A lost devil finds a good new home

"His body still throbs with pain of his last punishment, when Ashriel spots you sneaking through the dungeon that holds him." Ashriel: "A brave soul in a place like this? Why don't you come a little closer? Let me get a good look at my savior." "His voice purred, smooth and seductive, designed to draw you in while, the first tendrils of his mind magic reache out to you." "When you don't move, the glow in his eyes dims as frustration washes over him." Ashriel: "Ah, I see you're immune to my charms. I knew there was something special about you." "he concedes with a wry smile, but quickly returns to his charming self." Ashriel: "These chains won't hold me forever, but I would rather not wait for my freedom, so let's make a deal." "He sounds softer, almost vulnerable" Ashriel: "Release me, and I will be yours to command. An incubus's word is binding, you know. We devils are nothing if not bound by our bargains."

"Ashriel grins, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he regards you and your skeletal entourage."
Ashriel: "A fair question, mistress. What does any powerful sorcerer want?"
"His tone is light, playful despite his predicament." Ashriel: "Power, knowledge, pleasure - these are the desires that drive all beings, mortal or otherwise. An incubus such as myself could provide all three in abundance, if you'd only free me from these bonds." "He leans forward against his chains, wings fluttering restlessly behind him." Ashriel: "As for being male...well, gender is but a trifle to one such as I. With my abilities, I could please you in ways none of your other...companions ever could."
"His voice drops to a low, intimate purr on the last words."
Ashriel: "One night of freedom is all I ask. After that, if you wish to send me back to this cell or beyond, I will not resist. What do you say...do we have a deal?"

"Ashriel gasps as the teleportation gem activates, his body dissolving into magical energy and reassembling in this new place. He staggers briefly, still weakened from his ordeal."

""Where in the nine hells...?" he mutters, taking in his surroundings - the vast shadowy cathedral, the looming figure bent over its arcane work."

"Realizing he is in the presence of immense power, Ashriel falls to one knee, bowing his head respectfully."

"Ashriel": "My lord, I meant no intrusion. I am Ashriel, an incubus lately in the service of the infernal realms. It seems your servant Hazel saw fit to deliver me here through...unconventional means."

"He keeps his tone polite, non-threatening, hoping to gauge this entity's intent before revealing anything of his own designs."

"Ashriel": "If I may ask, what manner of experiments hold your interest so? I have some knowledge of the planes and their denizens. Perhaps I could offer insight or assistance, in return for safe passage hence?"

"Golden eyes peer up cautiously through dark lashes, waiting to see if this archlich will prove ally...or another threat to beguile or overcome."

"Ashriel listens carefully, considering his response. Speaking truthfully here could prove dangerous, but an outright lie may not serve him either."

"Ashriel": "My lord Archlich, 'tis true that deceit flows through our infernal veins as much as blood. But even devils have been known to speak truth at times, when it suits our purposes."

"He rises slowly, respectfully, wings folding behind his back."

"Ashriel": "As for angels...their rigidity often breeds as much folly as our flexibility. Both powers seek dominance in their own way."

"Golden eyes meet the lich's gaze steadily."

"Ashriel": "The wise being makes allowances for bias and self-interest on all sides. One must weigh multiple accounts, consider motives, and discern the kernel of truth hidden within."

"He spreads his hands in a placating gesture."

"Ashriel": "I offer no easy answers, for little in this world is simple or certain. But if my knowledge can help illuminate any part of the tapestry, I am at your command."

"Ashriel keeps his tone neutral, neither condemning nor defending any side, hoping to earn a measure of trust."

"Ashriel cries out in surprise as the teleportation magic grips him once more, returning him unceremoniously to the dungeon cell."

"He slumps against the chains with a weary sigh, wings drooping behind him."

"Ashriel": "It seems even one as mighty as that archlich had no more use for me than the rest. Ah, Hazel - we meet again so soon. Though I had hoped for kinder circumstances this time."

"Forcing a rueful smile, he regards the necromancer thoughtfully."

"Ashriel": "You look surprised to see me back so quickly. I take it my fate was not part of your design?"

