They had rested for a good two hours before they were able to dress again. The relaxation was desperately needed for them. The less stress they went through, the better everything was. He was worried about the hidden room in his library. He needed to address that as quickly as possible.
"Tyrael?" Anaurael asked gently when they walked out of his chamber.
"Hmm?" he looked at her.
"You look upset," she said.
"I'm just...a touch concerned about that new room in the library. I need to see to that. And, you need to go back up to Heaven. You can't linger on Sanctuary for too long. Our developing offspring requires this. Don't make me get Malthael to call on Imperius for you," he lightly joked. She gave a gentle smack to his armored arm to have him laugh. When Izarius appeared to guard her, she smiled and hugged her brother. Then he moved in front of her to block a sudden swing from a loose sword. It seemed to be a wooden practice one, so there was no damage. It was still taken as a heavy offense.
"Who did that?!" Izarius demanded when he tossed the caught sword aside. Tyrael was now gaping with complete disbelief. Malthael was quick to appear and scour the area. The invisible guards from Tyrael's room were able to find a Greed Goblin to have Greed help in the search. The culprit was quickly found as a small child that had run into hiding in one of the Westmarch alleys. He was quickly brought back to Tyrael to answer for the action done by a couple Horadric members.
"Um...um..." the young boy panicked. His brown hair was long from not being clipped back properly. His blue eyes were wide with a form of fear. His clothes were disheveled from traveling. They had not seen this boy until just now.
"Why did you throw a sword? Someone could have gotten hurt!" Izarius demanded. The poor child had never seen an angel before. Much less a massive, angry one.
"I was...swinging it around...to practice...and it slipped..." he trembled in a weak voice.
"Do you live in Westmarch?" Tyrael asked calmly.
"No. I came from Bramwell. Um...my parents were killed by the raids. From sudden deaths," he shivered. Anaurael sighed and knew that Malthael was mildly at fault, but it was a past issue now.
"I am Izarius. I am an angel from the High Heavens. You are forgiven for being honest," he said with a small nod from his hood. "You need to wear gloves when handling practice swords. You will have a better grip on the pommel. Or, make sure there is rough leather binding. I'd still go with gloves. They will protect your hands until you can work with a sword better. All right?"
"Oh!" the boy blinked. Izarius was carefully training him on the proper wielding of a weapon. "I didn't know that! Um...can you teach me more?"
"Unfortunately, I am always busy. But, Tyrael here may know of one that can help you," the angel chuckled softly. It was an accident, and he wanted to ensure that no further ones happened.
"I'm sure my Father could help him, too," Anaurael smiled. When Imperius suddenly landed to check on her, the boy gaped with shock. Imperius seemed to glance mildly at the small child.
"He accidentally tossed a sword at her," Izarius explained. "He was not wearing gloves. Practice swords are tricky like that. It slipped out of his hands."
"Hmm..." Imperius thought. He moved to carefully rest his hands on Anaurael's shoulders, as he studied the small child. "He should be trained in proper warrior etiquette. Immediately."
"I shall summon Ilerael..." Malthael nodded and vanished.
"What?" the boy frowned.
"How would you like to train in being a future Horadric soldier?" Tyrael asked with a small smile. The boy was gaping at this and burst into tears. Imperius snorted his disgust, but Anaurael kept him calm with a pat to his hands.
"I...yes! I want to!" the boy nodded frantically.
"Are you with a foster family now?" Anaurael asked.
"I had...um...just arrived..." the boy managed to say.
"So, you are still looking for a family to adopt you," Tyrael mused. "Anaurael, would you like to adopt him with me as our son? This way, he will get the training he needs."
"Oh! Ah, I would not mind! Imperius? What do you think?" she asked. The massive Archangel flicked his wings and thought.
"He cannot come to the High Heavens, but I do not mind him being here. He will need to be told about you in full, though. In case future questions arise," Imperius said. "However, I would prefer that he is adopted by another. You and Tyrael cannot be here for him all the time."
"True. Ilerael! There you are," Tyrael waved. Ilerael nodded and was told the situation. Malthael stood by her again. Even though the boy couldn't see him, he had to ensure that all was well. Ilerael thought for a moment and studied the child critically. He had a good build on him. He was also trying to self-teach himself on how to use a sword. That impressed him.
"This boy is now my son and Anaurael's brother," he grinned. "Any questions?"
"None," Tyrael nodded.
"A brother!" Anaurael giggled. The boy before her was in shock at the sudden hug he got swept up into by her. "What is your name?"
