Back on Sanctuary, Tyrael was fighting with himself. His thoughts were filled with Anaurael. He was worried about her. He missed her. He knew he gained intense affections for her. It was beginning to interfere with his work. Lorath noticed it quickly.

"Tyrael? Is everything all right?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh. Yes. I'm fine. Just a lot to think about," Tyrael sighed.

"If you want to talk about it..."

"No, no. I'm good. Actually, I do need to speak with Ilerael and Lilaurael. Are they around?"

"Yes. I'll fetch them for you."

"Have them meet me in my quarters," he nodded. They were back in Westmarch, and a small chamber was set up for him to reside in. He preferred to be here. He at least had a room to himself. Even New Tristram and Bastion's Keep had mild quarters for him. In Caldeum, he had a small tent. That would change, though. The Horadrim were having a building converted for them. Then he could have more permanent belongings set in. But, in Westmarch, the room here was spacious, if by just enough.

Holding El'druin in his hand, he moved into his small chamber. Furs lined the stone floor. No windows were here to keep from spying in, but a few crevices in the walls were there to be lined with books and candles. A small desk set with some more books, a bowl of fruit, and pitcher of water was in easy reach. A small bed for him with just enough space for him was neatly maintained along a wall behind a wooden spacer for privacy. It was the same with a wooden bathing vessel. The room was furnished with all of the comforts one would need to reside in.

A few candles were lit for light and changed out when needed. El'druin gave off enough light, too, but only when he really needed it. He was a touch surprised at the angelic guard that had taken up residence in the room in the back corner. Due to his truce with Imperius, it must have been a last minute decision. It was either that, or I was being watched. All that he knew was that it was an order from Imperius. Of course, he was still glad for the angelic company. The guard always accompanied him and was invisible to human eyes. He was even able to have mild conversations, too. He also greatly appreciated Anaurael's parents. He didn't feel so alienated and alone for some odd reason. That and, if he had to leave any current chambers, his room was always guarded.

"You are stressed?" the guard asked.

"Not really. Overly concerned is more like it," Tyrael admitted.

"For what purpose?"

"I am concerned for Imperius's champion."

"You should not be so concerned."

"It comes naturally now. It cannot be helped."

"Explain?"

"Do you know what is going on with Anaurael?

"Not by much," the guard admitted.

"You will learn with this next conversation," Tyrael nodded and opened the door to let Ilerael and his wife in. He gestured for them to sit in a couple chairs, and he sat with them.

"Is something the matter?" Lilaurael frowned.

"Imperius made a truce with me. At long last," Tyrael said. They both gave small looks of surprise. "But...it was at a cost."

"Of what?" Ilerael asked cautiously.

"Anaurael's innocence," Tyrael winced. "Malthael is in her mind. As you both know. The only way for him to leave her mind is if I...helped...to make a mortal form for him. With Anaurael. I'm sure you both know how such a thing had to come about."

"You...slept with...?" Ilerael asked with shock.

"Yes. I had to," Tyrael nodded.

"And, Imperius agreed to this?" Lilaurael asked.

"He did. Chalad'ar also confirmed this. So, Malthael will be reborn as my son. I can keep a close eye on him. Will he keep memories? Some, if not all. I don't know what to expect. I don't even know if what I did has taken any effect yet. But...after being with her in such a fashion..."

"You can't stop thinking about her," Ilerael said with a sigh.

"Yes. You're right," Tyrael admitted. "I am sure that she knows this?"

"I'm sure she does. Just give it some time," he said.

"When did this start happening?" Lilaurael asked.

"Yesterday. When I went to see the Angiris Council. She also defended me when I was called out. I was...humbled by her defiance. She was also insulted, but she proved her point," Tyrael sighed.

"Who would dare to insult her?!" Ilerael bristled. The guard in the corner seemed to stiffen. Anyone who insulted her also insulted Imperius.

"His replacement lieutenant. Malthael said a nice, jarring insult to him, too, when he was forced to stand down. But, if you don't see me later, I will be in Heaven again," Tyrael said.

"All right," Lilaurael nodded. As they were all ready to leave, a golden light flashed briefly through the room. When they turned and saw Anaurael, it was her mother that reached her first to hug her tight. Her father was next to hug her and hold her. Tyrael kept himself from holding her. If anything, he was just relieved to see her well. When Izarius appeared, they all did a second glance at him, save Tyrael. He knew who the angel was.

"It's me, Izarius," he chuckled. "I had a mild enhancement due to protecting her."

"Mild?! You call this mild?!" Ilerael laughed. "You look like an Archangel!"

"I suppose I could be just under par," Izarius agreed. "I am her personal guard now."

