For the next five years, Anaurael's life took an interesting turn. When her parents introduced her to the art of weapons and armored defense, she took to it like a pro. Her angelic blood was thirsting for such a thing, and she was rather keen with sword and shield. She did like the bow, too, but there was something about charging into her enemy to send them reeling back that thrilled her. In the end, she favored the sword more than the bow.
Her father was pleased and began to train her diligently. Even the guardian angels were able to train her when she couldn't sleep. Imperius was greatly impressed, but she was not yet ready for an angelic weapon of her own. He was very pleased with how Lilaurael was able to get the local village healer to take Anaurael in for small lessons in healing and survival. She was quite adept at the healing arts. Everything she learned, it soaked in like a sponge.
However, Imperius was not happy at how the village boys and young men kept staring at her. She was exceptionally beautiful. Her hair was now past her waist and shimmered like a waterfall of molten gold. It was definitely not a normal human color, and she kept it bound back with several leather thongs. She didn't even need to brush it out. It never tangled. Her figure was becoming as well-proportioned as her mother's was. Even her voice had developed into the most soothing, delightful tone that any would ever hear.
Harvey's son had tried countless times to try and woo her, but she always politely declined him. When he tried to get bold, an angelic warrior was able to knock him aside with an invisible shove. That made him realize that there was possibly a mage looking out for her. He decided to try and expose the protectors. He just had to figure out when. And how.
As for her, she was busy helping her mother around the home. She had far too much to do than worry about a relationship, anyways. She knew that Imperius wouldn't like that one bit, and she did promise that she would let none get too close. Her parents were very careful in explaining that bit to her. While she found herself blushing on thinking about him, her thoughts were soon disrupted.
"Anaurael, I need you to run to town for me. I'm working on the new crops," Lilaurael said. It was safe to say her full name when no others were around. The angelic guards were always vigilant watchdogs to ensure that nothing slipped up. Even her parents were careful with their true names.
"I can do that, Mother. What do you need?" she asked.
"I need more seedling sprouts for lettuce and tomatoes. I think a bulk supply was for sale. Take the basket and get me five of each."
"Yes, Mother!" she smiled.
"Also, later tonight, your father and I want to speak with you. We promised you something long ago. It's time to fulfill that," her mother smiled. Anaurael frowned at first. Then she gasped. They were finally going to teach me the truth about the Horadrim. She nodded and quickly gathered up the coin pouch and the basket. She would definitely make sure to head back quickly!
"You will accompany me today, Izarius?" she smiled at the angelic warrior. They had given her their names when she asked. It helped her trust them even more, and Imperius had allowed it.
"I shall," the warrior nodded.
"I will follow," another added.
"I would enjoy your company, too, Darius. Do you think Imperius will see me again tonight?" she blushed. "I do enjoy his company quite a bit."
"It is possible. He has been coming to see you when he can," Izarius chuckled. "He is very fond of you. He is, usually, not fond of anyone."
"Well, he did mark me," she sighed. The mark was glowing radiantly in the rays of the sun.
"That he did," the angel agreed. Both warriors flicked their wings of blue tendrils and followed her diligently into the village. Despite the fact that her figure was clearly showing in the leather pants and cotton shirt she wore, they saw her as a baby sister. It was how all angels, other than Imperius, would see her. When she reached the plant shop for the seedlings, Harvey's son spotted her.
"Ana!" he waved and trotted over.
"Oh. Hello, Willis. How are you?" she smiled.
"Oh, I'm good. What are you up to?" he asked with a smile.
"Just getting some stuff for Mother. Then I need to head home. She's waiting for me," she shrugged. Willis had inherited his father's brown hair and eyes, but he had much of his mother's features to give him a slightly pretty look. He was built well from the carpentry and stone chiseling trade, and she would have found him a touch dashing. However, she belonged to Imperius.
The powerful angel had visited her almost every night to hold her as she slept. He was gone for a week once, and he vowed to not be away for so long again when he finally got back to her. He saw how distressed she was, and it actually hurt him. He had slaughtered a whole demonic raid that was heading to the village in secret to keep her safe. Then he had to answer to Auriel and Itherael for it. They wouldn't let him out of their sight until he vowed not to do it again. But, he didn't vow to not send warriors down, if he had to. He knew he would in the blink of an eye.
