Anaurael was relieved to be back in Heaven. Once she was in the safe confines of her bedroom, even Tyrael relaxed considerably. At the sight of the food platter by the bed, it was quickly tackled.
"It tastes much better here," he muttered, as he tore into a steak with his utensils.
"Thank Greed," she chuckled and took a hearty mouthful of stew.
"I may have to. There is only so much that we can get in the Horadrim. This feast outdoes any comparison to what I usually get. One can only live off of hard bread, raw vegetables, and dried meat for so long. Even the occasional fruit. It's easy to eat my fill, but the flavors are bland."
"Oh, I know it," she smiled. "I did grow up on a farm in a bit of a rural village."
"True," he sighed, burped, and excused himself. She laughed softly and drank down some fresh pressed juice. Once they finished eating their fill, Izarius and Darius were quick to remove any dirty dishes to get them washed. There were other angels now that wanted to help with this. It made it easier for her primary guards to remain with her to protect her. At the sight of the tub getting filled with heated water, she was quick to start removing her gown. Tyrael stopped her.
"What?" she frowned.
"Would you like to help me with my armor first?" he asked calmly. She blushed softly and was able to help him remove the armors and cloth that covered him.
"We should get these cleaned," she sighed. Quite a few of the cloth pieces were dirty from wear and travel. Even his armor pieces had some grime on them.
"I can do that," Izarius said. "I know how to clean armors like his."
"Thank you," she smiled.
"I'll check on yours, too," Izarius nodded. He took up her gown the moment Tyrael had it off her, and he left the room with other angels to give them some much needed privacy. Tyrael settled in the tub with her, and they scrubbed each other clean. That was sorely needed. After that, he was able to recline in the tub with her to relax for now.
"I needed this," he sighed.
"So did I. But, I know something else you need," she smiled. Then she turned to press into him and start massaging his shoulders up to his neck. That got him to groan and gasp from how badly he needed that. After another minute of the intense massage, he finally pulled her close to show her how much he missed her. He still had her clamped down on him when their peak of pleasure hit. He wanted his son made as much as she did.
"A bit longer," he muttered.
"Okay," she said in a flushed way. "I think the water's getting cold."
"We'll live," he chuckled softly.
"So, tell me..." she mumbled, as she rested against him. "you said your first night as a mortal was Hell? Can you...elaborate? Just a bit?"
"Let me think," he sighed and relished her against him. "I think the worst part of everything was that I didn't know what the basin was used for until I actually needed it."
"Oh..." she paused and found herself feeling really bad for him. "You had to clean your armor?"
"It was close to that point, but it didn't get that far. Leah was able to help me with the Nephalem. The first couple nights were rough for me."
"I keep hearing you speak of Leah. Who was she?"
"She was the...vessel for Diablo's rebirth. She didn't know. I didn't know. No one knew. Not even Cain, though he had a mild suspicion. She was a brave, courageous woman. If anything, it was Cain that taught her everything he could. He helped keep her pure and kind. Her soul was lost after Diablo consumed her. Her mother, Adria, was a witch. A powerful one. Diablo was able to call her to his side to mate with her in a mortal man's form. It's a long, complicated story. And very painful, too," he said softly. "I still grieve for Leah."
"You cared for her?"
"Not as I do for you. I saw her as a little sister."
"Ah. That would do it, then. I'm sure there would be a way to bring her back to us. If she was purely an innocent in all of this, then there has to be a way. But, do remember. If you ever need to talk to me about anything, I will always listen. You can confide in me the same way that Imperius does. He had to confide in me when my mind was in turmoil after your return. His thoughts of rage and anger had completely consumed mine. It was bad," she frowned. "He had to tell me everything that was on his mind to console himself in order to help me."
"I can only imagine how bad. Especially, if he had to talk to you in such depth," he nodded lightly. "But, I may take you up on your offer. Not right now, though. I think we both need a little rest first. I believe we need it."
"That we do," she nodded. They were able to move from the tub to dry off. Izarius was able to return with newly cleaned armor, garments and any other clothing he had taken from them. Even El'druin had a mild polishing cloth rubbed over the blade, but it wasn't taken from the room. After they were set down, he helped them set up the bed for them to rest and clean up the room.
