Back on Sanctuary in New Tristram, Lorath was relieved to see Tyrael again. There were a lot more scout reports than before, and he needed the help to sort through them. When everything seemed to settle out, Lyndon was quick to walk over to the large man to talk.
"Where were you?! Where did you go?" Lyndon demanded.
"I was in Heaven. Why?" Tyrael frowned.
"Our friend was looking everywhere for you!" he said.
"No," Lorath said nearby. "You were looking for him, because you were bored out of your mind. Stop spinning false tales. They get you nowhere."
"Fine. Yes, I wanted to talk to someone. It gets dull out here now!" the scoundrel frowned.
"I'm not much for talk," Tyrael muttered, as he started to organize the reports. "unless it deals with current events. Then I need to sort through them and figure out what needs to be done."
"But, I was curious," Lyndon mused. "that girl with gold hair. I wonder how she's doing."
"Anaurael is fine," Tyrael said with a warning glare. Lorath blinked at Tyrael's new mood.
"Oh, good!" the scoundrel nodded. "Do you know when she'll be here?"
"For what purpose?" he asked and had Lorath sign off on a couple sheets of paper.
"Oh, I don't know. I found this wonderful spot that I could take her to..."
"You will not!" Tyrael glowered at him. "Imperius is always watching her! Furthermore, she may be pregnant with my son! You are going nowhere with her!"
"Is this true?" Lorath asked with surprise.
"It is. Malthael still lives, but only as a spiritual essence in her mind. I had to be with her in order to give him a body to inhabit. And no ordinary mortal shell, either. He is to champion the High Heavens for Sanctuary, as my son. And, amazingly enough, the angelic warrior she is to birth for Imperius from her soul will be a champion for Anu. The entire Angelic Host is guarding her," Tyrael nodded. "She has also managed to lock away a part of my true angelic self within her mind. When I dream, I am myself again. But only within her mental state."
"That's amazing!" Lorath said. "And congratulations! I'm sure you will make an outstanding father. How far along is she?"
"Well," Tyrael managed to let out a small chuckle. "from what Malthael can tell, since he has been studying her internally, it just formed. Her first month is critical to ensure that it takes."
"So, tell me, how is this important again?" Lyndon asked.
"I explained it once," Tyrael said. "I will not explain it again. I am far too busy now."
"You should read Deckard Cain's book, if you want more insight. Where is that book, anyways?" Lorath frowned. "It went missing."
"Itherael has it. He was researching it with Anaurael in her spare time," Tyrael nodded.
"Good to know," Lorath said and began to sign off on paperwork. Tyrael did look up and wave at Ilerael and Lilaurael when they walked over next. Lyndon gave a carefree wave to Lilaurael, but he only got a stern nod in return. That made him feel a touch rankled.
"I'm going to be resting with my wife. Now that she's pregnant, I need to ensure her health," Ilerael said. "I am worried, though. Anaurael wants to join the Nephalem on the next bounty mission."
"I know," Tyrael sighed. "At least Izarius and his fellow brothers will be with her."
"I think Izarius is going to remain visible. The other three will be invisible to keep from causing too many questions. We'll have to see what happens," he said. Tyrael only nodded and set aside some finished papers. At the golden glow that happened now, Anaurael stood there in her golden armors with her spear on her back. Her mark flickered within her circlet in a happy way to show that she was pleased to be there. Izarius stood next to her with his arms crossed. The other three behind her nodded and went invisible. Tyrael moved right to her side to see to her.
"I don't think you've eaten yet," he said.
"You're right," Anaurael sighed. Her parents went over to greet her next, and Izarius continued to keep silent watch. Lyndon was quick to walk over now, and he got blocked off by the massive Archangel. When he was about to complain, Izarius held up a giant, armored hand.
"I am only doing my duties," Izarius explained. "None are to approach her, unless she wishes it."
"Do you always do what they tell you to?" the scoundrel asked with irritation.
"I must. I doubt that even you would wish to see Imperius in a foul mood," he mused. "Of course, if you want to, then keep at it. You'll find Solarion's edge at your throat."
"Brother, there is no need for that. Let me eat," she said and patted his arm for him to lower it.
"My chamber has a few things. I'll lead you there," Tyrael said. Then he moved to Izarius and said, "I need to speak with her alone. There are two warriors in my chambers now."
"I will speak with them," Izarius chuckled. Lyndon wanted in, but a glare from Tyrael made him stay put. He was acting like a purely over-protective father-to-be. She was led away, and Izarius whispered to the two warriors to have them follow him out. Now that there was a sense of privacy, Tyrael finally pulled her to him to hug her.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I'm going to worry about you," he admitted. "when you're out there. I know you'll be well protected, but it's something that will be engrained in me. I really wish that I could go with you."
"Tyrael," she smiled and ran an armored hand over his cheek. He kissed her palm and hugged her again. "You know you just kissed my armor, right?"