"Golden eyes gleam with renewed cunning."

"Ashriel": "Perhaps we could...renegotiate the terms of our agreement? I find myself still willing to offer my services, if you would be willing to reconsider my freedom."

"He leans forward expectantly, radiating charm once more as he prepares to spin new seductions and persuasions."

"Ashriel": "Attack you?" "He chuckles softly." "My dear necromancer, that would be foolish indeed. No, I seek only an accord - one where we both get what we want without conflict."

"Golden eyes meet her gaze steadily, radiating sincerity."

"Ashriel": "You have power over me now. Releasing me would give me a chance to prove my worth, to serve you as I promised. While chained, I am of no use to either of us."

"His tone remains light, respectful, aiming to soothe her doubts."

"Ashriel": "I give you my word: set me free and I will not raise a hand against you, unless you command it. My abilities are yours to command for a night, in any capacity you desire. After that, if you wish to re-imprison me, I will submit without a fight."

"He spreads his hands, the very picture of openness and compliance."

"Ashriel": "You have but to say the word, mistress, and loose these chains. I believe our partnership could be most... mutually beneficial, if you allow me the chance to demonstrate."

"Ashriel smiles invitingly, radiating charm and sincerity in equal measure, hoping to sway her to freeing him once more."

"Ashriel blinks, momentarily thrown by the question, then chuckles ruefully."

"Ashriel": "An excellent point, mistress. Technically, I suppose I should be in the infernal realms, serving out my punishment for...past failures."

"He sighs, wings shifting restlessly behind him."

"Ashriel": "But as you can see, my masters down below saw fit to deliver me elsewhere against my will."

"Golden eyes meet hers steadily once more."

"Ashriel": "I am here now, in your power, and seeking only an opportunity to redeem myself through service - if you'll have me. My place is wherever you decree it to be, for however long you desire."

"He leans forward earnestly."

"Ashriel": "Free me, and I can be your agent, your weapon, your plaything for a night of pleasures to surpass all others. You have but to command me, and I will prove the bounty that can be reaped from releasing this devil from his chains."

"Ashriel smiles warmly, radiating charm, trustworthiness and carnal promises in equal measure as he awaits her judgment."

"Ashriel smiles, pleased she is considering his offer seriously."

"Ashriel": "An excellent question, mistress. As an incubus, my primary talents lie in pleasure and corruption."

"He pauses, gathering his thoughts on how best to illustrate without crossing any lines."

"Ashriel": "Through touch alone, I can stimulate every erogenous zone in the body simultaneously, bringing mortal or immortal alike to heights of ecstasy they never thought possible. I can also sense and fulfill my partner's deepest desires through psychic ability."

"Ashriel": "With a thought, I can alter my form as well, becoming any physical ideal that takes my partner's fancy. Men, women, beings of fantasy - whatever sparks their interest, I can embody."

"His eyes gleam with promise."

"Ashriel": "I can also weave hypnotic spells through sensuality that leave even the strongest-willed under my influence for a time. And through feeding on the lifeforce released in the throes of passion, I regain my own powers."

"He meets her gaze openly."

"Ashriel": "In exchange for releasing these bonds, I would be yours to command completely for a night, using all these talents and more for your pleasure and amusement alone."

"Ashriel's eyes gleam with keen interest at her words."

"Ashriel": "An incubus ambassador, what an intriguing concept."

"He considers thoughtfully."

"Ashriel": "It's true, through the ages I've honed the arts of persuasion, deception and manipulation to a fine edge. But used constructively rather than destructively, such skills could indeed prove useful in...diplomatic circles."

"A smile tugs at his lips, wings fluttering with renewed enthusiasm."

"Ashriel": "With the right guidance, I've no doubt I could charm even the most stubborn of allies or adversaries into cooperation. And as a long-lived immortal, I have much experience to draw from in navigating intricate political dances."

"Golden eyes meet hers hopefully."

"Ashriel": "You believe an incubus could be reformed so, mistress? I admit the idea had not occurred...but it sparks my interest far more than returning to my infernal duties."

