nice job on the wings, btw. Demon wings are awesome too, but I don't think I'd have the patience to draw all those feathers. Major kudos.
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Date: 2007-12-13 12:27 am (UTC)Thank you. The feathers were...irksome. I did google bird wings, and that kind of helped. My old wings (from ~2 plus years ago) really sucked though, haha.
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Date: 2007-12-15 01:52 am (UTC)I had to go back and find an example. (http://myst-walker.livejournal.com/67959.html) :D It's even Asmodeus/Raphael.
I'd say the wings were pretty awesome even then, but you've definitely pulled them off with greater finesse now.
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Date: 2007-12-17 10:05 pm (UTC)*grin* Thanks! I definitely like the new versions better.
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Date: 2007-12-11 04:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-12-13 12:24 am (UTC)I loved the bit where God told Raphael that the humans don't have wings.
Raphael thought humans were strange at first. He still doesn't quite get why God didn't give them wings. XD
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Date: 2007-12-13 02:20 am (UTC)Of course he would. *pats him* Have you ever seen Constantine? The wings were awesome.
Oh, I also loved that you wrote about Raphael at Golgotha. I imagine some of the angels couldn't even force themselves to go because it would be too painful for them to see Jesus suffer. Then there are the angels like Raphael, who wouldn't be able to stay away. Like watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn't watch, but you do anyway.
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Date: 2007-12-17 10:08 pm (UTC)Oh man, Constantine had fantastic wings! I loved that movie for the visuals alone. *grin*
Thank you. Raphael really, really loves Earth and humanity, and since he's a healer, he would've wanted to try to offer whatever comfort he could even though, in this case, it wouldn't help any.
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Date: 2007-12-18 08:23 pm (UTC)I know! I took screencaps of the wings as they were extending them, because I'm planning to eventually draw
You're welcome, and it totally fits with what you've said about him.
By the way, I love 'Carol of the Bells'! It's my favourite Christmas carol.
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Date: 2007-12-20 05:15 am (UTC)Oh cool! Is her character an angel?
It's my favourite Christmas carol.
Ditto, ditto! It's on my mp3 player as well as the playlist on my computer. XD
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Date: 2007-12-20 02:37 pm (UTC)She calls him a hybrid, part angel, part human. It's very difficult to kill him.
I don't have a recording of it on my computer or my MP3 player. *pout*
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Date: 2007-12-11 09:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-12-13 12:21 am (UTC)Good luck with your studies as well!
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Date: 2007-12-13 08:58 pm (UTC)Thank you^^ Now that the big controls have ended, it's calmer though...
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Date: 2007-12-12 05:12 am (UTC)Featuring Brendon's Gay Pride parade...seriously, ponies.
I feel like I'm spamming you...so, put on your Brave Little Toaster face.