The Fall - By Chana Keefer

CHAPTER Seven

She



Adam sat bolt upright as the first shaft of light filtered through the trees to illumine the hallowed spot where Adonai had hovered, but no trace of his Maker or the new creation lingered. With a cry of dismay the boy leapt to his feet. “Where are they?”

Rapha stretched, a pleasant habit he had acquired from the human. “All is well. But come, refresh yourself. There is much to do.”

Adam took little notice of the beautiful breakfast of fruit and nutmeats Rapha had prepared complete with his favorite drink of coconut milk straight from the shell.

“Did you see her? Where did they go? When will I meet her?” The questions were peppered throughout their meal and continued as the sun marched high into the sky, but Rapha’s response was guarded. In truth, Rapha had glimpsed the dainty human when his Master had at last drawn her from the earth’s womb, but Adonai had hidden her in His shadow and taken her to a secret place. Rapha could only guess that her experience at present would be similar to his reawakening—surrounded by light and love, immersed in Adonai’s wholeness and unaware of anything but bliss. Soon enough Adam’s curiosity would be satisfied, but at present the angel appealed to the boy to calm himself and concentrate on making the first impression of her new home as tranquil and beautiful as possible.

In all honesty, the only element threatening to spoil the picture was Adam’s impatience. Thus Rapha kept his young charge busy fetching rare fruits from obscure locales—from succulent melons that thrived in the tallest trees on the highest summit, to the delicate roots and berries only accessible by braving a path down a rugged cliff. After accomplishing these quests, Adam was grateful for another bath and polish, submitting like a lamb to Rapha’s massage of his sore muscles and another raking of his hair.

“Take note, Adam. Your mate will appreciate the ability to coax muscles to relaxation.”

“My mate. That sounds so strange.” The boy fell silent a moment. “I’m not ready, am I,” he said with unexpected humility. “There’s so much I don’t know, so much I need to learn about how to care for her.” His eyes widened. “What if she doesn’t like me? I saw the she-lion box her mate yesterday and they tumbled about growling and biting.”

Rapha smiled. He too had been aware of the lions’ amour. In fact, the entire valley had heard them. They were nothing if not enthusiastic. “Actually, it is precisely because she likes him a great deal that she enjoys vexing him into a wrestling match. It is all part of their game of seduction.”

Then, of course, Rapha had to describe that concept.

“That sounds fun,” Adam finally said, his expression bemused. “I’m glad they enjoyed it.” His cheek took on a slight flush as he glanced down, suddenly shy, “Will my mate want to, um, wrestle?”

Rapha had been awaiting just such an opportunity. “Understand, I have never had a mate, but I have observed that, as each cares for the needs of the other, the wrestling is a natural outgrowth of their affection….”

“And I hope she loves to climb and run and swim,” Adam cut in with his unbroken thread of thought. “Do she-men enjoy those things? Will she think me foolish to play duck-and-throw with the monkeys?” Adam recalled the shrieking protest when a well-aimed kumquat had caught one of his opponents unawares, and he laughed aloud at the memory. “Who wouldn’t enjoy that? I’ll just have to make sure they don’t resort to coconuts….”

The angel sighed. Very soon the boy’s attention would be so captured by the thought of mating he would find it difficult to think of anything else. Already Adam’s voice was beginning to deepen and the coltishness of his body was fading. This conversation could not be put off any longer. Adam’s destiny dictated that the act of joining would signify far more than a mere coupling to produce offspring. Since sexual corruption had been the enemy’s weapon of choice in ages past, the purity of Adonai’s chosen would provide a tempting target.

“Adam,” Rapha interrupted the boy’s rambling, “soon you will experience physical love with your mate, the joy of which will make other activities pale in comparison. This gift represents your spirit intertwined with Adonai,” the angel continued to speak, introducing Adam to this precious gift freely given from the Father’s hand.


