I have no excuses anymore, prepare the angry mob to beat me up! :|
Well, enough of of that. Sorry for not updating, I've gotten caught up in some things and some new thingymajigs came out and school and blargh ._.; I'll try to make it up to you guys. To those that have been faithful after all this time, thank you so much, it means a lot :'|
Anyways, I just want to address something in particular. If I get something like location and lore wrong, let me know, because I'm not the most knowledgeable of the Diablo universe. I did play Diablo I and II, but it was a long long LONG time ago and I have not really read any of the lore books until recently, so feel free to offer some guidance if you're willing, don't be afraid to speak up! I made this fic shortly after beating DIII, and I know there are mistakes, like the confusion with where everyone is actually FIGHTING. I made that mistake in Chapter 1 where Auriel is off galloping in Sanctuary while everybody else is in Pandemonium I believe ._.; I really apologize for inaccuracies like that, I'll try to fix them later. So to those who have read and are newly reading, please bear with me.
I'll have some drawings up on Deviantart soon, just don't have time right this second to upload. I also have the next chapter, Chapter 11, pretty much ready, so I'll guarantee another chapter in the near future, I just want to get some headway on Chapter 12. Also, if the ending is a bit abrupt or confusing, that's because I kind of cut a chapter in half right there, so the rest will be explained next chapter!
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it has more Imperius in this one, the one after, and probably the one after that. In this chapter, there are two others featured, which you can kinda judge from the title. ^^; I hope I did well in their characterizations and interactions.
Well, I hope you guys like it!
Chapter 10 - Auriel
The night was silent within the Library of Fate. Though angels could work through the night, if they so wished, it was mandatory that every angel received enough rest to function properly during a long day's work. It would not do if the Angelic Host were to overwork themselves and be susceptible to invasion, after all. But by "rest," it is not meant as sleep, for it is not necessary for angels to do so in order to survive (unless they were gravely injured and needed to recover strength, of course). Rather, it is custom for them to relax their bodies and ease their state of mind so that no stress could remain for the next day. It was much important to have a state of harmony to get them through the long work hours. And now it could be seen as the reason why these central work places appeared much empty, even though the concept of sleep is faulty when it comes to an angel.
Even then, there are certain seraphs that usually do not have such a luxury so often. There was darkness within the endless shelves of the great library, but not within every corner. In the upper recesses of the building was a grand office, of which lighted candles were strewn about on top of one grandly cluttered desk. It was here that the sounds of papers rustling, pen scribbling, and crystals clacking echoed throughout the somewhat vast room. And, of course, a figure was there to cause such sounds, bent over in his seat as he shifted through letters. The angel was, of course, the Archangel of Fate.
Tired though was he, he did not even register his exhaustion as he was focused upon his current task. Many days were like this; tirelessly working, he rarely ever could stop for a day and not think about his duties. Such was the troublesome life of an Archangel, but this was what he was created to do, and never said anything against it.
The scribe may have even liked his job, to put it in simpler terms. Like all librarians, he most enjoyed reading even though he knew all that lied within his very library, so up-to-date was he. His work was also organized much like his shelves. In fact, he rarely ever was behind on such things as paperwork. Despite all this, he did not desire a day off. Who else would do his job for him? Keeping the Heavens orderly was a high responsibility. Henceforth, he continued laboriously into the night, oblivious to his own exhaustion.
However, he was to be interrupted, for a flicker of light illuminated the room for a split second. Another figure was left in its place, a pale glow signifying that of an angel's wings. Itherael was prepared to summon his runesword, silently waiting, but soon eased when he realized who was within his company. With drapes billowing around her form as she drifted into the light, it could be none other than Lady Auriel. It was nearly impossible to remain tense in her presence, since she was such a calming figure to behold.
"Good evening, Itherael," her soft voice emitted. Her gracious form moved slowly around the desk, as if she were a fish lightly drifting in the water. She continued until she came to a stop at Itherael's side.