"What were you all talking about?" Anaurael asked.

"What happened with me," Tyrael sighed. "and of the insulting lieutenant."

"He tried it again in the Halls of Valor training chamber," Izarius said softly. "I was going to champion Anaurael to fight him, but Malthael intervened. The lieutenant is corrupted. He was birthed when the Black Soulstone was in Heaven. There is disharmony in him. He cannot see the Light that she and Imperius share together."

"Are you serious?!" Tyrael's jaw dropped.

"Yes. He slandered her in front of Imperius, too," Izarius growled. "I withdrew from the fight."

"Good," Ilerael muttered.

"A word of caution," Malthael said to get their attention. "Such corruption leads to misguided thoughts. The girl I inhabit may be in a sense of danger. Angels can go anywhere in Heaven. And, corrupted ones may not understand what an order is anymore. You must be wary in the High Heavens until this one has been culled. The one with disharmonious thoughts may plan to do something of intense distrust. I do not know when. I do not know how. But, it is easy to sense madness when one has already been there to see it happen to themselves."

"And we know of your madness, Malthael," Tyrael said a touch stiffly. Her parents were in shock, but wisely kept quiet. They knew that Malthael was there, but were surprised at how easily he was reaching out to speak with them now.

"Of course. Why do you think I said as such?" he smirked. When he went silent, Anaurael only frowned and shook her head. Ilerael squeezed her to show he was there.

"I want him out," she trembled.

"We will get him out," Tyrael vowed. Izarius looked over at the guard in the corner. The silent guard nodded to show that he would be ready at all times. He could see how distressed the champion of Imperius was. She didn't deserve such sadness.

"Where are we?" she asked now.

"Westmarch," Ilerael chuckled. "You've never been here?"

"If I have, it was fleeting. But...I don't think I've been here. I've been in Heaven so much lately. I do remember Caldeum, but that was at night," she shrugged.

"One day, we'll give you a tour," Lilaurael smiled. "And this dress you have is impressive!"

"You can thank Greed," her daughter smiled.

"Hopefully none will recognize it," Ilerael said seriously. "It looks like a royal gown."

"I wouldn't be surprised, if it was," Anaurael mumbled. "I am hungry, though."

"Help yourself," Tyrael gestured to the waiting fruit. "I have some work to do."

"Of course," she nodded and reached for an apple. "I was hoping to speak with you alone. At some point, that is. I had a couple questions for you."

"Oh?" Tyrael asked.

"I cannot ask them here, though," she said softly.

"I see," he said. Her parents were quick to take the hint, but they knew there was a seriousness in her tone, too. "I haven't slept since I left Heaven."

"Well, I cannot ask you a question, if you are not semi-coherent," she chided him. At the shameful look to the floor that he did, her parents had to keep from laughing. "And you have a bed now! With a decent pillow, too. You couldn't make use of it? And you have a bathtub!"

"Do you know how hard it is for me to try and sleep with so much that needs to be done? Or to use such things on a daily basis with all the running around I have to do?" he seemed to groan out. Ilerael rose a brow. They were acting like a married couple.

"Still. You should at least try. You need to remain clean and well rested. I will not accept half-answers to my questions," Anaurael sniffed.

"Are they important questions?" he asked with a sigh.

"Yes," she said with a soft, sad smile. That got his attention.

"Let me finish what I need to do, and we will go," he said. She nodded and watched him leave. He forced himself to leave. He had much to do, and now he was able to focus again on seeing that she was well. As he moved to speak with Lorath, he saw Gurzick having a mild argument with Lyndon. Eirena was out with the Nephalem now, so Kormac was able to meet with Gurzick for the first time.

"Look, see? I found this," the scoundrel said and handed over an amulet. "Can we trade?"

"Hmm..." Gurzick thought and studied it silently. As pretty as the gems in it were, there was something off about it. There was a scent on it that showed it didn't belong to Lyndon at all. It belonged to another. On glancing at the larger man, he knew who it belonged to. He would not accept an item that was stolen from another. It had to be found during travels. "No. Yours. No need."

"What?!" Lyndon gaped.

"Where is my amulet?!" Kormac scowled.

"He have," Gurzick grinned a wide, fanged grin at Lyndon.

"Give it back, you thief!" Kormac snarled.

"How did you know it was his?!" Lyndon gaped at the Greed Goblin.

"Smell. His smell. Not you," Gurzick said and crossed his arms over his chest. Kormac was able to reclaim his amulet back, and he nodded to the Greed Goblin.

