The fallen are limited in many ways and Mab knows how they are limited. She also has worked with Uriel before. Odin also has regular lunches with Uriel so there is more going on behind the scenes with him.
If the fallen start to do something like that they are bound to get a reaction. It was simply don’t eat him, not even nibble. Just to make sure she understood. Mab would see it as an attack on her court and rightly so because Harry was there in his official function and Lara was supposed to be an ally and probably a hundred other reasons.
It was probably somewhat later depending on where. What changed? Human belief and their stories changed so the supernatural and how they expressed themselves had to change.
It is probably also geographical. The same forces may express differently in say southern India.
True, but not totally limited. Even the ones in the Denarian Coins. Lucifer (well actually, one of his lieutenants according to WOJ) was able to power the Denarian Signs used to capture Marcone and the Archive. Yes, Uriel responded. But clearly the Fallen are able to act to some degree. The Denarians asked for the aid of Hell's Fallen and they got it. Mab reacts to the Denarians (as in the combination of Fallen in the Coin and the bearer). Uriel reacts to the Fallen, specifically.
The Denarians, nor Hell, were particularly worried about the consequences of capturing the (fake) Shroud, or robbing Hades, or capturing the Archive etc. If they want something enough, they'll just go do it. Especially at that level. So if they really wanted the Arma Christi or whatever, they would do whatever they could to get them.
It could just be don't eat him...but Mab often has layers of meaning. So I wouldn't take it at just straight value. However, I don't know that she would see it as an attack on her Court necessarily. It would entirely depend on the context. The White Court are masters of setting things up and using cat paws to get what they want. It all depends on the boundaries of Harry acting in his official capacity. Think back to Storm Front when Harry punches Morgan right after Morgan sheaths his sword and is no longer acting officially. Which is a fairly simple view of things on Jim's part (I wouldn't bother punching an off-duty cop, they can still arrest you for example - depending on your local laws). But he did write that scene 20 odd years ago as a much younger man.
As for the changing of the balance of power, the reason I chose when Christ was around is according to Jim that's when a lot of balances of power changed and set things for the next 2000 odd years. We also get the Knights of the Cross and the Knights of the Blackened Denarius around this time, and the Arma Christi. I can't really see a later date of importance (at least as far as the story is concerned) apart from whatever happened at Hastings. But I'd say there had already been significant change by that point. There are earlier points too of course, but this seems to fit. Also, Jim being a Christian and having fairly prominent Christian themes, symbols and idea in his books makes it even more likely.
I think you're right about the belief stuff, but what caused them to change their beliefs. Did Zeus stop showing up in divine visitations etc? I'd say so.
I have wondered about the geographical thing. Time will tell on that one. Is Zeus also Brahma and also Odin etc? Or are they all separate beings that go by whatever names and titles mortals give them.
I see it quite differently.
Yes, the Fallen COULD try that. But then the un-fallen Angels would be able to come out and play at full strength, too. Blow for blow, hit for hit, and they would probably counter them about exactly.
Only about exactly, of course, but this rounding error is where people like Mab and Odin WOULD make a difference. Angels vs Fallen is probably about a 50:50 fight; Angels+Mab+Harry vs Fallen is 50+1:50.
Fair enough. But notice Uriel didn't respond exactly the same way that Lucifer/one of his captains acted. It might be even but not necessarily equitable or even a mirrored response. I think you're probably right about the rounding error thing - because I think it's exactly why Vadderung chooses to be mostly mortal.