In a silent but polite gesture, he moved a nearby chair over to his flank so that she may rest as well. After all, it was the least he could do for such a lady, as well as for his good friend. She smiled thankfully at him as he readjusted his position once more. It was then that the male Archangel found the necessity to speak. "What brings you here, Auriel?"
"Merely a break in the storm," she breezed. "The conflict has settled ever so slightly. With our forces swiftly treated, it has allowed me a short respite." Glancing over at her companion, she addressed him kindly. "You remain hard at work, even now."
"..." He looked down at the sheaf of papers on the desk. "It will be completed shortly." The Archangel said this so as to not worry her too much. After all, she did tend to look after him, and she had her own issues. It would not do to trouble her further.
The Archangel of Hope extended her hands, placing them upon his arm with such gentility that it was as if they were as light as air. "Perhaps you should rest soon. You are so dedicated to your work that I fear you'll overwork yourself." Her laugh chimed like beautiful bells. "After all, I believe you get lost in papers. There must be someone to pull you out again, yes?"
Itherael glanced down at her hands for a moment wordlessly, but soon realized something. He awkwardly tried to shift his arm away from her grasp.
Her grip lightly tightened, to keep him from moving further, before slowly pulling his arm closer. Within the warm glow of the candles, she could finally see the bandages upon his arm clearly. The maiden then moved to undo the wrappings so that she could have a look. Itherael had no objections. It was difficult to hide a wound from the eyes of such a skilled healer as she. But, he couldn't help but shift in his seat, for their close proximity made him somewhat uncomfortable... Perhaps even shy. Held prisoner by the gentlest of bonds in the world, he allowed her to do as she wished, albeit awkwardly.
When the bindings were untied, she had a look at the injury, her fingers lightly brushing the edges of the cut. Her gestures were so gentle that they didn't even hurt, but rather calmed him. It was then that she took her cord and laced it around his bicep, keeping it there while its magic went to work. Her hands shifted from time to time, making him fidget, his wings fluttering at such delicate movements. The situation nearly made him hold his breath.
A soft chuckle from the lady could be heard, patting his arm. "I see you've gained some muscle," she told him in a teasing manner. "You seem to become stronger every time I see you."
Somehow, this made a surge of emotions flow through him. He cleared his throat, and his gaze seemed to become unable to focus on her. A response left his lips. "You, Lady Auriel, seem to become more beautiful, every time I see you."
Silence erupted within the room, the candles illuminating their forms and making it seem as if only them existed in the universe. Itherael realized the weight of his words and hurriedly glanced over to see Auriel's reaction. Feeling suddenly nervous, he stayed still and awaited a response.
Auriel seemed shocked for a moment, sitting still and silent. Afterword, she shifted so that her face was tilted away. Her face couldn't seem to resist a smile, heat coming from her cheeks as she lightly fondled his arm. She remained like that with him for a short period, just sitting by his side in silence.
He realized he still had his quill in his hand after all this time. Somewhat sheepishly, the scribe set it down, averting his gaze from her direction. It seemed to be enough to stir Auriel, for she started to unwrap her cord from around his arm. Looking at the remains, she traced the light scar left there. "It appears that it will be just enough to add a manlier look to your countenance," she chuckled.
It was enough to make Itherael's serious features soften within his hood, although there seemed to be a bit of heat from his own cheeks at that. He couldn't help but to thank her, touching his arm over the area after she had pulled away.
Even after Auriel had to leave, the thought of her warm presence being there was enough to uplift his spirits. Though his state was weary, he suddenly had the strength to bear the paperwork of the whole Angiris Council, for he had the presence of a gorgeous woman that provided him the support he needed to get through his duties. He was truly a lucky angel indeed.