"If anything happens, I'll wake you," Izarius said.
"Thank you, brother," she smiled. He chuckled with a nod and helped tackle the tub with his other angelic brethren. While the angels worked on cleaning the room, she was pulled into her mind with Tyrael. She was resting in his lap and gazing at the jungle waterfall. For an hour, it was peaceful bliss. He would press a soft kiss to her lips and run his hand through her molten gold hair. It was all that they needed to do. Malthael was busy keeping track of what Ilerael and Myriam were learning. He was keeping himself busy that way to let them rest and have some time to themselves.
After another thirty minutes, Anaurael blinked at an odd sensation. Something was calling her to the spire in her mind. She frowned and noticed that Tyrael didn't sense anything. It was something specifically for me. When she started to get restless, he noticed this. "Are you well?"
"Something is...calling me," she blinked. "To the spire here in my mind."
"Truly? Then I shall carry you there," he nodded and rose up easily with her in his arms. He jumped into the air with her and carried her to the spire swiftly. When they got there, they found Malthael waiting for them. Tyrael set her down, but kept a hand on her shoulder.
"I felt the call, too. But, only after you mentioned something..." Malthael nodded. "Imperius wishes to be here. Can you wait?"
"I don't know if I can," she frowned and winced at the heavy pulse she got again. Imperius was quick to appear after that, and he hugged Anaurael when she ran to him.
"After this, you will rest with me," Imperius said. "I am in my sanctum right now. I did not get you yet. What is calling you?"
"The spire before us. I was resting fine until I felt it. It still calls me," she trembled.
"I am here now. Go and see what it wishes," he nodded. She nodded back and walked over to the massive doors that sealed it. She reached out a tentative hand and rested her palm against the diamond doors. Then she gasped at the warmth and love that encompassed her.
:FIND...MY SONS...: Anu commanded her regally.
"Which sons?! You have so many!" she gasped.
:IZUAL...AND...INARIUS...:
"For what reason? I need to tell them why!"
:FORGIVE...THEM...AND REPENT...:
The feeling faded, and she fell to her knees in shock. Imperius was quick to move and gather her up in his arms. None of them heard the message, but he pressed a thumb to her mark. Now he seemed to scowl softly with disbelief. She wasn't lost to him at all, but it was just the fact of what Anu wanted. He couldn't go against it.
"I can understand Izual. We were planning on finding him. But...Inarius, too?!" Imperius growled. "For us to forgive him and his sins?!"
"Would you go against what Anu wishes?" she asked softly.
"You know I cannot. But...Izual may be easier to find that Inarius. We gave Inarius to the demons. He is under close watch. The Nephalem may be the only one able to bring him to us," he sighed. Then he looked at the others and said, "We need to do a Council meeting. Anu has commanded her to find Izual and Inarius. To forgive them for all they have done and help them repent."
"Izual I can understand. But...Inarius?!" Tyrael growled with disgust.
"Agreed..." Malthael said with a small nod. "Yet, it is Anu that wishes them to be forgiven. We have no choice. Let us call a Council meeting. There is no vote, but we must decide our actions wisely."
"Wake for me," Imperius whispered to her. She opened her eyes and found Tyrael rocking her against his hard chest. Imperius had charged into the room moments later, and she was able to dress in a sleek, golden gown before letting him cradle her.
"I'll be there shortly," Tyrael said when he moved from the bed. Imperius only nodded and moved from the chamber with her.
"Inarius...disgusting...!" Imperius growled. She couldn't say anything. There wasn't much for her to say or do now. Anu had ordered this. None could say anything. When they got to the chamber, Itherael was already there. Even he looked very displeased.
"Auriel shall be here shortly," he said. "This is...a surprise. To all of us."
"A rather disgraceful surprise," Imperius snorted. When Auriel appeared with Tyrael, Malthael was able to appear for them. Izarius was informed on what was happening now, and even he was in shock. They all could understand Izual. Their concern was Inarius.
"I do not believe that his demon consort would be with him. Lilith was banished," Auriel said.
"Do not speak of that Hell spawn!" Imperius scowled.