For two interminable days Rapha endured Adam’s mounting excitement and impatience. In addition to teaching Adam some of the finer details of metalwork and refining of gems, he continued efforts to exhaust him so the boy could cease his questioning and feverish activity for a blessed few hours each night. To this end he decided to work on Adam’s diving skills. Diving would be just the ticket; the flowing, calming depths of blue soothed his young charge like nothing else.

At first Adam had resisted, far too distracted by the impending introduction to his mate and unwilling to sully his glossy tresses—due more to his disdain for Rapha’s raking than to vanity—but when Rapha had pointed out the male birds who strutted their bright plumage to capture female attention, the boy had cooperated.

“Besides,” Rapha instructed as they made their way to massive outcroppings of rock protruding over a crystalline pool, “a being who continues to strive for further accomplishment is far more interesting than one who merely sits and awaits desire’s fulfillment. Which will she prefer, a preening boy or a dazzling diver who takes her breath away?”

Adam’s acquiescence was half-hearted, “Alright! Let’s make this quick. I will still need to gather the fresh flowers you insist upon when we receive the summons.”

Ignoring the less than optimistic attitude, Rapha began with the basics of body control required to achieve the most graceful entry into the water. When the morning was still young, Adam had perfected a virtually splashless, arching swan dive. Not content with such tame accomplishments, he rushed to increase his repertoire.

Soon Rapha was concerned that his efforts had been too successful. From simple, graceful dives five feet above the water’s surface, Adam’s innate athleticism and penchant for thrills drove him higher to attempt twists, spirals, and flips that caused Rapha to stand at water’s edge, muscles taut for quick flight if the human’s head aimed for the rocks. How could he blame him? Rapha knew the thrill of plunging headlong into thin air.

Yes, his primary objective of exhausting the lad was accomplished as Adam flopped to Adonai’s side that evening, calm enough to receive the Master’s wisdom; but the other goal, the one uppermost in Adam’s mind, was also fulfilled: the manchild was beautiful in flight!

In fact, on the morning of the third day, a new set of wide eyes followed the laughing boy’s progress. Her hand never released its hold on her Creator’s. This was simply an invisible visit to view her future, but as shafts of golden morning light glimmered like liquid diamonds on the glistening body that leapt to slice the turquoise water, her heart also felt the thrill of flight. And when the young man jumped from the water to toss back dripping ribbons of black hair revealing long-lashed eyes in his handsome face, she gave Adonai’s hand an involuntary squeeze, signifying her agreement with the Creator’s assessment of His creation; it was good… very good.

Rapha did not turn to stare—this visit was hidden from Adam—but the tutor could not ignore the pleasure flowing from his Creator. He was glad this was the female’s first glimpse of her intended. The young man was unaware of the stunning picture he made climbing to the heights, then abandoning himself to the earth’s pull. Rapha had a sneaking suspicion, due to the excited squawks and myriad bright wings, the flocks of birds in attendance were more than mere coincidence. If they had gathered for a tutorial on the laws of attraction they were not disappointed. The male displayed himself to his best advantage and the female gasped each time he dove, eyes shining with admiration.

In the blink of an eye, the esteemed audience was gone and finally Rapha received the silent, anticipated call. In response to the shouted announcement of, “It’s time!” Adam, perched in a handstand on the highest ledge, lost focus and slipped, thwacking his head and tumbling with a splat!

The injury was trivial, a small lump on the head, but when Rapha divulged the news of their visitors, Adam panicked. “She saw that? Great! Already I play the fool!”

He had planned to prolong the boy’s agony but with the fatalism of youth Adam proclaimed he could “never” face her now. Rapha, pitying the mortified young man, explained the actual moment of her departure. Ah! Then! It was as if the sun rose again to honor the athletic hero. Insecurity fled, replaced by exuberance and a demand for Rapha to recall the girl’s every reaction. Luckily, since the tutor had not actually looked at her, there was not much to relate beyond the fact she had witnessed only his most dazzling dives. This brought satisfaction bordering on conceit. What was it about this human that kept him swinging between extremes?