"I don't mind," he chuckled. "Come. Let's eat something."
"Yes," she nodded. They sat at the table to feast on a small loaf of bread, some cheese and a few bits of fruit. He went over a few of the bounty details with her to pass the time. At a knock on the door, he called out for the knocker to enter. Izarius came in and set down a platter of various roasted meats.
"Courtesy of Greed. You need this, sister. Eat as much as you can," Izarius said and squeezed her shoulder before leaving again. She looked at Tyrael, and they were quick to tackle the flavorful feast. When they had safely eaten their fill, the warrior guards returned to help store the leftover foods. After they left again, Tyrael rose up with her to pull her close and kiss her.
"Be careful out there. I mean it," he whispered.
"Tyrael," she chuckled. "you can also keep track of me from my mind, you know."
"I can?"
"You need to meditate," Malthael mused from her. "It is not dreaming, but it puts you in a state of semi-awareness. You can do this. The Nephalem appears to have returned. I can sense it."
"Right..." Tyrael winced. Anaurael rested her hands on his arms and let him hold her. "Maybe you shouldn't go. If anything happens to you..."
"Hush," she whispered and placed a finger on his lips. "I will be fine."
"Of course," he nodded and swallowed. She let him kiss her again and lead her out with his arm around her waist. Gurzick waved at her and happily hopped over.
"Travel?" he asked.
"Yes. I wish to accompany the Nephalem on the next journey," she nodded.
"I will accept the company," the Nephalem nodded. "The goatmen in the fields are plaguing the villagers again. We need to quell them."
"Good. Let's go," she smirked.
"Can I go?!" Lyndon asked. The powerful warrior gave an eye roll, but nodded. "Thank you! You will not regret this!"
"I already am," Anaurael muttered. The Nephalem coughed back a laugh, and Izarius brandished his massive spear. "Gurzick, do you wish to join us?"
"Yes!" the goblin nodded. She smiled and let the Nephalem teleport them to where they had to go. Tyrael easily saw Azarius, Mithus, and Darius leave with her. Lorath saw his leader wince.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," he said.
"I know. It's just...I worry now," Tyrael admitted. Lorath clapped hand to his back and gestured to new scout reports to pass the time. As he was now semi-occupied with that, Anaurael was helping to take out a mob of murderous beasts with her powerful teleport attacks. After a successful aftermath, Izarius had just finished skewering the last beast in the pack when they decided to take a quick rest. During this time, Gurzick laughed, ran over to a pile of dirt, and pulled out a small amulet to shove into his bag. Then he hopped over to a bush and pulled out a sword. A small ring was claimed next under a pile of rocks. Lyndon was gaping at how the goblin was able to find so much.
"I was just looking over there and saw nothing!" he scowled.
"Too bad," Gurzick shrugged. "I find. It mine."
"I know that. But...well...can you teach me how to find stuff as good as you? Surely you have a technique of some sort that you can show me?"
"We goblins have our own techniques," Greed snorted from the crown.
"You must be joking!"
"Well, perhaps the land around you is not as pretty as you think it is down there."
"What do you mean? Down where?"
"In your hole of a Thieves' Den where you got your said skills!" Greed said happily. "When you live in a cave, you only get to learn primitive things, you know."
"The Thieves' Guild doesn't live in a cave! Okay...they can make it smell like one..." Lyndon admitted slightly. "But, they are resourceful!"
"So, that explains the smell. I was wondering why so many monsters were coming over here," Greed mused. Lyndon's jaw dropped, and the Nephalem barked out laughter. "I mean, do tell! When was the last time you bathed? Do you even bathe?"
"Oh, shut up!" Lyndon scowled. "I bathe frequently!"
"In your own piss?" Greed muttered out. Anaurael and Izarius were trying really hard not to laugh as hard as the Nephalem was. "Well, if you want to know a technique, then tell me what you know about this Guild of Thieves that you are a part of."
"Alas, I cannot! If I did, then a spell will trigger and I will die!" Lyndon lamented.
"Really? Do tell! Because that means less competition for me, and I won't have to tell you anything!" Greed said happily. Lyndon went speechless again.
"I think it's time to cull more goatmen," Izarius chuckled.
"That it is," Anaurael agreed and let him help her up. Her three invisible brothers were still chuckling at everything they heard. Gurzick was semi-snapped out of it, but only because Greed wasn't done. He was able to let Gurzick move around for him, he simply couldn't talk.
"Oh, I see greasy, grimy goatman guts! Giant chunks of savage meat! Little, dirty leaper feet! Big, green bat heads rolling down the dusty street, and me with-out my sword! But I got my shield!" Greed belted out in song. Lyndon now stared at the goblin with shock.
"What in the Blazing Hells was that?!" he asked.
"What? It was a song some of the village cubs were singing. I liked it. Rather catchy tune, eh?" Greed chuckled. "I thought some traveling music was in order."