"I can contact Greed. He may be able to help us pinpoint where Izual and Inarius are. It will cut down our search considerably. Would you like me to?" Izarius asked.
"Yes. He can help us here," Itherael nodded. Izarius pulled out the small mirror and called for Greed. Gurzick was quick to appear and was told the situation.
"Your Anu wishes them found? This is interesting," Greed admitted from the crown. "I can find the one called Izual. The Frozen One, as my minions call him when they see him. He tends to skulk about in a dazed way. He will be easy to lure into a trap. As for the traitor, Inarius...well...I only found him once. Out of curiosity. Mephisto had him locked away under his throne. Such an honor to be there! But, I will check and see if he is still there. The last I did see him, though, he was in such a way that, if he was moved, he would have been killed."
"Such is how it should be," Imperius muttered.
"Spikes through the gut can be instant death," Greed sighed. "and he had several. Even parts of his armor were missing for torment to go through. They kept his wings on him, too, to spite him."
"Hmm..." Malthael thought and looked at Anaurael. She felt bad for both of the angels in question. "Anaurael cannot go to the Burning Hells. They would both have to be brought here."
"We know this, Malthael. Both should be brought before the Crystal Arch when found," Itherael nodded. "and closely watched to ensure they do nothing rash."
"I can talk to those willing to help. However, we need locations. Quick ways in and out. I will not be able to follow, but the Nephalem can have various heroes assist. They can proceed where we cannot go. As much as I know we could go, it would not be good for Anaurael. I need to keep myself away from the Burning Hells as much as possible right now," Tyrael said.
"To increase your chances for offspring. That is believable," Itherael agreed.
"I don't want my parents to go, either," Anaurael said.
"Ilerael will not wish to leave Lilaurael behind," Izarius said softly to keep her calm. "However, those new mortal angels should go."
"That they should," Auriel nodded. "I have been speaking to some of the warrior females here. Many have decided to chance being with them on Sanctuary. You can tell them that, to impress them, to assist with this. It will increase their chances of gaining a worthy angelic woman to their sides."
"I can do that," Tyrael nodded. "I will relay this news, but I need more rest."
"I do, too," Anaurael said and yawned. Imperius squeezed her and nodded to the others.
"As much as I detest it, we shall do this. I will let her rest with me in my sanctum. Tyrael, when you return, seek her chamber with Izarius for more rest. I will hope that everything else will fall into place. There is not much else we can do at this point in time," Imperius muttered.
"Who do I contact once I find them?" Greed asked.
"Me," Izarius nodded. Gurzick came to, giggled a bit, and teleported away. Imperius was still grumbling when he trudged off with her to his sanctum. Only after it sealed up for him to hold her to his core did he let his true emotions come forth.
"I detest this!" he spat.
"Would you argue with Anu?" Anaurael asked.
"You know I cannot," he muttered.
"But...think of it this way," she smiled softly. "If it wasn't for him, you wouldn't have met me. My parents would still be angels here. Sanctuary wouldn't have existed for them to make me for you."
He paused at this and squeezed her. He didn't want to admit how right she was. At another thought, he said, "Things could have been different, though. They could have tried to make you as angels here in the High Heavens."
"And, would you have allowed that?"
"I...likely not," he sighed. "Malthael would have been our leader, but I know he would not have allowed it, either. To do such a thing is what demons do. We never did such things. After he did, well...look at you and I. Even I am still surprised at what I can do with you."
"And I may have turned out differently, too. As much as I would like the thought of having wings, I may not have been fully recognized by you. It could be any number of things that may have happened. What more is there to expect?"
"I resent Inarius far more than Tyrael."
"Was Inarius always the way he was?"
"At first, no. But he grew weary of the constant fighting. He began to sway other angels to his ways of thinking. That many were tired of the Eternal Conflict. I had no idea that other demons were the same way. Why would I wish to know of them?! At any rate, I shall go with your ideal way of thinking. It will...lesson the rage I feel for him."
"Good," she smiled warmly and kissed him. "Now let me get out of my gown."
"Very well," he nodded and set her down. The moment the gown was off her, she was back in his arms and gasping from how his Song was quick to take her over. As much as he wanted to oversee what was happening in the Burning Hells, she needed him. And he needed her just as badly.