However, though the young man continued the shift from incessant questioning to a dazed state requiring a firm shake to bring him into the here and now, they managed to gather a brilliant bouquet of flowers with the perfect message encoded in the choice of each bloom, to complete the daintily wrought crown (the gems would be added later for their marriage ceremony) and to make Adam gloriously presentable, even fragrant, by the appointed time.

At the final moment, when Adam was to step into the clearing in full view of the celestials and the magnificence of Adonai, the young man’s courage waned. In truth, Rapha could not blame him. The array of heaven’s court, though a fractional representation of the entire celestial realm, was daunting. Just like Rapha, their true glory was veiled, but there was no denying the undercurrent of immense power radiating among the glittering assembly.

Adam stopped, staring at the path he was to tread through these amazing beings. In a hoarse whisper he said, “Couldn’t we do this some other way, perhaps a private meeting by the lake?”

“This is what Adonai has decreed.”

“But it’s hard enough trying not to do anything foolish in front of her; now there’s a crowd of angels as well?”

“Maybe your fear of appearing foolish is the very reason Adonai laid this path at your feet.” Rapha plumbed the depths of his experience for the proper words. “To achieve your desire, you must first conquer your fear. To conquer fear, Adonai must be your only focus. Thus you are no longer a slave to fear; you achieve your desire, and gain freedom from your greatest weakness. This is why Adonai’s path leads through hardship. As you draw closer to your heavenly Father, the heart’s desire aligns with Him. It is when you try to circumvent the narrow path that aims for His heart that desire becomes destructive.” There. Rapha smiled, grateful for wisdom to share with his pupil in the hour of need.

Adam’s gaze was fixed on the brightest spot straight ahead, the flower-strewn expanse where Adonai awaited him. “So is she standing behind Him? I don’t see her.” The boy turned to Rapha, “Oh. Did you say something?”

Rapha had to chuckle. So much for imparting wisdom. But, since Adam was giving him a split second’s attention, Rapha added, “Just keep your eyes fixed on Adonai.”

Relief flooded Adam’s features. He turned toward the assembly, locked eyes with his Creator—and took on the countenance of a king.

When every eye turned to view the first ruler of Adonai’s new age, it seemed the boy grew in stature. Even to Rapha who was familiar with the many facets of the boy’s personality, a new serenity and purpose suffused Adam’s countenance. He was no longer simply the energetic, irrepressible manchild. A quiet strength flowed from him along with something more, something intangible but as real as the trees that leaned close, reaching toward him as if recognizing his destiny. Finally, when Rapha tore his eyes from the boy, he discovered the source of this elusive substance. Favor from the Most High flowed toward Adam, crowning the boy with majesty. Adam’s body was at all times encased with radiance but now that steady glow was lit from within as well, an answering glory fanned to dazzling brilliance that left no doubt—this was Adonai’s anointed. Through this joining of earth and heaven, age-old prophecies would come to pass.

With all eyes on the young man, Rapha almost missed it—a nagging hatred that clashed with the purity of the moment—but it was there, a veiled stench borne on the fragrant breeze. Lucifer, too, was in attendance. Rapha shoved the hateful thought aside. Nothing should tarnish this moment.

Adam continued down the long corridor, eyes fixed on his goal. In the young face, no trace of fear remained. In fact, the expression in his eyes spoke so clearly of absolute love and trust that Rapha felt an unexpected lump in his throat. Radiating with Adonai’s love, the boy was breathtaking. The angel felt a wave of awe to be chosen to influence such a remarkable being.

Then Adam stood before the throne. When he knelt and bowed his face to the ground, the glorious assembly followed suit.

“Rise, my son,” the compassionate voice poured out like mighty waters, “what is your desire?”

“You know my deepest thoughts, O Adonai. I desire my mate, she who would remain by my side, who would govern with me; she who would be made complete by joining her life to mine even as I am completed by joining my life to hers. She who would be the deepest expression on this earth of your lovingkindness toward me.”

