Hey, everybody! Valentine's is finally here! I know for some the day actually started yesterday, but the day actually started today for me. Just realized how controversial that could be. ._.; But anyways, I hope all of you will enjoy the update! It definitely took some tweaking here and there. I will also give some more news at the bottom at the end of the chapter in an A/N.
I had somebody beta read this chapter, and they assured me nothing was wrong with this chapter, but maybe I'll give a warning anyways? So there might be some SUGGESTIVE THEMES here. Idk, nothing too terrible, and I trust you're all grown-ups and will scoff after reading the chapter and be like "What're you talking about, Teru? There's no such thing! P:" But, it's still rated T, and I don't see myself writing anything too terrible. (Terrible as in explicit, bleugh.)
I'm a little afraid of this chapter being a little anticlimactic, so let me know what you guys think. X'D And if I didn't uphold the hype, give me some helpful critic!
Side note, but the latest spotlight goes to Bluemist562's Diablo fanfic "Never Cease Curiosity," which has been updated recently, so go check it out~ It is also an angel OC story like Angiris is~
Anyways, hope you all enjoy the chapter~
Chapter 24 - Shame and Love
I proceeded to fire at the target in the archery range for much of the day. In fact, I practiced for so long, my hands were shaking and legs ready to give out. It was time to take a much-needed break. My wings raised while I floated towards the medic tents. Exhaustion was too strong to walk all the way back, so I flew instead.
A guard nearby suddenly slammed his hammer near where I was. THUD!
I let out a small scream and veered away, only to land heavily upon my side. I let out a strangled gasp of air and gripped my shattered breastplate. My head raised fearfully to peer at the guard. He held his hammer, but it had landed on a boulder upon a plate and not me. He had been chipping at the stone to use it for resources. The man came closer and outstretched a hand to check and see if I was alright. I wasn't sure what came over me, but I sucked in more air, picked myself back up, then flew away as fast as I could. I trembled. I've made a fool of myself, only because I was scared of the guards of the Armory. He did nothing wrong, but I was still a fool and ran away. I should have apologized at least, but I didn't. I selfishly left him to wonder what he did wrong.
I arrived at the medic tents and ducked inside. I needed to calm down somewhere safe. I instantly thought of Lady Auriel and Imperius. Biting my lip, I began to dart past the stretchers, only to accidentally ram into someone.
I recoiled and spoke up to apologize, only to clutch my side and crumple to the ground. I was in pain. My eyes watered greatly. Oh, what have I done?!
"Lenedial?!" I struggled to raise my gaze. It was Lady Auriel herself who hunched over me in this very moment.
I realized my sins and let out a sob. "Oh, Lady Auriel, I am so sorry! I panicked and hurt myself, and because I was so distracted by my thoughts, I crashed into you! Please forgive me!" I ducked low and trembled. It was painful because of my injury, but I had to show my repentance.
She seized my shoulders and pushed me up abruptly to get to my wound. I yelped when she peeled at the cracked armor. "You're bleeding. Keep still." I had no choice but to do as she said. She pressed her cord against my side. I instantly filled with relief, and my stress lowered because of the contact with her cord. I felt so foolish because she had to treat me like this. A tear fell down my cheek. The amount of shame I felt was staggering.
The Archangel looked up at me once she was done, then reached up and swiped at my cheek with her thumb. "I heard what happened." She suddenly had an edge to her voice. "Don't you dare retrieve a patient's weapon without my permission again."
I placed my head in my hands and proceeded to cry. "I-I'm so sorry, Lady Auriel! I didn't know! Please don't execute me!" I was ready to die of shame, but I was so scared of death despite all my transgressions! I'm such a coward!
Through the cracks in my fingers, I could see her posture soften. Then, she carried me to somewhere more private. There was a convenient spare bed nearby, upon which she sat me down upon the edge. She wrapped her cord around my shoulders again temporarily, and I began to stop crying. "You really are an easy child to punish, Lenedial, you know that?"
I sniffled and raised my head. "L-Lady Auriel…?"
She sat beside me. "I am not going to go so far as to kill you, Lenedial, but I will leave it at a scolding. You know how controversial your wings are. They can leave a terrible impression if you do the wrong thing." She reached for a spare parchment, then wrote upon it, before giving it to me. "Here. This will give you proof you are a medic of Imperius."
I clutched the sheet within my trembling hands, then hugged it to my chest. "I-I do not deserve this…" I sniffed. "I-I thank you for your endless generosity to the likes of me, though…"
"I didn't give you any orders not to." She sighed. "But I will just please ask you to consult me first on these matters."
