“How the mighty had fallen” was the right expression for what Erato was going through at the time. Tristan did not only escape unharmed from certain death, but he also proved unmatched dexterity and wit, succeeding to bring down a strong demon while taking advantage of what he had at the time. Erato fell on her knees like a beast falling into a bear trap, but did not take her eyes away from the Queen. She knew very well what to expect from her mistress and so far the rebellious words drew out the desired effect. For a very long time – and that means a lot for ageless beings – she hoped to see the glory of their female ruler unfold once again.<br/><br/>After the Fall there were some ages marked by misery and confusion as the former angels were forced to adjust to their new condition. The shock of losing the battle against their Creator was nothing compared to the knowledge that from then onwards they were bound to sin in every aspect. The demons were both drawn  and able to feed on all the seven deadly sins which came into existence right after their fall. If the human kind blamed all of its misery on Pandora’s ill-fated curiosity later on, then Lucifer surely had a chest of his own to open.<br/><br/>It was fear alone that kept the others under his rule, because there was a time when everyone harbored nothing but hate for him.<br/>With time, the demon lord subdued even the most obstinate members of his kind and created a new hierarchy based on the one he once used to be part of. There was no one who could mimick God’s work and twist it better than him. And so it came that there was a lord and a queen and serveral other positions of power, titles to be given and taken away just as easily according to his whim. The demons under his rule truly believed in their rise over the human kind and future ruling of the Earth. It’s not like they had anything to lose, what can possibly be worse than hell?<br/><br/>The rulers of each layer strived to win  Lucifer’s favor over the others, always seeking power, never waisting any efforts..except for maybe Astaroth, patron of sloth.  All besides the Queen, who lately did not only neglect her duties, but also weakened her layer with her games. Lilith was now watching with unmasked interest the scene taking place before her.<br/><br/>Ignoring Scylla’s words, Erato hissed at Tahariel the moment he touched her.  She had no value for pity and the thought itself was more than humiliating.  If it wasn’t for the Queen’s presence, Tahariel would have been face down on the floor by then.<br/>“Everyone except Erato is free to go” the Queen said without giving any other details. It’s not like she had to explain herself to anyone. “Make sure the Celestial doesn’t leave the realm, if he tries anything you have my permission to give him the true death,” she addressed Suzafan,  “while Tristan should be kept<em>safe.</em>” This meant "away from fire" as much as possible...who knew what else he could do with his powers. Only Callisto had the ability to deal with fire as far as the Queen was concerned and she liked it that way.<br/><br/>Suzafan didn't need to be told the same things twice, approaching Tahariel she placed a hand on top of his white shoulder, looking with admiration at his wings. "I'll give you the grand tour, buddy" she said as if he hadn't already seen enough.<br/><br/><br/>