Rapha’s brow raised as the boy’s eloquence flowed. Had Adam composed that heartfelt speech when he tossed and turned so long into the night?

But that question was forgotten as someone appeared beside the Father, one who shone so bright it seemed a separate ray of light was emanating from the Lord’s essence. A lithe form with hair like windswept clouds on a starry night came into focus, clothed in shimmering threads of light spun finer than a spider’s web.

The most striking feature was her eyes. Rapha discerned a keen intelligence and inquisitive nature that overcame her shyness as she peered back at her spectators. However, it was evident she was seeking him.

When she saw the manchild, a smile lit her features that made even Rapha, the creature of light positioned farthest from this tender meeting, burn brighter—as something deep inside, some care-encrusted core, melted.

Adam stood unmoving, his face turned away from Rapha’s vantage point, but he must have looked stunned because Adonai prompted, “Do not forget to breathe, son.”

A wave of chuckles flowed through the crowd and Adam, as if released from a spell, remembered the gifts he bore. “Um… oh! These are for you,” he stepped up and placed the enormous bouquet into her arms. Suddenly eloquence returned. “They were the most beautiful things in the garden… until now.”

Rapha would not have thought it possible but, at the young man’s words, the womanchild glowed brighter and her smile grew even more dazzling. She said nothing (later Rapha was to realize how unusual this was). However, her expression communicated more than the most lyrical poem.

When Adam put a hand to his chest where his life’s rhythm was felt most strongly, and then held his palm toward her, she copied the movement and fitted her hand to his. As they stood, unified by the light of Adonai, it was as if the observers no longer existed. There was only Adonai, the man and the woman, an interwoven cord of three, the Maker’s plan for their future. Rapha could not foresee, in that moment brimming with promise, the horrible path required for that promise to be fulfilled.

Adam’s voice cracked a bit as he broke the silence, “So, what do I call you?”

“Adam,” Adonai answered with a hint of a smile in His voice, “we are leaving that up to you.”

Again, Adam’s face betrayed uncertainty but after a moment’s pause he said, “Then, officially, I will call you ‘Woman’ because you were drawn forth from me. Will that do?” He addressed the girl.

She smiled and brought his hand to her heart. “I was taken from your side but now, I will never leave it.”

A murmur of approval swept the crowd.

Rapha walked toward the throne, the dainty, golden circlet shining in his hands. The memory of that slow walk was to remain so clear even thousands of years later. As he was swept up in the overflow of their gratitude toward Adonai, Rapha felt—there was no other way to describe it—younger.

Adam’s hands shook as he took the crown and reached to place it on her gleaming head. Her crown for him was heavier but still simple, an interwoven circle of three golden vines that slipped down on his forehead, as yet a bit large for his brow.

Then Adonai spoke. “These tokens are a testament to the authority I bestow. If you feel unprepared to rule… good: I am here to instruct and guide you and these faithful of the celestial host are vessels of My knowledge as well. In this place, the one thing you need—wisdom—is ripe for the taking.”

Then He addressed the assembly, “This man and woman are the first fruits of this new age. Honor them as my anointed ones. Stand with them and protect them. Their welfare affects all life and through their offspring all creation is restored.”

Again the Maker addressed the young man and woman who continued to sneak glances at each other. “Today, you are betrothed. You see in each other the promise of future fulfillment. You will grow and learn together. Then, when you are prepared to rule, the two shall become one flesh. Until then you will learn of your calling to lay down your own lives to ensure the welfare of all things, from the least to the greatest. Abide in Me and your joy shall be secure.”

Then the young man and woman turned toward the assembly and the entire valley broke into celebration. Chattering birds took flight, large mammals trumpeted and roared, smaller creatures scampered and shrieked in a joyous symphony.

In the midst of this celebration, the piercing light of Adonai lit upon Lucifer, crouching atop a carved pillar like an eager bird of prey. With a hiss, the fallen angel disappeared.