"You know," the Nephalem laughed softly, as they traveled. "I would much rather listen to Greed sing than Lyndon complain and rant over nothing."
"What?!" the scoundrel said with a sense of despair.
"Would you look at that? Even I'm more popular than you!" Greed chortled. Lyndon scowled, and Anaurael just shook her head with a smile. The Nephalem suddenly slowed and rose up a hand for silence. Then a gesture was done to a ruined set of farm houses just up ahead.
"Those creatures slaughtered everyone!" Anaurael whispered.
"They have been doing this recently. And, there are a lot of them," the Nephalem growled.
"We can scout. We are invisible and can tell you where to approach," Darius said.
"My invisible brethren want us to wait. They can see where we can set a trap," Anaurael said.
"Do it," the Nephalem nodded. Izarius kept his spear out, and he knelt down to have her kneel down with him. He placed a protective hand on her shoulder.
"After this skirmish, we should go back," he whispered to her. "Too much will tax you."
"I understand," she nodded. Darius was soon appearing on the east side of the tiny farming center and gesturing for them to appear. "Okay! My brother, Darius, wants us to go east. Follow me, but stay down. Gurzick, you need to keep silent."
"Okay," Gurzick nodded in full control. The Nephalem nodded and made a warning glance to Lyndon, but it was understood. Izarius muttered and went invisible. It was the only way to keep his wings from being seen. When Lyndon went to approach Anaurael slowly, he felt a poke to his chest.
"I haven't left her side," Izarius growled in his ear. "I am only like this to help with the cover. I will never leave her side! Don't forget that!"
"Fine!" Lyndon growled back lowly.
"And, just so you know, you can't be with her. If you do, you will make her abort her possible pregnancy. Her body cannot be with demons. Your blood is half-demon. It won't work. And, if you make her pregnancy fail, both Tyrael and Imperius will be hanging you over a ledge in the High Heavens! Don't try it!" he grounded out and moved to follow his sister. That made Lyndon pause with surprise. Thinking to himself before getting back to the hunt, he would make sure to get some questions answered later. Right now, we have some goatmen to kill.
When they got to their designated spot, Anaurael saw that they were getting ready to kill another human villager. He was stretched out painfully in front of the group leader with his chest wide open to get impaled through the heart. She looked at Gurzick and hissed, "Stop them!"
"Hum..." Gurzick frowned. Then he snapped his fingers and teleported into the center of the group. Then, in the language of common demon, he praised out, "Greetings, oh Great Ones! I will give gifts of gratitude in exchange for this one to be spared!"
"What? No! This thing ours! This thing dies!" the leader of the group snarled. Then his jaw went slack at the sight of a pretty amulet that sparkled. The goatmen may be stupid, but even they liked wealth and riches like any other. They were human once, too.
"Yes! I know you like the sparklies, too! I have lots of sparklies! Just let this one go, and I will give them!" Gurzick said and giggled. The goatmen seemed to shuffle and snort. The human male was beaten up and needed severe healing. He had also clearly vomited a few times just from the intense stench the goatmen were giving off in such close proximity. Just as the goatmen were going to argue again, the leader found his skull split open from Anaurael's spear jutting through it.
Gurzick gave them just enough time to rush in and catch them unawares. Izarius charged forward with her and dropped his invisibility, as Lyndon let loose his crossbow bolts. The Nephalem cleared a path to the wounded man and beat down any that attempted to get close to him. Azarius was quick to gather up the weakened man to carry him to safety. His other two invisible brethren were right behind him. Izarius was easily protecting their sister.
"Who...?" the man coughed. At the sound of his voice, Darius hissed in recognition.
"This one is the troublesome youth, Willis!" he said.
"Should we give him back to the goatmen?" Mithus asked.
"The last one just fell," Azarius sighed. When Anaurael walked over to inspect the wounded man, she was informed on who he was. Her jaw dropped.
"We saved...him?!" Izarius said with disgust. "Oh, well. Let's take him back to New Tristram."
"Just my luck," she grumbled. "The one time I try to feel a sense of compassion for a human, and it turns out to be one that tormented me from my past!"
"If he tries anything, he will be stopped," Azarius said. She could only nod.
"Who is he?" the Nephalem asked.
"One that pestered me in my youth and insulted Imperius to his face. As well as my own," she said bitterly. "As much as I want to leave him behind, I cannot. I can only hope that he changed his ways. We will have to see."
"You know, there is another group of those stink beasts not far from here," Greed mused from the crown. "Want to use him as bait? It could be fun!"
"As much as I would agree," Izarius seemed to smirk. "we should not. His father had done no wrong. We can send him to his father when he is healed."
"We can do that," Anaurael nodded. Lyndon was now incredibly curious about this, but his curiosity wouldn't be satisfied until the youth was able to walk again. They all teleported back to New Tristram to see what could be done to save his life.