I nodded hurriedly to show my sincerity. "Y-Yes! I promise!"
"..." She gazed at me from the darkness of her hood, then placed her hand upon my side. "You cannot wear this. It's broken, and you should get some rest. You can take a nap upon this bed, but afterwards please leave so we can make sure all possible patients can be accommodated."
I balked, and my face went pale. It was blasphemous for an angel to remain unclothed even IF there were curtains! My cheeks burned a deep red, and I placed my hand on my side. I would rather sleep with my broken armor on than off. However, I did not voice my complaints because I did not want to argue against Lady Auriel, and I had already been as uncooperative as is. "I-I cannot sleep… I must return to Imperius and monitor his condition…"
She snatched my hand in hers, and my fingers trembled. They were scuffed and worn from my constant arrow flinging. "What have you gotten yourself into?"
I shifted uncomfortably. "T-Target Practice, Lady Auriel…" I was exhausted from it, but I was also quite fulfilled. However, the exhaustion part still remained, and the stress from earlier still lingered. Honestly, I was ready to collapse at this point, but I had to press on. I couldn't do more damage than I already had.
She dabbed at my fingers with her cord, then released me and came to a stand. She moved to the curtain. "Remain here. That is an order. I will have someone send for you a change of clothes in exchange for getting your breastplate repaired."
I sulked. "Yes, Ma'am…"
I was at this point left alone, gripping my knees and feeling completely drained. Why did I have to get so emotional like that? Now look what I've done… I ducked my head and placed my face in my hands. I should take this time to calm down. Alright, think of nothing, Lenedial! Nothing was worth fretting over after everything was all said and done!
And yet… I could still feel that pit in my stomach. It was always difficult to think of nothing when something bothered me. I twiddled my thumbs while I waited. I couldn't go against Lady Auriel's orders, but sitting still like this was making me go crazy with anxiety. My wing tendrils furrowed into knots. Oh, let the end of my suffering be swift…
After a long time of waiting, a lady arrived, and she presented to me a bundle in her arms. It was a pile of clothes, and on top of it was an envelope. I shook my head. I was a courier; I should be delivering letters, not receiving them. I grasped it in my hands and opened up the top of the envelope. It read:
"Wear these and feel better. You cannot afford to sulk. Hope is always upon the horizon. -Auriel"
My wings drooped again. She was right. I couldn't afford to sulk. However, I couldn't guarantee myself returning to an upright mood either. I then took the pile of clothes from the woman and laid them across the bed.
"I will await you outside," the maiden told me. "I am to take your armor to the Armory for repairs once you are finished changing."
Of course Auriel would relay orders to force me to get dressed. I glanced at the clothes I received, then balked.
What I had laid down was a short white dress made of fine material. The hood was white and had a black bow on the back with long ribbons. There were black stripes along the front and a pleated skirt underneath to the knee. It had frills, and the shoes were… small. Dear Heavens, what was going to cover my legs?! I didn't see any pants. I rummaged through the pile and came across a thin layer of cloth stockings. My face lost its shadow in exchange for a pale ghostly glow. Lady Auriel wished for me to go out in what I considered to be my undergarments.
Filled with conflict, I glanced at the curtain. The angel was waiting for me to finish. I placed a hand upon my chin. Calm down, Lenedial. Auriel couldn't bring me another suit of armor because those had to be fitted, and we simply do not have those resources due to the war. I had to make do with what I had. Satisfied with my conclusions, I slid off my armor and slipped into my new clothes.
I flexed my fingers within my new gloves and shuddered. They were so… thin. If I made contact with anything, I was going to die with all of the overwhelming sensations. I flustered more when my leg brushed against the edge of the bed, causing my wings to bristle. "E-EEP!"
"Is everything alright in there, Miss? I'm coming in."
NO! DON'T COME IN, I thought to myself, but they were only that: mere thoughts. My tongue was too tied to voice my outbursts. I was left vulnerable against the edge of the bed.
She parted the tent flaps and spotted me. The woman clasped her hands. "Oh, you look simply delightful! Auriel must like you a lot."
I clutched the bottom of my skirt out of embarrassment. Why doesn't she wear this then while I take her armor?! But, I was too kind despite my misery to say such things. I resorted to averting my gaze. At least this much was covered.
She gathered up my armor in her arms, being especially careful with the breastplate. It wouldn't do to break it even more. Suddenly, adrenaline filled my veins. Now would be the time to stop her. "Wait!" I could get my armor back!
She looked up at me innocently. "Yes, Miss?"
