Mortals expect a gaping razor toothed maw, dripping blood and echoing with the screams of the damned as the mouth to hell. They anticipate immediate consumption by sulfur scented flames, an endless existence of renewal and suffering. But the Lord of The Below, as the residents call it, has reshaped and renamed both it and himself. Lord Aranan is a classy and subtle Lord and the intricate double wrought iron gate that is the entrance, rests on the edge of a plush white lawn.
As Julius alights on the grass he notices a canopy with a table set for two and his eyebrows twitch just slightly. He didn’t think that word would reach Lord Aranan so quickly. Julius shouldn’t be surprised. The undisputed ruler of The Below is essentially the head of a massive corporation, for the earth was already quite crowded with gods when the one god, as he fancies himself, came along. When Lord Aranan fell, he grasped control of the violent, chaotic infighting amongst all those who had claim of the various versions of the afterlife. He broke down the barriers between the realms, creating an empire even vaster than the one above.
Julius takes his seat pouring two glasses of claret, first for the Lord, then for himself.
“Your manners are refreshing,” says Lord Aranan.
Lord Aranan’s shoulder length hair is mercurial, a being almost onto itself. His skin, the color of polished pewter and his eyes are warm facets of topaz. He radiates a charisma so heated, it’s uncomfortable for Julius to sit this closely to him.
“Tell me of him, this angel that falls.”
And though Julius will not deny his Lord, he cannot help but feel that something is out of balance when falling in love is a damnable offense and wonders too, just which boss is to blame.
“He loves, unknown to himself as of yet, but he does. His love for Clara, pure and true.”
“Perfect,” says Lord Aranan silkily and Julius winces.
Previous Entries: Careful What You Wish For (1), Morning Star (2), Rubber and Glue (3), Into the Knight (4)
Inspired by:
Whispatory 
Fascinating, and such a quantity of detail in this. Lovely.
Although my words may be too small for what you write but I felt that I should say something nevertheless. your writing style is really classy!
Thank you woman! That is high praise indeed.
the crossing of your lines between good & evil and what constitutes which makes for a most interesting plot
Oh, good! That’s what I call winning. Thanks for reading.
What’s this! From a food writer, no less. This is a hellofa take. I loved your description of Lord Aranan… you made scary beautiful… but still scary. Love the gate.
I love that Lord Aranan is subtle; way more interesting than the razor-toothed maw!
I’m just loving this story. It gets more interesting with every segment. Your description of the Lord is brilliant. And I love the iron gate that rests on the plush white lawn. Great touch.
This story just gets better and better. I love the details of the Lord and his realm.
If I had mercurial hair, I wouldn’t have cut nearly all of it off. Brilliant work. I’m kinda crushing on Lord Aranan lol
I’m glad you are crushing on him, I cheated a little, he’s one of the main antagonists in my novel, Ailanthea, so I’m glad he’s turning you on.
Methinks that angel which has fallen for a mortal is playing right into a dark plot set up by the lord of the underworld. Fantastic writing.
Muhahaha. Me thinks you may be right!
I would read this book – I would come to hate Aranan, but I would read it. 🙂
Awesome! In Lord Aranan’s defensive, it ain’t easy being in charge.
I like the interaction between these two. It was almost like watching a choreographed fencing match…sizing each other up and then the verbal volleys 🙂
Which ever world we are in we need to observe the niceties;-)And renovate & upgrade:-)Great detailing-enjoying this story now