"Thank you. As much as your kind is a hindrance, this amulet means much to me. It belonged to my Mother. I will not let it out of my sight again!" Kormac muttered and locked up his satchel with an actual lock and key this time. Lyndon barked out laughing at this. "But, I have a dilemma. My dagger is missing. It's been missing for a while. I was given something to compensate, but it isn't the same."

"Oh?" Gurzick asked. Kormac showed him the small, simple dagger he picked up, and the Greed Goblin took it to study. Shoving it into his bag, he reached around and pulled out a dagger that added to Kormac's strength, vitality, speed, and a chance to cause intense bleeding to whatever it struck.

"You have my thanks!" Kormac said with amazement and locked that in place at his side.

"Now why can't you give me something like that?!" Lyndon growled.

"No like you," Gurzick grinned wickedly and flipped him off. That got Kormac howling with laughter. Tyrael ran a hand over his face and laughed to himself. Lyndon was about to start swearing, but, at the sight of Anaurael stepping out of Tyrael's quarters with her parents, he paused in complete wonder at her stunning appearance again. He couldn't see her mark, since it was invisible once again to him, but he did see Izarius standing behind her. The angel was letting himself be seen by all now. He was showing that he was protecting her in full. The massive, two-handed spear he wore even glinted with a dangerous form of protectiveness, too. She would not be easy to approach.

"So, who is he to you?" Lyndon asked when he walked over.

"I am Izarius. Her older brother," the protective angel growled out from his hooded, armored form. "I was with her since her birth, since I was the one that found her when told to search for her. I am her personal guard and protector. I used to hide all the time. I don't have to do that anymore. Keep your distance, and you'll be fine. Oh. I was also the one that knocked you down when you invaded her bedchamber. Don't cross me!"

When Tyrael looked over to see Lyndon talking to her, for the first time he could ever remember, he felt an intense jealousy rise up in him. At what he heard next on what Lyndon did, a foul, bitter taste formed in his mouth. He almost charged over to them. He couldn't even stop himself from moving over to pull Anaurael into his arms as an act of claim. To Imperius, he understood. He backed down. They had a truce over this. But, to ones like Lyndon, he found himself detesting the thought of her being touched in any other manner by anyone else. Even spoken down to. And, after what Izarius just said, the thought of keeping the human's hands off her was the only thing on his mind right then and there.

"Tyrael?" she asked with a hint of amusement. Her parents watched in the background silently. As much as Ilerael wouldn't mind punching the scoundrel out, he was going to let Tyrael see what it was like to be the avid protector now. He figured it would be a good mortal lesson for him to think about.

"I'm almost done," he muttered. He forced himself to calm down. Even he knew that he wasn't acting like himself. "Lyndon, I would advise you to keep your hands to yourself."

"What? Does she belong to you now? I thought she belonged to Imperius," the scoundrel said. Even he noticed how Tyrael was. Did something happen between them?

"She does. But, for a time, she also belongs to me," Tyrael seemed to growl. He was shocked at how he was acting. He didn't even realize he was doing it now. And he made no plans to stop himself.

"What?" Lyndon blinked.

"She is no longer a virgin. And neither am I," he muttered out now and crushed her to him. Lorath was just watching with his own form of surprise. Tyrael had to talk like this to get his point across. And it worked a bit too well for his tastes. Ilerael cleared his throat and walked over to them.

"Imperius knows. Malthael is in her mind. The only way he can be free is if Tyrael does this with her. Only he can do this," Ilerael explained.

"But, I could try to..." Lyndon started, but Izarius shook his head.

"If you, or anyone like you with demon blood even attempted to try, the pregnancy would not take. Her body can only accept purely angelic mortals. All of this was discovered recently," the angel explained lightly. "Tyrael may not have her all the time. But, for now, it is required."

"And who might you be?" Kormac asked when he walked over. "I am Kormac. I was a Templar, but the Order was fully corrupted and had to be put down. I helped our friend kill many demons around here, too. It was even my friend that helped me stop the injustice being done in my Order. I am a warrior of the Light, but even I could only tolerate seeing so much being done."

"Oh? I am Anaurael, champion to Imperius," she nodded. "It is an honor to meet you."

"Ah! I thought your circlet looked familiar!" Kormac grinned. "And it is an honor to meet with you, too. I was hoping to make your acquaintance."

"Yes. Imperius made me armor, too. In time, you may see it," she chuckled. Then she looked at Tyrael and said, "Tyrael, go and finish your work. We'll talk soon. See to your duties."

"Right," Tyrael sighed. He did press a kiss to her mouth before letting her go. Izarius pulled her to his side to show he was guarding her. Lyndon was clearly jealous, but he kept quiet. He felt as though a prize had just slipped out of his grasp. It was a feeling he hated to experience.