I had my hand outstretched toward her. "I want you to… to…!" Then, I suddenly felt my wings deflate, and my hand lowered. I sulked. "...Put those repairs on… low priority…" I resigned myself to my fate. Curse you, Itherael. "...The soldiers who fight… need it sooner than I," I grumbled. So much for getting my armor back. I would be stuck in this dress for a while.
She bowed. "Very well, Miss." However, before she left, she patted me on the vulnerable part of my back. I bristled again. "You must be young. Don't worry; you'll get used to it." I was left steaming in the room, my flustered face hidden by the confines of my hood.
Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't remain inside of the tent forever. I gulped, then took a step forward. My thighs rubbed together and I cursed Itherael's name inwardly again. My thoughts returned to Serenity, the maiden of Fate. How she was able to wear something like this every day I had no clue. Perhaps that was a sign of an angel's maturity.
I outstretched a trembling hand, then thrust the tent flaps ajar. If I rushed to where Imperius was, maybe nobody would see me. After all, everyone else was busy with their duties, right? I sucked in a gulp of air, then darted out of my shelter and towards my destination. I made sure to look both ways this time so I did not crash into some helpless medic.
So far so good. Everyone else was busy as far as I could tell. I continued with my swift flight until my foot suddenly barged into an obstruction. A yelp escaped past my lips and I proceeded to crash towards the ground.
Thump! I thudded hard against a cold surface. I groaned and steadied myself upon it. Then, I realized it was not a pillar. Warily, I gazed up and was greeted with the sight of an angel. Or, rather, a very familiar Archangel.
It was Archangel Tyrael staring down at me. Deja vu.
I quickly removed myself from his breastplate because it was both disrespectful and very hard and cold. I bowed hurriedly. "M-My apologies, Tyrael sir!" Before he could get a word in, I darted off with shame in my gait.
Tyrael gazed after me with his hand raised, then muttered under his breath. "Lenedial?" I glanced at him over my shoulder, paused to bow again in the distance, then retreated towards Imperius's space.
I ducked behind the curtains, then let out a sigh of relief. Good, now I was far away from the outside world's prying eyes. My worn out legs trembled and nearly buckled. Auriel could heal my wounds and relieve my stress, but she couldn't rid me of my exhaustion. I should return to my seat. I swerved in order to do just that, then froze in my tracks once I realized something.
Oh.
Our eyes met behind the safety of our hoods. Imperius, the Archangel of Valor, sat up on the bed and his hood was twisted to face me. Neither of us uttered a word. I stood, and he sat. Angel and Archangel. Female and Male.
I fumbled for something to break the ice. "I-I-umm-I―" Nothing I attempted seemed to work. The words became lost at the very instant they reached my vocal cords. There was no use trying to speak today. My cheeks burned with heat. I suddenly felt the need to return home. I would be of no use to the Heavenly Host in the state I was in. I whirled around on one leg to return the way I had come in a panic. I didn't put weight upon the other leg because I was still sore from my fall. Imperius would be the worst possible angel to witness me fumble around like this.
I felt a sudden grip upon my wrist, and my body was propelled sideways. Soon I felt his other hand grab me, and I was tugged straight into Imperius's broad chest. I yelped and placed my small hands against his shoulder blades with my cheek against his pectorals. My legs ached from being swept off my feet. Though everything was a blur and everything happened so quickly, what I did know was that contact with his body was warm, and his muscular torso was, to put it simply, quite heavenly. I blushed at this last thought. Well, not like he needed to know that, especially when he was about to punish me for my transgressions. I closed my eyes tightly in preparation for the pain that is to come.
I yelped when my back was suddenly pressed against the bed. I opened my eyes wide from surprise to discover what was going on. My wings twisted into knots at the sight I saw.
Imperius loomed above me on the mattress. His thick and powerful arms propped himself up so he was not on top of me, moreso above me. My very first thoughts flicked with concern for his back, but my second thoughts swept in a surge of anxiety. What was he going to do with me? His bright orange wings flared behind him, casting his front in shadow. Needless to say, I was scared. I was tucked under his body with my slender legs between his thick ones.
"I-Imperius?" I uttered softly, yet frightfully. My arms were folded against my sides while my forearms were up and palms facing the ceiling. My whole body ached with both tiredness and fear in anticipation of what was to come.
"Lay still," was what he ordered gruffly with an edge to his voice. I gulped, but remained silent in fear of angering him further. Then, his hands moved. My eyes tracked his every movement, wondering what he was about to do. I flinched when he reached for me.