"I want to know something," Willis finally said.
"What's that?"
"Are you really betrothed?"
"Oh," she blushed. Both Izarius and Darius glanced at each other. "In a way, I am."
"To who? Have you even met him?"
"I have. He visits me on most nights," she shrugged. "Just to talk and show that all is well."
"Really? At night?" he mused.
"Not all the time, though. He is very busy."
"What's his name?" the youth asked.
"Lie to him," Izarius whispered. Darius was ready to knock the youth aside, but he kept still.
"I promised not to say. It would compromise his position," she said without skipping a beat. "Powerful figures always have enemies, you know. It's a proven fact."
"All right," he nodded. "I can understand that."
"I hoped you would. And, don't even think of trying to spy on me!" she growled.
"What? I wasn't thinking that!" he argued.
"Then why ask when I met him?" she glared. "You'll get yourself killed. And, if you even try to attempt it, I will drop my friendship with you. This I vow."
"I wouldn't want to lose your friendship," he sighed. "I just...a secret lover? Really?"
"He is not my lover!" she gasped with dismay. "I'm done with this conversation. I've tallied here too long, as it is. Good day to you!"
"Wait!" he said, but it fell on deaf ears. She was hurting now from how he referred to Imperius. She was practically in tears over it. Before she made it back to the cottage, Izarius stopped her. Darius had made the decision to watch over the youth and stayed behind in the village. Willis just proved himself to be completely untrustworthy to them all and had to be looked after.
"You must calm yourself," Izarius said gently. "The half-demon spawn does not deserve you. There is no need to shame yourself with thoughts of him."
"I just..." she shivered. "To think of Imperius as being anything more than a mere lover..."
"He is not. He is a leader of the Angiris Council. He is a warrior, and a true bearer of righteous judgment. That mortal fool has no idea how lucky he is that Imperius was not watching."
"He should have been."
"Imperius will not dirty his weapon over a human mortal," Izarius chuckled. "To do such would be beneath him. I would know."
"I know he wouldn't. I just...I miss him now," she admitted. "It hurts to be away from him for too long. I care greatly for his well-being."
"I have seen this, too," he agreed, as they walked again. "He holds you in high regard."
"I know he does," she said with a soft smile.
"He worries over you, too," Izarius admitted. When she looked at him, he continued, "He truly does not wish for you to hurt for him. I have never seen him like this before."
"I had an idea, but I never speculated on it."
"Tell me," he mused. "How do you feel when he...holds you? At night?"
"Protected. Cared for. Fearless. With him, I feel as though I had returned home at long last. I love hearing his tales of battles long past. Of the enemies he had slain long ago. It makes me wish that I was there fighting at his side. Even Mother and Father tell me the old tales with striking similarity. When I learned that they were champions of Heaven, I had asked them why they shed their wings to be here. They had told me that they wanted to be together in a bond of love that was forbidden. But...even though it made me...I feel regretful for them."
"Why?"
"Because, if I was a warrior of Heaven and fighting with all I had to keep Heaven safe, I know that I would never give up such a priceless position," she said a soft form of determination.
"You are worthy of your bloodline," Izarius said in a reverent tone. "and I am honored to call you my sister and friend."
"And I am honored to call you my brother and friend," she smiled. The hug she gave him next surprised him, but he chuckled and hugged her back all the same. It was what he noticed that she did with family and close friends. Imperius was different, but this showed that she accepted the guardian angels as true family. She always had, but was afraid to show such affection. Now she knew that she didn't have to guard herself against showing such family affection.
"Come. Lilaurael is waiting," he said. She nodded and walked the rest of the way to the cottage with him. On seeing her father there with her mother, she beamed and sat down to hear of the Horadrim in full detail. While she learned this important information, Darius was spying on Willis. He was glad that he did on the discovery that was done next.
Willis went to see a childhood friend of his that lived on the opposite edge of the village. His family was well known for the creation of glass and colored windows. His friend had admitted, a few years back, that his great-grandfather was part of the Horadrim. That a few artifacts were handed down. One such artifact showed the presence of angels and demons.