"And you?" Kormac asked the angel.

"I am Izarius. Her older brother and protector," he nodded.

"Oh! Care for a little sparring? I am always up to see how strong another is," he grinned.

"Hmm. I suppose," Izarius seemed to shrug. Anaurael moved to the protective embraces of her parents to watch her brother calmly size up the large man. When Gurzick hopped over to her, she nodded to him with a smile. Now that she watched her brother start to spar, Lyndon gave himself an excuse to get closer to her by approaching the Greed Goblin. Gurzick gave him a wary glance now.

"I wasn't done trading with you," Lyndon said.

"I done," the Greed Goblin smirked. Then he looked at the offered crossbow.

"Please? It really is my best one," he sighed. Anaurael rose a brow at this. It was supposed to be only one trade per item from that person, but it seemed that Greed was going to let Gurzick be the one to fully judge if trades were warranted from now on. Not only would it ensure he got new things, but it showed he trusted his minion in full with these decisions. Gurzick sighed, took the crossbow and reached around in his bag to pull out an exceptionally rare crossbow called a Manticore. At the sheer size of the crossbow, and how it almost covered over Lyndon's whole body, the scoundrel was very pleased. "Thank you! Oh...um...there was a gem in that other crossbow...now that I recall..."

"Too late!" Gurzick cackled. Now Lyndon saw why the trade was taken.

"My friend is going to kill me! Gems like that are so hard to get!" Lyndon groaned.

"What gems?" the Nephalem asked on approach. Eirena was back at the fire pit and was surprised at Kormac and Izarius fighting. She was later told that it was a practice fight to put her at ease.

"Um..." Lyndon sighed. "I did a trade with Gurzick. With the crossbow you gave me..."

"And you didn't remove the gem?!" the Nephalem scowled.

"Let me help," Anaurael sighed. "Gurzick? Can you please get that gem back? For me?"

"Okay," Gurzick nodded. He hopped over to Shen to have the gem removed for a food trade. That was easily accepted for payment. While that was done, the Nephalem studied Anaurael lightly.

"You are the champion of Imperius?"

"Yes. I am," she nodded.

"I find it hard to believe."

"Many can. I am his missing Light. I give him clarity and reason. He has no need to be so bitter and brash around others with me. He was only like that, because he could no longer go to the Burning Hells to champion Heaven. When Sanctuary was made, it started all of it. He confessed this to me."

"Where is he now?"

"In Heaven. He's watching over me, though. He will be quick to appear, if something goes wrong. He worries over me constantly."

"He actually worries over a mortal?"

"I am a pureblood angelic mortal. I have no demon blood in me. I am like Tyrael, only I was birthed this way. Like you, you see. Ilerael and Lilaurael are my parents. They removed their wings a year after the Worldstone was destroyed. I was made a couple years later," she smiled softly.

"Other than your circlet and hair, I see no other reason that makes you different."

"Put these on," Ilerael said to the Nephalem and handed over the Horadric spectacles. Now that they were put on, Imperius's mark glowed vibrantly from her forehead within the circle on her circlet.

"He marked me on the day I was born," she nodded.

"Now I see. Very well," the Nephalem nodded back and gave over the spectacles. "And...what is Kormac doing with that angel?"

"Sparring," Lilaurael chuckled. That got a small smile given back, and Izarius easily walked back over to Anaurael a moment later. Kormac was out of breath and amazed.

"You fight well! I almost had you!" the powerful man said.

"Almost," Izarius agreed. "Your age is getting to you."

"Don't remind me," Kormac grimaced.

"I'm done now," Tyrael said. "and this is for you. Thank you for your hard work."

"You are welcome," the Nephalem said when a Horadric cache was given over containing various small treasures. "I will see what other bounties need to be taken care of."

"Of course. Speak with Lorath. I need to see to a meeting in the High Heavens. Shall we go?" Tyrael asked Anaurael. She nodded, let him put his arms around her, and they teleported away.

"As for you, nice crossbow. Now get my gem back!" the Nephalem growled at Lyndon.

"Fine," the scoundrel sighed and went to Shen to retrieve the large emerald. As much as he should be pleased that he got a new crossbow, a very powerful one, he still felt that he lost a much bigger prize. He knew what that was, and he could only sigh at his loss. But, he wasn't going to give up. A part of it may be gone, but he was far too stubborn to admit true defeat.

Izarius only watched calmly before teleporting away to watch over his younger sister. He didn't trust Lyndon. The invasion of her bedchamber ingrained that into him deeply. Greed was already keeping a close watch on the meddlesome thief, as it was. He liked pissing him off. It was fun.