Then, he suddenly placed his large hands upon my body. My breath caught in my throat when one hand gripped the fleshy area under my breast and ribcage, and the other gripped the outside of my thigh. A shudder traveled down my spine, and I let out another yelp when the hand upon my thigh snaked down towards my calf. I writhed a little within his grip out of protest and held his arms. A cry left my lips. "N-No! Let go of me!" If he touched me any further, I felt like I was going to die from an overload of physical contact. I wasn't used to being touched like this. My armor always protected me from that, but now it wasn't here to save me!
"I TOLD you to stay STILL!" he snapped, pinning me against the bed harder. My objections suddenly abandoned me down my throat and back the way they had come. "I loathe this just as much as you do!" His wings trembled upon his back. He then returned to his task, whatever that may be. It involved my discomfort, at the very least.
He grumbled under his breath while his hand felt up my leg. I could feel modest tears stinging my eyes. They threatened to spill down my cheeks. I sniffled and struggled to keep them down. I couldn't let him see my sign of weakness. He approved of that even less.
Despite my efforts, it appeared as if he saw them. He swiftly removed his hand from my side. "Is that where it hurts?" He lightly prodded my side with his fingers.
I whimpered. "N-No…" My arms hugged my body tightly. Tremors wracked my body out of shame because he was able to see me like this. But, then I realized he too had to go through this. Valor was not wearing his armor either, instead clad with the robes provided to him by Lady Auriel. We were on an even playing field now. Realizing this made me empathize with him, but at the same time I also shied away even more because he wasn't as clothed either.
I could catch glimpses of his muscular torso through the opening of his robes, and the tight bindings around his chest. They made his abdominal muscles visible. I had felt them once before, but now I was able to see them as plain as day. I gulped nervously and tried to quell these thoughts. Now was not the time.
"Hmph…" He pondered over something, then he felt up my leg again. Another shudder traveled up my spine. His hand veered up my thigh, getting close to the end of my skirt.
My cheeks blared with more heat and I let out a loud cry of protest. "N-Not there!" I tried to shy away from his hand. I had to do something! I felt like my chastity was at risk to the Archangel of Valor!
"'Not there?'" he asked me thoughtfully, then, against my wishes, slid his hand up past my skirt towards my hip. I let out a gasp. He applied pressure with his fingers, and then I yelped, but for a different reason than what I expected. Where he pressed down on, I felt a sore and throbbing pain.
"Ouch!" I flinched away from his touch. The pressure he was placing upon my hip was really starting to hurt!
He moved his hand away. "Ah, so that is where it is." He harrumphed, then prodded in different areas to see where else hurt.
I flinched when he kept poking me like that, especially in such an area. "W-What are you talking about, 'where it is'?!"
The man grunted. "I saw you were in pain, and you weren't wearing your armor. That must mean you got injured, so I was determining where it was." He snorted, then spoke spitefully. "If you had held still, I would have discovered where it was much sooner…"
I stared up at him blankly, then gained a sheepish blush. So, that was why he was touching me in such a manner? I covered my face with my hands. I was filled with such unspeakable embarrassment and shame. I had jumped to conclusions on what he was trying to do. If I had simply handled things calmly, things would not have escalated to this extent!
Imperius peered at me, then asked me a question with wariness in his voice. However, his question was rather blunt. "Are you… crying?"
"N-No!" I quickly denied his claim. I sniffled. "Just… relieved." I remained under his body, then looked away. It was… rather warm, being tucked under his body like this. It allowed me to rest my weary frame.
He was puzzled. "Relieved? Because of what?"
I covered my mouth. Not that he could see my mouth in the first place, but it was instinctual. "That you weren't going to…" I paused, then mustered my courage to state the next part, "...do something very intimate…"
He stared, and stared. I began to sweat under his intense gaze. The Archangel then, finally, roved his gaze up and down over my vulnerable body underneath his. I could tell because his hood slowly shifted with each motion. The realization set in. As if stung, his hands flew off of my body, and he tugged his body off of mine. I slid out from under him, but neither of us left the vicinity of the bed. He sat on one side, and I sat on the other. Neither of us had the strength to leave.
"D-DON'T FLATTER YOURSELF!" he barked, but I could tell he was just as flustered as I now. "I HAVE NO INTEREST IN SUCH MATTERS!" He hefted his spear and pointed it at me threateningly.
I stared back at him, and he stared back at me. His stance faltered, and his hood swiveled away. "...Tch…" His spear lowered, hefting it in his hands. Maybe he remembered our agreement from before.