Imperius was a sight to behold when he wasn't bedridden. He had gotten enough strength to move around as he wished, albeit carefully under my watchful eye. The Archangel seemed to try to find any excuse in order to move around as he pleased, so making sure he didn't harm himself was a stressful task. He wasn't oblivious to my watchful stares and got even more irritated by the feeling of having a personal sentry, but I couldn't help myself. If something happened to my superior, I don't know what I'd do.
What has certainly caught my attention is how much of a giant he appears to be; the Arch had done its job well in creating a perfect warrior. It was hard to miss him, as if he was an iconic pillar in a structure, perhaps acting as one towards his soldiers. I was lucky my abode's ceiling was high enough to house His Majesty.
My humble home wasn't the best to offer for an Archangel's recovery; it was quite small, and I only had one bed, leaving my back in pain as I took naps in my chair. It was somewhat cluttered, but only because of the lack of space, for I had plenty of heirlooms and curiosities. The second room I even used for all this storage, packed with shelves and novels. Itherael was quite generous in lending me such things, but this habit did not allow me much stretching room.
It was to this second room that I drifted, deciding to occupy myself rather than stalking Imperius from the other side of the room. As I scanned the shelves, thinking, my eyes rested upon a box that was set upon the top shelf of a bookcase. I used my wings to get myself up to it, but I couldn't peek inside since it was rather close to the ceiling, so if I really wanted to scan its contents, I would have to lower it down. However, it proved a difficult task, as the box appeared to be heavier than I thought it would. Trying to lift it was like trying to lift an iron chest. Why would I set something with so much weight on the topmost shelf? Even if I didn't need to see the inside, I needed to move it to a more practical location. Despite my struggles, it only inched.
Footsteps seemed to come closer to where I was, and I turned to look. It was Imperius, of course, as I didn't have any other guests, nor did I hear anyone arrive. He rested his frame against the door and glanced up at me. I could feel his questioning gaze. "You're making some racket. What could you possibly be doing?"
"I'm trying to move this box," I muttered in my own defense, "but it's quite heavy." I looked down at it, feeling a bit helpless.
The Archangel of Valor seemed to let out a hiss of a sigh, then advanced forward. "Out of my way."
I placed myself between him and the box. "You can't, you're injured..."
"If it will stop all this fretting, I will do what I must." His long wings, which would usually drag, twitched as they lifted to fold against his back once more.
Even with that display, I wouldn't budge. Looking down, I tried to think of a quick solution. "Stand under me and place your hands at my waist."
"What?" he scoffed. The Archangel appeared hesitant, his stance strong.
"I'll slide it down, and so you can be there to catch me," I explained. With me pulling it, I suppose it would put less strain on him. I didn't want his wound to open up again after all this time. I waited for a response, hoping this was acceptable.
"..." He moved behind me and, albeit reluctantly, raised his hands. "Fine." He paused for a moment, as if to find where best to place them, before holding them firmly around my waist in an appropriate area. His wings tensed behind him, bunching up as his back muscles prepared to support some weight. I hoped his wound would hold.
In a position like this, however, I took a moment to notice two things. I never realized how large his hands actually were. Mine were rather the size of an infant's compared to his. I felt actually safe, in a way, like I could trust his hold. Secondly, I was also surprised that he would do something like this for me. I should take advantage of it while I can.
Raising my hands, I carefully slid the box forward, making sure that if my grip slipped that it wouldn't go right to the floor and possibly break anything fragile. When the box came to the edge, however, its weight suddenly slammed down on my arms and my torso fell straight forward. I let out a cry from the surprise I felt. However, though it was so quick, I saw Imperius lunge forward instinctively. His arm snaked around me while the other slid under the box, so strong was he that he was able to support its weight with one arm. I was so stunned that I remained practically on his knee, resting against his side as his large form held me close. The hand holding the box up was practically over my own, I noticed, making me a bit fidgety, wondering if he noticed as well.
Imperius then lowered the box, and I could tell that his wings were trembling slightly, trying not to strain his injury. Snapped out of my trance, I tried to help him in lowering it down. It finally landed safely on the floor.