"My name? Um...it's Loremy," he said. "and I'm ten years."
"Perfect age to start training! Anaurael, your new sister, trained at that age, too! I trained her," Ilerael nodded. "You'll meet your new mother shortly. She's pregnant with a future sibling for you."
"So...I don't have to look for a family?" he asked.
"Nope! I just claimed you!" Ilerael grinned. Loremy started to cry, and his new surrogate father took him from Anaurael to comfort him. "I'll take him to where Lilaurael is. She'll be overjoyed."
"Good," Imperius nodded. "Anaurael needs to return to the High Heavens."
"Oh, Imperius," Tyrael said. "Greed found a chamber that belonged to Zoltun Kulle in my library. The same one that made the Black Soulstone."
"She is going nowhere near that chamber!" Imperius growled.
"Trust me. I already know it," he nodded.
"Um, Dad," Loremy said. Ilerael grinned and pressed a kiss to his forehead before nodding for him to continue. "I was told to be a...um...Horad...um..."
"Horadric," Tyrael said with a nod. "He would do well as another soldier."
"I know he would. Of course, as my son, he would be a class above soldier. But, that will come when he's the right age to know everything," Ilerael nodded back. "I think fifteen should work."
"Perfect age," Anaurael laughed. It was the same age for her. "Okay, I need to go back up to Heaven. It's needed."
"Heaven? Are you gonna die?" Loremy winced.
"No! Heaven is where I live," she smiled. "Imperius, can I show him my room? He is my brother now, you know. And, no, he will not live with me."
"I...suppose..." Imperius seemed to grumble lightly.
"It's to keep other confusions down," she said gently. He nodded at that. "And, if he is my brother now, he may have to train there. Sometimes."
"We shall see..." Imperius grumbled again. He would prefer only her pureblood siblings to train there, but he knew where she was going. There were a lot of orphaned children out there.
"Think of it this way," she smiled. "It will keep them from going down the path of a demon."
"One visit for now. We shall see how it goes after that," Imperius nodded. Tyrael chuckled. She knew how to sway his thoughts, if for a while.
"I'll let you know what I find in the library," Tyrael said.
"Do so," Imperius nodded again. He pulled Anaurael into his arms to hold her, and he vanished with her to go back to Heaven. Ilerael looked at his new son and smiled.
"Hold onto me. And, just so you know, Anaurael is married to Tyrael, but she is also married to Imperius. It's a very delicate situation. I'll tell you more about it when you're older, okay?" he explained. Loremy blinked at that, but he nodded. "Now, hold on tight! I'll be back later, Tyrael."
"Of course," Tyrael nodded. Loremy clung to Ilerael and gasped at the teleport that happened. When he found himself in Anaurael's room, he was gaping at all the wealth that seemed to spill from the chests here. Even the splendor of the room was intense.
"Loremy! There you are!" Anaurael laughed. "I want to show you something."
"Okay," he nodded. Ilerael set him down for him to scamper to her side.
"You like using swords, right?" she smiled.
"Yes! I do!" he nodded.
"I may have a sword that can work for you. But, you need to get stronger to use it," she said and showed him the back of her wall. Racks of swords were here. Even various armors. His jaw went slack at how many swords she had. "I also like to use swords, but I have been using a spear. I am also a fighter. But, I'm pregnant. I can't fight anymore. So, when you get stronger, I can give you one of my old weapons. I just can't give you the spear I normally use. Or my armor. They are specialized for me."
"Okay," he said. Then he blinked at the practice sword that she took off the wall. It was the one that Gurzick swapped out for her in the very beginning.
"I will let you borrow this sword, but only after you master using a practice one. Okay?"
"I'll make sure to learn it!" he vowed. Ilerael laughed softly. Even Izarius was nodding.
"And, just so you know, Izarius is also your brother. So are any angels you see. If you have any questions about fighting, they may be able to answer them for you," she said. "Just make sure they have the time to answer them. They are very busy at times. But, when they are with me, they can make some time for you. They do love to help when they can."
"I can remember that," he smiled. He couldn't believe his luck on the family he ended up with. He started to cry again, and Ilerael was the one to gather him up to comfort him.
"It's all right," his new father soothed and rubbed his back. "I'll give you a week to get used to me and the new family. Okay? Oh! Hello, Gurzick!"
"Hi!" he waved when he appeared. "Who you?"