I couldn't help but feel my lips tug upwards into a smile. "You 'have no interest'?" Now that I knew he held no such intentions, I suddenly felt a surge of confidence. I outstretched my leg to accentuate the thinly-clothed limb, stretching out upon the bed.
Valor veered his body away, the flames on his back being stoked into roaring bonfires. "Y-Yes, now put that away!"
I couldn't help but giggle. Soon it grew into full-out laughter, and I had to hold my stomach because of how hard I was laughing. The tears I had fought to hold in earlier escaped from their recesses and poured down my cheeks. I hadn't the control to keep them in at this point.
He growled. "Such insolence," he grumbled to himself, looking away.
My laughter died down and I swiped my tears from my face, taking in gasps of air. I wasn't sure what it was. I glanced up at Imperius. When I was around him, I felt like I could be myself. But, then I thought about it and inwardly shook my head. No, it was more than that. I was able to become a better version of myself when I was around him. I was more confident, and made attempts to be more witty, and was pressured not to act like a pathetic insecure excuse of an angel. This pressure was a good thing. I then remembered the pact between us. I could now entrust my safety with him fully.
"Thank you, Archangel Imperius," I stated, bowing low enough.
Imperius scoffed. "For what?"
I smiled. "For making me feel like I can be myself, and to not be so afraid to be in less armor."
Imperius growled, then whipped around to face me. Then, he lunged forward, and I suddenly found myself pressed against the bed again. He loomed over me, but this time he clutched my wrists. He brought his hood close to mine, then hissed, "Maybe you should be afraid." As if to place emphasis, he gripped my wrists even tighter.
I stiffened and froze, quivering. "I apologize, sir," I whispered. Perhaps I had gone too far.
He stared at me, then let me go. I was left lying under him, looking away from his form. We were left in an awkward silence.
As if it were his own way of apologizing, he placed his hand on the bruise of my hip and mercifully changed the subject. "Are you ever going to give me a report, angel?"
"O-Oh, right…" Of course he would wonder what happened. I was without my armor, battered, and making a fuss. I didn't tell him anything yet. It was difficult to look at him while I proceeded to explain, though. He was so close to me. "Well, you see, I had gone to Archangel Malthael's tent to check on him, but he appeared really busy, so I left… I met an archer at the archery range, and we socialized and I practiced my bowmanship. But I got sore from training. On the way back, I encountered a guard, and he startled me by swinging down his weapon―"
The Archangel suddenly growled and began to raise himself off of me. His wings raised and sparked into raging flames once more. "Are those foolish guards at it AGAIN?!"
Out of a panicked reaction, I snapped my arms forward and wrapped them around his abdomen to keep him down. "No! It wasn't that! Please don't strain your back…" My voice broke off into a whisper.
"..." He then lowered himself again, but now his body was pressed against mine due to my actions. I sheepishly let him go. But, even if I did, we remained like this. "...Hmph. Fine. Carry on with your report." His sudden anger calmed, his wings draped across the width of the bed. My wing tendrils twitched when his made contact with mine.
I looked away, a blush settling upon my cheeks. "There was a guard chiseling stone, and I veered away out of a panic and fell on my side, where my breastplate was cracked. So, it pierced my side, and Lady Auriel took a look at it." I placed my hand gingerly upon my side, as if the wound were still there.
"She stripped you of your armor and put you in these robes," he concluded.
"Yes… And then I flew in here, seeking shelter." The silence returned once I finished speaking. My palms reached upwards and placed themselves upon his shoulders. "I apologize for making you worry…"
He scoffed. "'Worry'? Pah! I was going to be without a medic with common sense if I didn't stop you. Do you know how inconvenient things would be if you left your duties?! What are jobs to you, just mere wims?!"
And yet we are still entwined like this, I thought to myself wryly when he scoffed, but I did not voice my thoughts. If he hadn't worried, he wouldn't have searched me for wounds. My hands slid down to his chest. "If you would let me go, I would have returned home, took the time to recover, and then returned…"
As if realizing how close we were and how it was restricting, he raised himself off of me. However, he suddenly gripped my shoulders. I peered up at him warily. What was he thinking this time? Then, I heard a chuckle emit from his hood. A dark one, and it caused his chest to rumble with the vibrations. "'Are you insane? You can't make that trip!'" he quoted mockingly. His palm moved down, and he traced my weak trembling legs.
Where have I heard that phrase before? My face paled. I had said that when I first met him. That was when I realized the tables had turned. I was too weak to do what I wished to do, and that was to retreat until I was well enough to fend for myself and take my armor back. Fidgeting with his robes between my fingers, my mouth drew into a grimace. He had a point. "...Touché, sir…"
Imperius had transitioned into full-out laughter. He slammed his fist against the edge of the bed above my head to cope, causing the cot to creak. I averted my gaze and frowned. He had won.
