Chapter Text
From: Unregistered Sender
To: The Heavenly Council of Angels
Messenger: ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel
Notes: Filed 2 days late due to sensitivity of subject demanding no access by public messengers, or, I’ve been the only one ferrying this letter through our system. Messenger preemptively opened correspondent chain MNOS-CNCL. Response to be appended.
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= From the desk of Minos, Judge of Hell =
Councilors of Heaven,
If the rest of this letter doth not reach you, may this be my only message: your loyal Gabriel remains loyal, and he is not to face repercussions for his failure to make an example of out of me, for he doth speak truth when he tells you 'twas I who talked his hand away from his sword, and persuaded him to carry this letter back. May the light of your mercy cast upon your brother, if not a sinner such as I.
Give me leave now to plead my case.
In my endless years as Judge of Hell, I have witnessed and partook in countless acts of sin, enough to develop my, perhaps unorthodox, understanding of the concept.
Consider the sin of Lust: all my people will tell you they do not wish true harm upon each other; that, as thoroughly consumed with passion as they are, from pure intentions was the ultimate desire behind their actions. Then for what reason is Lust a sin? Due to the silence of God on this matter, mankind could only speculate, so I shall make the concession that my reasonings are not based on the doctrine of the Council, but rather one of man.
Followers of the faith, no matter their denominations, largely agree that lust is considered sinful for it governs the person's will and intellect rather than the will and intellect governing the desire. To this I claim an injustice, in that certain emotions are arbitrarily given reign over the mind but not others, the verdict given only by your God. Did He not act out of anger when He chased the money lenders from His church? Why was His anger permissible, even when they cause harm, while the mere act of loving one another deserves eternal torment? While I do not dismiss His absolute authority, I would like to know of the basis of His judgment.
The majority of your people agreed that lust is wrong for it is sexual satisfaction, sought for either outside wedlock or, at any rate, in a manner which is contrary to the laws that govern marital intercourse. This is a moot point, due to the extenuating circumstances of the afterlife; specifically, the fact that none of us are capable of procreation, rendering His reward unclaimable and thus, the God-given purpose of intercourse, of marital intercourse, is void. So all that remains is the act itself, whose legality and morality is to be governed by the ruler(s) of Hell, which is myself alone. While the vast majority of rulers of the living world hath styled their laws according to His words, most made exceptions as they saw fit without falling to damnation; a fact I can attest to since, if I might remind you, I have judged every sinful souls for the last several thousand years. In light of this knowledge, the changes I have made to my kingdom are entirely permissible by the church. According to your specifications, there is no wrong being done in the city-state of Lust.
Scarce of mutual understanding as we art, here I shall end my speech. I beseech you to take these words with care for I believe there must be justice, in Heaven as it is in Hell.
Your dutiful servant,
Minos of Lust
From: The Heavenly Council of Angels
To: Unregistered Sender
Messenger: ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel
Notes: Attached is the sender registration form for the apology letter. I am aware it is for the people of Heaven and most of the sections are inapplicable. I know you will not be graciously silent about it, but please try not to be too insulting, the post office hates me enough already.
You did your best. I'm sorry.
==
Minos of Hell,
Accept this letter as a formal notice to undo all changes made to Our Lord’s design for the sinners of Lust. The actions you have been taking constitute the following:
- Blasphemy against the Holy Council
- Abandonment of duty as Judge of Hell
- Questioning His perfect design
- Misuse of authority given by the Holy Council
- Erroneous proposition of law
- Promotion of sexual immorality
Therefore, your conduct is punishable as We see fit. We hereby demand that you immediately cease all activities not relevant to your duty as Judge of Hell or would interfere with the performance of your duty as Judge of Hell.
If We are forced to commence with said punishment, know that We will pursue all available avenues to remedy your transgressions, including personally seeing to your previously agreed upon sentence. Be advised that the cost of your actions could be considerable.
As a token of Our grace, you will have seven (7) days to ensure Our messenger returns with confirmation of your compliance. Additionally, you are to express your penitence to the Council for your wrongful acts.
God be with you,
The Heavenly Council of Angels
From: Minos of the Lust City-State, Hell
To: ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel
Messenger: ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel, VRTU#332F23
Notes: Letter to be delivered via the public system. I recommend sending a messenger who prefers long travels, knows how to navigate columbaria, and would enjoy a trip to the uppermost sphere. Maybe 332F23? - Gabriel
==
Dearest dove,
Forgive an old man his indulgences, I simply wish to share with thee the old romances of love letters. May these meager words carry with them my affection for thee, for the distance that parts us, like the ever fading winter Sun, only promises soft blooms of spring upon its return. My heart ever yearns for thine in thy absence, and I only hope thou dost not suffer excessively the whims of thy brothers. I love thee far too much to stand for their treatment of thou, Gabriel.
Regardless, the construction of the gardens is underway. Thy advice regarding the choice of flowers was beyond helpful, as does thy gifts of seeds from Heaven, and I must thank thee most cordially. The columbines took well to the cold; thou remain most sweetly considerate.
‘Tis perhaps too foward, but is there anything I could do? It is entirely within my power to fashion suitable reasons to keep thou away from the affairs of Heaven, if thou desire it so. Please, my dear Gabriel, if it would make thee happy, thy will be done.
Written by the hand that reaches towards thine always, which belongs to thy most ardent of devotee,
Minos
From: Minos of the Lust City-State, Hell
To: The Heavenly Council of Angels
Messenger: ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel
Notes: Filed to correspondent chain MNOS-CNCL. Response to be appended.
With discretion, do we still have that package of confiscated alcohol? - Gabriel
==
= From the desk of Minos, Judge of Hell =
Councilors of Heaven,
My gratitude upon you for taking the time to consider my words, heretical as you concluded them to be, and for being understanding of our messenger’s uninvolvement in these affairs. I am deeply apologetic for any perceived slights against your unquestionable authority, for your generosity towards the sinful are most appreciated, and as you hath lended to the Lord, I shall see to it that you are repaid for your deed.
I am in no position to make demands so let this be a mere suggestion, but considering His kingdom’s fortune there is little I can give that is worthy to Him or His angels other than my willingness to speak with you regarding His teachings. If you claim I am erroneous in my ways, I am open to learning the repentance that He teaches us. Furthermore, as this will become a matter of lengthy discussion, and seeing as you have so graciously allowed me one week to reply, please take as much time as you need for your response.
Your dutiful servant,
Minos of the Lust City-State