"Hello, Xavian! How are you today?" Willis said with a cheerful wave, as he saw the fellow youth chopping wood outside the small house.
"Not bad, Willis. What can I help you with?" he asked. He had sandy brown hair and light brown eyes with a fair complexion. His build wasn't too buff, but he was considered one of the better-looking lads in the village next to Willis.
"Oh, I was wondering if you'd like to help me test a theory," Willis said casually.
"What theory?" he asked cautiously.
"You told me some time ago about your connection with the Horadrim..."
"And you scoffed at me and walked away," Xavian said bluntly.
"I know. And, I'm sorry."
"Funny time to say this now," he frowned. Darius was listening in off in the distance. A descendant of the Horadrim was not a good sign. He needed to know more.
"I know, I know," Willis sighed. "I just thought that you said you had that artifact that let you see angels and demons. You know?"
"The spectacles. Yes. I have them. Why?"
"Would you like to prove that angels do inhabit this town?"
"I never thought about it. If they give us good trade, why damage a good thing?"
"For the skeptics!"
"You are a skeptic. You need to go. I'm busy enough."
"Look, just meet me over in front of Ana's house. Tonight. With those spectacles."
"What for?" Xavian asked. "For what reason?"
"She has protectors around her. I just want to see if they can be exposed with them. That's all."
"And, if we're caught?"
"How can we be caught, if we were never there, eh?" Willis winked.
"You're a moron! How about this. I will lend you the spectacles. BUT! I want them back in one piece. They are an heirloom. I don't want them broken."
"Deal," Willis nodded. Darius snorted and backed away quickly. He had to report this to Imperius, and it was done without further delay. He vanished swiftly and reappeared in the Heavenly halls of his home. As much as he missed the place dearly, he had a duty to tend to.
He moved quickly to where Imperius tended to be. Imperius was, as always now, in the viewing chamber. He glanced up at his chosen angelic guard and tilted his head for an explanation.
"A Horadric heir has a relic to see us. The troublesome mortal, Willis, intends to expose us with it. He may be attempting to hide near Anaurael's home to see you," Darius said calmly.
"Is that so?" Imperius seemed to growl. "Hmm."
"The youth, Xavian, does not wish the relic to be harmed. But, I am not sure how that would be possible. This youth does do much for the village that Anaurael resides in. As for Willis, he hurled an insult at you by stating you were ordinary. It harmed Anaurael deeply."
"Mortal fool!" Imperius raged. "I should crush him, but I refuse to dirty Solarion!"
"That we know. Your wrathful spear is not subject to such a trifle and useless kill."
"Indeed," the powerful Archangel growled. Then he thought and glanced at his brethren. "I wish to ask you of your opinion."
"Of course," Darius nodded.
"I was thinking of converting a room here. In my Halls of Valor."
"Oh?"
"I know that...she can't survive here. Not without proper accommodations."
"You would bring her here?"
"As a last resort to keep her safe, I would."
"But...the others..."
"Would have no say so."
"Great Imperius, please do not misunderstand. How would she survive?"
"Like I said," he growled out again. "I would convert a room."
"To suit the needs of a mortal?"
"Not just any mortal. She is my ward. She bears my mark. She is...different."
"Many of us are a touch concerned over your new interest," Darius admitted. "To bring her here may be too much. There would be more questions."
"And, I may or may not give any answers," Imperius muttered. "Regardless, I thank you for your information on the artifact. I shall figure out what to do carefully."
"Of course," the angelic warrior nodded and vanished. When he reappeared at the cottage, Darius moved to collect the other three guardians to speak with them at length. They moved around the pool of water outside the cottage. It was here that Darius whispered to them of what he learned. He said nothing about the meeting with Imperius, though. He only told them that the powerful angel was informed.
"He may expose himself to scare the human," a guard said.
"You feel that way, Mithus?" Izarius asked.
"I do. It is risky. What do you think, Azarius?" Mithus asked.
"It would shut the mortal up," the guard mused. "But...it could hamper all we are trying to do."
"For a mere mortal to gaze at Imperius..." Izarius seemed to mourn. "We cannot allow it."
"We should ask Ilerael for his insight," Mithus said. "He is very wise."
"Agreed," Darius nodded. They would wait until he was done talking to Anaurael.