"'How much essence have you lost already?!'" he quoted breathlessly. "'You cannot leave until you can at least walk and swing a weapon on your own, or else you will be of no use to them!'" The man was left in stitches at that one.
I let him have his laughs while I did my best to disappear into the framework of the bed. If angels had a second name, mine would be "Mortification."
He swiped at his face, as if to rid himself of the joyous tears that rarely forced themselves out of his stiff body. Soon, the laughter died down until he was left gasping for air. Don't hurt yourself, I thought to myself spitefully, but I knew he was right. He and his handsome abdominal muscles had won, and my vulnerable state was the spoils of his victory.
He moved off of me, then rolled over so his back faced me. "You will sleep here until you have recovered. This is an order."
I balked at him. I couldn't refuse an order from an Archangel. I bit my lip, then rolled over until my own back faced his. My wing tendrils interlaced among themselves, and they formed knots out of nervousness. His large wings nearly engulfed the entirety of the bed, but I managed to nestle myself against the small of his back with what little space there was. They were warm, but at the same time, contact with them left goosebumps upon my veiled skin. Sometimes, they tickled. Other times, they caused a cascade of warmth to flow through my body.
How did he expect me to sleep?
A/N: Hello, everyone! Here is the news broadcast! This chapter is a whopping 5,028 words long (not including my notes and review responses). I originally had more scenes planned for this chapter, but eventually I figured I wanted to focus on Lenedial and Imperius's interactions this chapter (which is why there are no scene shifts), so I've decided I will do a Valentine's Chapter Part 2! In that one I am thinking about mainly focusing on Itherael and Auriel as well as some Malthael. After all, I can't leave out Itherael and Auriel from the holiday spirit! Because best couple deserves best chapter. P: HOWEVER, bad news is that I can't guarantee this other chapter done in a certain time, so it may take a little while to figure out what I want to do with it.
Also if you guys want to see a doodle of Lenedial's outfit this chapter, check out my twitter TeruKisuke! P:
In regards to the weird format-ness of recent chapters, I'm terribly sorry about that issue and will be more careful with that from now on. I was using an app to make some grammar adjustments, but it would mess up the formatting while not registering it on the app, but it would appear that way on the live page. So, no more! And if you see anything like that, feel free to let me know in a review because I may not know about it!
Alright, that should conclude the A/N. Thanks for reading! :)
Bluemist562: Here is the latest update! :P It's a little later in the day than I intended (had to make some last-minute changes), but now it is here, and hopefully before midnight! 8D
Andarius as a fatherly figure to Lenedial... Anda acting like a dad... Mute scribe scolding and protecting Lenny like a dad... A dad...
Anda is dad material confirmed. *Clutches him like he's a precious bean*
Andarius: ?
XD Sorry, that was a cute thought to me, so I got a bit caught up in it. Anyways, I'm glad you like my depiction of Itherael! I've kinda taken my own interpretation with him, so much so that I fear he is quite a bit out of character, but at this point I've started to kinda not care at this rate. ._.; As long as people can enjoy the story, it is good enough for me. Not like I work for Blizzard or anything. ^^; As for his comparisons to Malthael, they are similar in the fact where they love to study and are not as expressive with their emotions, but the one thing that would set them part would be Itherael being a kinder soul, while Malthael is very neutral on matters (such as the vote on sanctuary.) Perhaps that is why he is better friends with Auriel instead.
You are not intruding in the story, and you may be surprised to know I actually checked out your story about a week ago. :P I didn't have the opportunity at the time to review, but this comment here I will keep as relevant to your review as possible while still making it vague enough to spoil your story. So, without further ado: HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME EXPERIENCE FEELS! ;_; Sometimes I got the feeling while reading through your fic hoping it wasn't real. X'D And now you're going to have me write them, and I'll be crying all the meanwhile. P':
Hehehe, thank you for reading, reviewing, and making me feel things! x')
Reaper1024: Glad you enjoyed the last chapter! Malthael is up on his feet again, but at what cost? :P He'll be doing some very... curious, things in the near future. Perhaps we'll see a little of what's going on in that complex brain of his in the near future. P;
I honestly didn't expect for Andarius to get as good of a reception as he did. XD My cute lil mute jellybean~ As for Itherael, I honestly have been going for that feel because he has such a "dad" feel to me. I dunno why. ;_ Maybe it's his mature and calm exterior while still holding a bit of politeness. Idek. He fits the role perfectly for me. P: As for Kyriael, yes I agree~ She was perfect for giving Lenny a little boost. x)
The OCs who are mine are as follows: Lenedial (obviously), Andarius, Serenity, Israfel, and Helniel. The OCs who are NOT mine are Silvis, Nepherah, and Kyriael thus far. The owners are my irl friend, Miss Gems, and LightswornVindicator in that order.
