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|||W hen I finally gained consciousness, I had to loosen the branches that had wrapped themselves around me. It's not that they were tight; they were merely protecting one who had participated in their creation. I had helped draft the plans that would sustain this fragile ecosystem.
Eden had been a closed experiment. When we were sure that the entire planet was capable of developing in the same manner as our little garden, it was decided that every living creature must be expelled from its protective walls. But they needed an emissary, one unafraid of touching Earth and breathing its addictive atmosphere. I, who had crafted the intelligent creations, was naturally chosen for the task. Realizing that Man and Woman needed more than instinct to survive and rule the outside world, I taught them a language they could use to express their emotions and ideas to each other. As I was teaching them, I felt a summons come from Heaven.
Instantly I found myself in the throne room of my creator. For countless ages I had been Servant and Friend to him; my reward until now had been more than enough.
Expecting to be given a last minute assignment before the destruction of the Eden, I bowed lightly. But instead of the usual warm greeting, I was confronted by the Almighty in a state of anger and frustration. Some of the ranking angels had seen me teaching the humans to communicate. Their complaint was that the humans might now be equal or even superior to them. Of course their argument was unjustified. Humans could never attain immortality or the ability to completely abandon their bodies - not without us at least. My defence was true, agreed those present there, but I should be punished nonetheless, for I had given creation a powerful gift without counsel.
Moments later my wings were broken and I was thrown from the highest edge of Heaven. As I fell, I listened to the minds of those I had taught to speak. As my back hit the ground below, I heard Woman's voice utter the race's first word: fire.
I lost consciousness amidst the leaves and rocks, watching a few small flames dance in the branches above me, knowing I had done a good thing for my creation.
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