Quickly shying back my hand, I wondered what to do from this point. Should I move? I was so close to him that I could feel his chest rise and fall. I was too stunned to slip away, in all honesty. My arms quaked ever so slightly from the weight and the impact, for they were a bit jarred. I sadly admit that I am not the strongest angel. So I looked up at Imperius, to see how he was faring. A question suddenly left my mouth without my thinking. "Are you alright?"
Imperius seemed to be snapped out of his thoughts, for he looked down at me now. He appeared to glance over me for a moment before moving a hand to my back, giving a helpful push to get me back to my feet. Even when kneeling, he was quite tall. He soon after got to his own feet and let out a sigh. "Don't attempt such a thing on your own. Are you looking to get yourself killed?" he muttered crossly.
I was taken aback. "W-Well, I... I didn't think..." I was at a loss. My fingers played with each other in an awkward gesture.
"That's correct, you DIDN'T think!" he reprimanded. "Putting something with much weight on a top shelf... The most foolish of foolish actions to commit! What's so important in some inanimate object that you had to place it above all others?!"
I didn't quite remember, my wings lowered and flinching at his increasingly harsh tone. My feet led me to the box, lowering myself to my knees, before carefully opening it. Without a word, Imperius was suddenly brought to silence. As my fingers found the top, they pried open the cover, and so my eyes could gaze within.
My eyes burned holes into the contents. ...So that's why I placed it so high. Quickly shutting it, I pushed it under the lowest shelf before getting to my feet, dusting myself off again. "It's nothing." I smiled at him. "W-Well, you should get some rest." I left him to himself, leaving the room. I didn't want to remain any longer.
Review Response
Sad rain in the cold winter: I'm really happy that you like my fic so much, it warms my heart! I just hope I can satisfy all of you to the very end, maybe even have a sequel if I ever get to it ._.; I also hope you'll be there until the end to see if with me. Also, as to the answers to your questions, it may be a while before they're answered, but it'll surely be answered! As for Imperius and what he said, well, he probably said what he said and probably wanted to take it back after much thought. He certainly isn't Wisdom, that's for sure ^^; Sorry for the late reply, and I hope you had some wonderful holidays and a fantastic New Year!
Heaven-water-sister: Well, now I have, and I'm finally providing! X'D Sorry for the long wait, and hope you like the chapter!
1nconceivable: Can I just say that I like your profile pic? XD Love that movie. Anyways, about the gmail thing, the same thing happened to me oddly enough ._.; It was quite strange, sent things like alerts and reviews to spam. I think it's fixed by now, but it's still quite odd. And indeed, I'm doing my best to make Imperius as much as a teddy bear as I can x) Or at least a bear without claws. *Hides Solarion somewhere so that he doesn't get ideas* ._.; Anyways, hope you enjoy this chapter!
TheBlueDove: And now here's finally more! X'D I hope you enjoy, and sorry for the long wait!
zaziesgirl: Awww, I'm glad you like my fic! x) And I've finally updated, so here you go~!
g the nephilim: Awww, I'm really flattered by such praise! I'm sure this isn't the best fic, given I've made tons of mistakes and I'm not sure if I'm keeping everyone in-character well-enough. ^^; It is true though, there aren't as many DIII fics out there but I'm sure they'll pile up eventually. Oh man, I am so glad that I managed to inspire someone! o: One of my main goals as an amateur writer and artist is that I want to inspire others as I have been, so that makes me feel quite accomplished. Don't be shy, get your characters out there and impress the world! Or at least impress a handful, like I have. x) Even one is enough. If you don't mind, would you tell me more about your OC sometime? I'd like to get to know him! And I'm so glad you like Lenedial, and she will definitely play a big role! x) Good luck with your writing, and never give up!
Guest: So sorry for the long wait! D'X Anyways, here it is, and there's more to come soon! X'D