I wholeheartedly lend Lenedial to anyone whose stories have need of her. :P As long as you don't claim she is your character or anything, but I don't need to tell you that because it's a "NO DUH" type of thing. ^^; So, be my guest~
Glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and thank you for reading and reviewing! :)
Alrisha: I hope I live up to your guys's hype with this chapter. X'D Am a little nervous while posting this. I can only hope~
Glad you think I'm doing an alright job with Mal! I've altered the events a little in this fic, so this would be slightly after Tyrael shattering the worldstone, but still a short while before the events of Diablo 3. (Diablo 2 takes place 20 years prior, so maybe 10-15 years before?) According to the Book of Cain, he begins getting a bit darker after the destruction of the worldstone, and that is why he leaves. But I have prolonged his exit a little bit, so that may why his characterization feels a little off for this time period. I appreciate the sentiments though, and maybe he would be a bit softer; although, regarding the rest of the council becoming suspicious, Auriel has shown some concern over his state, but there is little she can do about it. It's good that you're making me think about these things though, and maybe in the future I will have him a little more lenient. ^^= I'm glad you like Mr. Grumpy's characterization the way it is though~
Glad you're enjoying the story, and thank you for reading and reviewing! :)
kenyizsu: The fan isn't hitting QUITE yet, but maybe in the next chapter, some things will go down. P: Hope you enjoy the chapter~ As for the recent formatting errors, I'm terribly sorry about that, but thanks for letting me know! X'D That's what reviews are for, to let me know if anything goes wrong~
Thank you for reading and reviewing! :D
Iceeat: Glad you're still enjoying it! Awww, you flatter me! Adding other people's OCs helps me too, you know. P: Helps me develop the writing characterization skills~ x) Glad you think my writing is good, because I have developed my skills far across the course of the story! :D So, in a way, it is extremely fun~ (Sometimes I get lazy though, in which case nothing will sate me. ;_)
Hah, "Lendy." That is actually a really cute nickname for her. X'D Usually I hear "Lene" or "Lenny," but this is a cute one too~ But, anyways, glad you like how the council works as a little team to get her out of trouble. P: She is a troublesome little angel indeed, whether she intends to be or not~
Awww, I really appreciate those sentiments! I admit it can be a bit of an issue with other writers when it comes to main characters. This is where the issue comes up whether it is "Showing" vs "Telling," which is why many professional writers recommend "telling" to be a no-no. However, I don't fully agree that "showing" is always the best scenario because it can get very wordy, vs telling when things aren't particularly important. In the case these writers have with strong and important protagonists though, "showing" would be very crucial. Instead of telling the audience they're strong, show them what their strengths would be and let the readers come to that conclusion themselves. This is the challenge because it requires to show action instead of words, which a lot of writers have difficulty with. In my case, since much of this story is first-person POV, I have the pleasure of working with both techniques, although there is some difficulty balancing the two. I could go on and on with this topic, but then we would end up being here all night. X'D
As far as the victim card, I'm glad you feel like it doesn't come across that way. I wouldn't want to read about a character moaning and groaning 24/7, so why would I write it? P: Sometimes I have concerns on whether I use it, but a reasonable amount is alright considering what she's been through. It would be unrealistic for her NOT to address it, but showing the good and bad sides benefits the writing greatly. So, I've decided to approach her situation as if I were in her shoes, but keeping her character in mind and in a positive manner, which is what I tend to do. My brain is weird like that, but my writing style is a little bit... unique. X'D And uniqueness isn't always a good thing, but I'm glad you guys enjoy it nonetheless.
Anyways, sorry my response became a bit long, but I'm happy to talk about these matters if it will help other people, or provide some food for thought. :P I wonder if you guys enjoy reading my responses as much as I like writing them. Well, thank you for reading and reviewing! :)
SnowWhiteAbyss: Hahahaha, Malthael "sat her down." Now that I think about it with that wording, that's terrifying and hilarious at once. X'D I agree, it wasn't too bad. I would pray for her if it didn't. ._.; Cross Mal be scary~
Pfft, nah. Obviously it's not weird because Lenny just did that last chapter. P: I'm happy you thought it was cute though, because it was somewhat of an afterthought. x) Kyriael is much of a gentlewomanly figure after all, so I wanted that to come across in the last chapter. Not sure if I have access to that link though because Fanfiction always skews it.
