Not far away was a path of glistening marble, leading East towards places of greater illumination.
Operael, I have arrived in a strange new world in a particular region of it suffused and illuminated by Light.
Suffused with Light? It is curious; perhaps there may even be other Angels inhabiting it? However, retain your focus on the mission assigned to you by the High Angels. Discover as much as you can, but do not linger overlong.
I shall follow this path and see where it leads.
Multiple winged and armed figures were also following the path, flying swiftly in the other direction.
"There appears an elderly figure robed in grey walking the Lightway."
"Grey could be an indication of a hostile-affiliation. We must investigate and determine whom he is."
Swift as a lightning strike, three Angels descended upon and surrounded the old man.
"Old man, if you will excuse us for this act, for our realm is currently under siege, and we cannot abide any potential enemies travelling within it. Who are you?"
Angels? So it is true; not all of us live under the authority of the High Angels of Valerian; some of our brethren went to other worlds when they began.
"Fear not, brothers; I am a friend, and a benign old man, no ally of your unholy enemies."
"For what purpose do you travel here?"
"I seek out your capital, for I have urgent and important news to deliver to the Archangels."
"The Lightway is not safe, old man. And the forces of the Hell Covenant are actually pressing on the capital. You should be travelling away from here, not towards it."
"I can take care of myself, and despite the presence of the Hell Covenant, the Archangels must hear my news."
This is a strange and curious old fellow.
"Very well, if you insist. Best of luck in your travels."
"A star shone upon the hour of our meeting, friends."
And the old man departed, continuing to follow the Lightway.
"How does this old man know of a traditional Angelic greeting? What a curious person!"
"It is an intriguing question, but his purposes and his heart appeared to be without darkness. We may let him go."