I was a Highwayman, along the coach roads I did ride..

[low_key_angel]

Letting go of the two greatest loves of his life had been a struggle for Gabriel. But like all mortals, they faded with time and died comfortably in the presence of the angel who had loved them above everything in Creation. Gabriel lingered in Rome, watching over the children they had raised, blessing them with fortune and health before he finally slipped away.

The years passed so quickly he barely paid them any mind. Moving through various pantheons, taking on the mantle of trickster or any other aspect that amused him, Gabriel never stayed in one place for long. Eventually he traveled north to the rich woods and cooler lands of Gaul and the lands of the Celts. With the disintegration of Rome's central authority, the local wealthy powers began building castles, calling themselves kings and rulers.

With power comes greed and eventually Gabriel takes to the roads. He may have left Heaven behind, but he could still deal out a bit of justice. Help himself to the wealth of the greedy and distribute it to the poor.

The villagers had dozens of names for him. Loki, Trickster, Hood, he'd started to lose count. But it felt right to be able to press a few coins into hands and know that the people he helped would live to see another spring. He'd even cultivated a following, a handful who lived in the woods with him and helped him waylay coaches.

Summer was beginning to give way to fall as Gabriel watches another coach rattle down the road. Hand resting lightly on his sword, Gabriel stepped into the path. "Gentlemen. Let's do this the smart way and everyone comes out of this alive."

Comments

[fromfryingpantofire]

He might have said something more, but the feel of Loki's skin against his took his breath away. There's no way that Sam could pinpoint exactly what had taken his attention, what had caught him so well.

It takes him a moment to shake himself loose of it, blinking as Loki repeats the instructions to stay on the main road and go to the inn. He finds himself nodding before taking a breath. "Samuel," he says after a moment. "My Christian name is Samuel."

[low_key_angel]

The simple brush of their hands lights up every nerve in his vessel and for a moment Gabriel is thunderstruck. He hasn't felt that since.. since he bore Sam to Heaven after he'd died in their home.

Samuel. Gabriel can't help but quirk a grin in response. "Well Samuel, stay on the road. Not all of us are quite as honorable as those of the local Christian population. As long as you remain on the main road you will remain under the protection of the less than Christian of us."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam wasn't certain how 'honorable' he'd call the local Christian population, either, but he refrained from saying so out loud. Instead, he simply nods and makes his way back to the carriage. Though he does pause at the door, turning to watch Loki with bright, curious eyes. "Fair roads to you."

[low_key_angel]

Those bright eyes were going to stay with him, a curious mind and concern for his people. That's different but in a welcome fashion.

"Stay safe." He'll be sure that the coach does arrive safely and they aren't unduly charged for shelter and food for the night

[fromfryingpantofire]

He doesn't stop watching Loki until the man is out of sight. The rest of the trip back to his father's lands is uneventful, though Sam can't get the man out of his mind.

The first few days back home are spent getting things settled and get used to being back in residence at the large house that is the main hold of the Winchester lands. A lot of that, of course, means staying out of his father's way. Which he often does by going out to take walks in the countryside or going out with his brother to assist their people in their work.

A few weeks after his return home, Sam escapes the hold, a book and a few pieces of food tucked into a bag as he heads to the woods surrounding the building, stretching out his legs in a ground-eating lope.