Regarding the scissorblades, it is a good idea, but I do not have the ability to implement it at this time. Maybe sometime in the future, but it is one of those ideas I may or may not take depending on if I can fit it in. The odds are likely, but I want to state this in case the opportunity doesn't come in the near future. It is a good suggestion to have Andarius give her one, so I will keep it in mind.
Auriel probably returned to Imperius to see him clutching that weapon with a dumb grin on his face. P: So she probably whipped out her cord and squeezed some answers out of him~ Such a terrifying thought, honestly. O_o;
As far as the Angiris Council recognizing Lenedial's importance, I believe only three truly do; there's Itherael and Auriel obviously, because they conspire with each other, and Malthael may or may not recognize her relevance. He's sorta figuring that out through his research. Tyrael didn't used to, and Imperius only recognizes how she assisted his recovery, but still sees her as "lesser."
Tyrael has another moment like that in this chapter. It's not much, but he's always there when things are awkward. :P
I think Lenedial will eventually grow to take more credit for her work, seeing it is a matter of valuing herself. :) Maybe, when she undertakes more tasks by herself, she will end up taking more credit, considering no one else would be able to. After all, Auriel helped her with Imperius, and Helniel helped with Malthael. Only when she does something solo will she truly be able to value her work. And Malthael will scold her if it also coincides with his own interests. P:
Well, anyways, thank you for reading and reviewing~
Agastopia: Why can't it be real, Baby? ;) Why must it only be a dream when it can be oh so real~
Ahaha, okay, in all seriousness, glad you seem to be enjoying my updates. XD Sorry my updates are so infrequent, but I never plan to put it down, I assure you. P: ANyways, thank you for reading and reviewing, it gave me a bit of a chuckle! x)
LightswornVindicator (Guest): I'm glad you like Kyriael's portrayal in my story! I had to make sure I got it right, and I wanted to most keep in mind her rather "knightly" nature, which would come across as, in my opinion, rather elegant. (There are bumbling knights out there, I know, but Kyriael is moreso the type to have skill in her pocket.) So I do hope I got that part right, at least. x) Anything else I would conveniently get right by coincidence.
I figured that was you on twitter! I recognized you by your profile picture. P: It's very iconic and was somewhat burned in my mind, haha. Thanks for following~ And thank you for reading and reviewing, of course! x)
HoneyBabyBee92: Awww, you make me blush! ^^= I know that feel, where a story has existed all this time and yet you're missing out. Mainly with my viewers who are writing their own fics. I'm a little behind with the Diablo stories. D: I'm glad you're enjoying this story though, and the Imperius and Tyrael bromance, as few as those scenes appear. x) Thank you for reading and reviewing~
XxKnightLoverxX: I'm glad you find the story cute X'D I love writing cute and fluffy romances, even if this is set in the Diablo universe~
Well, about that T rating, idk if I skirted a bit of that line in this chapter. ^^; Makes things a little bit intimate, y'know, but you can tell they've grown a little closer (I think), even if Imperius still has his grumpy moments. I decided to focus heavily on Lenedial and Imperius's interactions here too, so I hope it counts. :P
Oh pfft, if Andarius is truly awesome, he won't get in the way of anything. P: I honestly see his and Lenedial's relationship as platonic (sorry LenedialXAndarius shippers, if you're out there), but I can see some concerns of Andarius becoming her bodyguard and getting in the way of any romantic moments. I wouldn't be too concerned though. There are workarounds for those sorts of things. P:
Hmm, how I view them under their hoods and helms... This is going to sound a bit strange, but, when I first heard Imperius's voice, it reminded me of John Swasey. He is a voice actor who voiced for Van Hohenheim in the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. Imperius and Hohenheim don't share the same voice actor obviously, but this first impression did make me think Imperius would have long blonde hair. Dunno about facial hair, that can be either or. (Your interpretation is perfectly fine though; we all have our pictures of what he looks like. P: It may be more accurate than mine considering Tyrael too is bald, and he is the only one we are able to work off of. Who knows~)
As for what Lenedial would look like under her hood, I originally imagined her with that ultraviolet hair color, but now I'm not sure anymore. I never really did a full design, just doodles on what could be possible. It could still be true or not, but just know you're not alone, and other fanart have depicted her as such. P:
Noooo, not the cookies! D: *Proceeds to eat them before they can be stolen*
Hehe! Thank you for reading and reviewing!