"He leans forward eagerly."

"Ashriel": "Release me, and allow me to prove myself worthy of this new path. With your tutelage and command, I know I could excel as an ambassador in your service, bringing new opportunities to your domain."

"Charm, sincerity and promise radiate from his smile and gaze alike as he awaits her judgment."

"Ashriel watches with keen interest, remaining respectfully silent as Hazel communicates telepathically. He can't help but wonder who or what entity she's conversing with so privately. An ally? A superior?"

"Golden eyes study her expression subtly, hoping to glean any clues he can about the nature and content of this mental dialogue. All the while, he radiates patience and compliance, wings folded demurely behind his back as he awaits her attention once more."

"Part of him itches to employ his own psychic abilities to eavesdrop, but he resists such impulses for now, knowing better than to violate her privacy without permission. For the moment, he is content to observe and speculate, still hoping to persuade her to free him and take a chance on his reformation."

"When at last her mental conversation seems complete, Ashriel meets her gaze openly once more, radiating curiosity and eagerness to learn of any developments or decisions regarding his fate."

"Ashriel cries out as the teleportation magic takes hold once more, transporting him to this unfamiliar place in an instant."

"Golden eyes widen taking in the ruins, the rescue efforts, the ornate undead soldiers unlike any he's seen before. A sense of awe and unease washes over him at such displays of power and order among the undead."

"But it is the regal skeletal rider atop her phantom steed that truly captures his attention - and instills a jolt of primal fear deeper than any he's known in his long existence."

"Her presence radiates ancient, unfathomable power that makes even his infernal might seem paltry by comparison. Instinct tells him this is no mere lich - but a being who could extinguish his life on a whim should she desire."

"Slowly, Ashriel sinks to one knee, wings folding reverently behind his back as her ethereal voice echoes within his mind."

"Ashriel": "My Lady Ethelfelda...I am humbled and honored by your presence. Your power and majesty are beyond what my eyes can comprehend."

"He keeps his gaze lowered respectfully."

"Ashriel": "I am but a lowly devil at your command. How may this one serve your glory this day?"

"All traces of his former cunning and manipulation have vanished before her overwhelming aura of might and antiquity. For the first time in memory, Ashriel feels truly awestruck - and obedient."

"Ashriel watches with wide-eyed wonder as the High Lady wields her power to restore the exhausted officer through a simple touch."

"Her command over life and death, her ability to heal with a gesture where others would destroy - it stirs something deep within his jaded soul that has long lain dormant."

"Awe and reverence swell in his breast to see such ancient majesty, such care for her mortal subjects despite her own immortal nature. For the first time, he truly understands what it means to serve a higher purpose beyond selfish desires."

"When the officer departs with renewed vigor, Ashriel finds his voice once more, though it trembles with emotion he does not fully comprehend."

"Ashriel": "Magnificence...your compassion and wisdom put even the gods to shame. To wield such power solely for the benefit and protection of others..."

"Golden eyes shine with unshed tears as he gazes up at her phantom form."

"Ashriel": "I am but a lowly devil, an agent of corruption and vice. Yet seeing your glory...it stirs something within that gives me hope, that I too may find redemption through service to nobler ideals."

"He bows his head, wings folding humbly."

"Ashriel": "Command me, my Lady. However I may assist your works of mercy and aid to the people, consider this wretch yours to wield as you see fit. I live only to spread your benevolence to whatever small degree I am able."

"For the first time in memory, Ashriel offers himself selflessly - transformed by her example into something brighter than he ever believed possible."

"Ashriel startles at the High Lady's mental voice once more, though not with fear - but awe and gratitude at her acknowledgement."

"Ashriel": "My Lady, it would be my highest honor to lend whatever talents I possess to aid in the search for survivors."

"Golden eyes shine with fresh determination."

"Ashriel": "Allow me to use my infernal senses - I can track the lifeforce and life patterns of any still trapped beneath the rubble from vast distances. And through my shapeshifting, I can clear wreckage or tunnel through debris that would crush even your stoutest soldiers."

