"No, it's not a living thing," he answers mildly, and when Gadreel moves closer he responds in kind, even so far as extending a wing to brush his brother's. Balthazar is, if nothing else, a sucker for the pleasure and comfort of contact, whether body or Grace. Besides, if the guards assume they're simply getting acquainted, they might just get ignored that much longer.

"I promise it's something that would have been on the Earth last time you were there." That's an extra clue, but Balthazar considers it fair. He knew in an academic sense that Gadreel hadn't been on Earth since his disgrace, but it strikes him suddenly as a crying shame. The ripple of sympathy through his Grace is almost visible.

The last time he was on the planet was in the midst of an ugly human war. But he still saw a lot there to admire, from oceans to sunrise, storms to dandelions gone to seed. It's all still there, at least until the big showdown between Michael and Lucifer obliterates it.

Assuming that happens. He's starting to wonder.

"I wish we could overhear the talk. How do you think they'd react if I tried to get closer?" Gadreel knows this place, this situation, better than Balthazar does. Maybe he has an idea who's least likely to lash out at them?