Shem - an Introduction

Shem was not like the other angels. Most obviously in that his wings
were not white, but black with a shimmer of blue, like the wings of a
crow. He did not shine out in a glory of gold like the other angels,
but glowed silver like the friendly moon. Nor was he possessed of a
face so beautiful as those of the other angels. Shem's face was long
and sullen, and he tended to look ill. Though being an angel, of
course, he was never ill.

Shem did not fly around in a shining host, but lived alone in a house
made of birdsong and all the things you lose, like scissors, pens and
combs, high, high above The City. In truth, he was happiest in his own
company.