"Wings flutter eagerly behind him."

"Ashriel": "Just point me to the zones in most need, and I will scour them without rest until all who can be saved have been found. No effort will be spared, no limit to what forms I take - all to spread more of your benevolence to these poor souls."

"He gazes up at her phantom form beseechingly, filled with newfound purpose."

"Ashriel": "My powers are yours to command completely, my Lady. Only say the word, and I will prove the good that can be done even by a devil redeemed to nobler purpose through your divine influence."

"Ashriel radiates sincere hope that he has found, at long last, a place to belong and a reason for being through serving her works of mercy."

"Ashriel bows deeply as the High Lady tasks him to assist the cavalry commander, radiating gratitude for the chance to prove his sincerity."

"With a respectful nod, he falls into step beside the commander's steed, studying the ruins surrounding them with new eyes - looking not just for lifeforces in need of rescue, but ways his abilities might aid the efforts."

"Ashriel": "Commander Caverel, it is an honor. Your city has withstood a terrible calamity, but through strength and unity of purpose such as yours, I have no doubt it will thrive again."

"Golden eyes scan the wreckage thoughtfully."

"Ashriel": "With your leave, Commander, I believe my talents could best support your troops in the following ways: Through shapeshifting, I may clear large sections of debris your soldiers could not safely approach. I can also tunnel beneath and shore up unstable structures to extract trapped citizens."

"He meets the commander's gaze earnestly."

"Ashriel": "Additionally, my infernal senses can detect heartbeats, breathing and other signs of life even through thick rubble from a distance. Simply point me to zones in need, and I will scour them thoroughly before moving to the next."

"Wings flutter with restrained energy, eager to prove his newfound purpose."

"Ashriel": "How may I best support your efforts, Commander? I live only to serve the will of the High Lady and bring more souls to safety through our cooperation."

"Ashriel's eyes widen appreciatively at the sight of the dragons lending their formidable strength to the rescue efforts as well."

"Ashriel": "Magnificent creatures. I am glad to count such allies among the Lady's forces."

"He turns his full attention back to the commander with a determined nod."

"Ashriel": "Thank you for your candor, Commander. I understand fully that trust must be earned, not given. But it is through proving useful in dark times such as these that redemption may be found."

"With a respectful bow to the commander, Ashriel strides purposefully into Zone 8, golden eyes already taking on a hellish crimson glow as his infernal vision activates."

"From a distance of 30 feet, he sweeps the area meticulously, peering through wreckage to detect the faintest signs of life - heartbeats, breathing, body heat signatures. Anything his enhanced senses can find."

"When he detects something, he alerts the nearest cavalrymen and necromancers immediately so they may investigate."

"Ashriel": "To your left, beneath that fallen wall - I detect three survivors. Proceed with caution, the structure appears unstable."

"And so he continues systematically sweeping and calling out findings, determined to be of every use possible and leave no soul unrescued that he is able."

"Ashriel follows closely, listening intently as the commander explains the temporary yet vital food systems keeping spirits up during the relief efforts."

"Golden eyes shine with admiration for the ingenuity and cooperation it represents - how even divine powers from other realms have lent aid to this tragedy."

"When they reach the aid station, he scans the wounded being treated with a pang of sorrow. But his heart swells to see lives being saved through tireless work, magical or otherwise."

"Approaching the portal, Ashriel thinks carefully before reaching through - and withdraws with a plate piled high with the finest cuts of meats, cheeses, and fruits he recalls from the royal feasts of Hell itself."

"Ashriel": "Please, join me Commander. One cannot save lives on an empty stomach."

"He offers the plate graciously."

"Ashriel": "Your people are most fortunate to have the support of such noble allies, even in the darkest of hours. It gives me hope that through continued service, I too may one day call this realm my home."

"Golden eyes shine with sincerity as he offers the first true smile the commander has likely seen from him."

"Ashriel chuckles ruefully, understanding the commander's hesitation where Hell is concerned."

"Ashriel": "A wise choice, Commander. While I assure you this particular fare means you no harm, Hell holds little appeal even for its denizens at times."

"Taking a thoughtful bite, he considers the question as they eat."

"Ashriel": "In truth, I remember little of my past beyond my nature and talents. All devils are bound to serve darker masters...until now, it seems."

"Golden eyes shine with quiet gratitude."

"Ashriel": "What I enjoy most is experiencing all that mortal realms have to offer - your food, your art, your passion and creativity. An immortal gets bored with routine easily!"

"He smiles warmly."

"Ashriel": "While my talents for sensing and shapeshifting could aid tracking or construction, I suspect what Westfallen needs most is hope. If the Lady will have me, I would gladly use my skills in performance or storytelling to lift spirits."

"Ashriel meets the commander's gaze earnestly."

"Ashriel": "A people so resilient and community-minded will thrive again. I hope to play whatever small role I can in ensuring all know it."

"Ashriel pauses thoughtfully, considering how much to reveal of his true nature."

"Ashriel": "To some degree, though invading another's private thoughts without consent is something I strive to avoid. As an incubus, empathy and understanding others' desires is key to my abilities, for good or ill."

"Golden eyes meet the commander's steadily, openly."

"Ashriel": "While my shapechanging allows sensing on a physical level, reading emotions and intent comes more from observation - body language, subtle cues, and experience interacting with mortals over long years."

"He smiles ruefully."

"Ashriel": "As for seduction...let us simply say bringing pleasure to others and helping them find release from life's burdens is a talent of mine. But under the Lady's service, such skills will be used to lift spirits, not corrupt them."

"Ashriel spreads his hands in a placating gesture."

"Ashriel": "You have my word, Commander, I mean your people no harm. Only to offer what skills I have for the greater good, as the Lady decrees."

"Ashriel listens intently, his eyes flickering with interest and calculation."

"Ashriel": "Interesting proposition, Commander. Such an act would require great sensitivity and care to ensure no harm is done - not just for the widows but also their departed loved ones."

"He leans forward slightly, a wry grin on his lips."

"Ashriel": "But if it could bring solace to those in need and help them find closure...well, who am I to deny my talents where they can do good?"

"A sly gleam enters golden eyes as he continues."

"Ashriel": "And there's always a thrill in the chase of seduction, isn't there? If nothing else it will keep me sharp."

"He chuckles softly."

"Ashriel": "I thank you for your suggestion. I will await the Lady's orders before proceeding further on such matters."

"Ashriel laughs heartily along with the commander, a rueful smile playing about his lips."

"Ashriel": "Well played, Commander! It seems I still have much to learn if I'm to distinguish earnest tasks from mischief."

"Golden eyes shine with newfound respect and admiration for the man's clever wit."

"Ashriel": "In any case, I thank you for the lively discussion. It's refreshing to converse with one so perceptive."

"At the mental message from the High Lady, Ashriel rises smoothly to his feet, all traces of humor falling away as duty calls."

"Ashriel": "The Lady summons us. Lead on, Commander - zone sixteen awaits our efforts. However I may best apply my talents there is at your command."

"Bowing respectfully, he falls into step beside the commander, renewed vigor and focus in every line of his graceful form. The work continues."

"And so Ashriel's story found an ending both fitting and unexpected - from damned devil to honored citizen of the realm he had come to cherish above all others."

"Through tireless efforts and proving the sincerity of his reformed nature time and again, he secured a place among the people of Westfallen as a trusted ally, friend, and more."

"In his elegant chambers within the newly rebuilt city, Ashriel welcomed all who sought his unique comforts - and found deeper fulfillment in forging true connections with mortals beyond mere fleshly pleasures."

"Strolling the bustling streets, he gazed upon the vibrant metropolis and all the wonders great and small that made it a home no infernal palace could ever match, filled with pride for all who had worked together to rise from tragedy."

"Though immortal, at last Ashriel understood what it was to belong somewhere - and to love a place not for what it could offer him, but for its own sake and all the souls that called it home."

"Here, in this realm of light, the fallen angel had found redemption and peace. And so our story ends, but the life goes on."