"He's the one that accidentally had a practice sword slip. It nearly hit me, but Izarius blocked it. He is now my new baby brother!" Anaurael said happily. That had Gurzick whoop with joy. Even Greed was a touch surprised, and pleased, by this. "He will be training how to fight soon."
"Good. As he is a new sibling to you, I shall see what I can find," Greed said from the crown.
"I was going to give him my old practice sword," she said.
"Ahh! Yes, that could work. But, he will need something else until then. I will find something. Has the young cub eaten yet? He looks thin."
"Not yet..." Loremy said. "Um...it's been some time..."
"I'm taking him home to have him eat," Ilerael said with a stern tone.
"I'll have something there for him. And for her mother, too," Greed said. Once that was said, he had Gurzick vanish to see to it. He really didn't like how thin the boy was. And he needed new clothes. He was going to see any member of Anaurael's family as a direct priority.
"I'll see you later," Anaurael smiled and kissed Loremy's forehead.
"Ew!" he said in pure brother-like fashion and wiped his forehead.
"And, you need a good bath," Ilerael grinned. Loremy seemed to frown at that, but at Ilerael's warning glare, he gave a small nod. "Remember. You're my son now. I will spank you, if you misbehave. That and I have a lot of invisible angel guards. If you do anything bad, they will report to me. As my son, you will be disciplined if you need it. Don't forget that."
"Yes, Dad..." he winced. He got a pat to his back to show he was forgiven again. This was why a week would be needed for him to adjust. After that, Ilerael took his son back to Sanctuary to introduce him to Lilaurael. Even Anaurael knew that her mother would welcome the boy with open arms. With a sigh, she moved to an opened diamond pane window and sat on the ledge. She gazed out over the Silver City below her. Malthael moved to stand behind her.
"Are you feeling well?" he asked. She couldn't answer. She rested a hand over her belly and gave a deep breath for control. He checked her physical state and rested his hands on her shoulders. "Yes. I see now. The offspring is starting to take. You feel ill. Izarius?"
"I'm here, sister," he said and moved to sit on the ledge with her in his lap. She suddenly leaned over the ledge to vomit. He took the glass of water that Darius had ready. Mithus was quick to contact Imperius with some slight meditation. Azarius was informing Tyrael this way, too. It was much faster to get to them with their imprints in her mind.
"I'm here," Imperius nodded. He was forced to sit on the ledge to take her from Izarius. He held her and breathed in deeply to let it out calmly. On glancing at her mark, he studied the pulsing it gave out. He knew that fast pulses meant a form of distress. Slow, even pulses meant that she was calm. Intense, heavy pulses only proved that she was struggling to survive. Right now, the pulses were fast. "Easy, my ward. I will not go anywhere. Did you want to rest with me in my sanctum?"
"Yes..." she whispered.
"I'll have some soft foods ready. They did help her before," Izarius nodded. At the arrival of Itherael, they glanced at him curiously.
"I understand that a new chamber was found in Tyrael's library?" he asked calmly.
"Yes. It belonged to a certain Zoltun Kulle," Izarius said.
"Hmm. This does not bode well," Itherael said.
"Anaurael will not visit it," Imperius said. "She has just purged. She is going to rest with me."
"Of course," he nodded. When Anaurael reached for him to hug close, Imperius allowed it. "Rest and get better, sister. Would you like me to tell you what was found?"
"I would like that," she nodded. A chaste kiss was pressed to his mouth, and Imperius rose up from the ledge with her. After they left, Izarius looked at him.
"Why did you really come?" he asked.
"I had to check on her. I sensed distress," Itherael said.
"Ah. Her pregnancy with Tyrael finally started to take," Izarius explained.
"And you are in love with her," Malthael said bluntly.
"I beg pardon?" Itherael asked.
"Do not lie. I know. You know that I know. It is fine. You were needed to help with Anu's champion. I understand this. Granted, you sensed her distress. But, do not lie to me when it comes to your true emotions about her. As it is, we still need to consult with Chalad'ar about Inarius," Malthael said. "We cannot wait too much longer."
"You are correct in my feelings. But, I will not let them get out of hand. As for Inarius, you are correct again. He has been wandering the Silver City aimlessly in his own thoughts. We need to find a decision about him soon. Even Izual has taken a direct responsibility to silently track his whereabouts."
"Good to know," Malthael muttered. "I refuse to let him touch Anaurael's mark."
"I don't want him around her!" Izarius growled.
"Oh?" Itherael asked.
"He knows what pleasure can be. True pleasure of the flesh. I can tell what he thinks when he looks at my sister. I get a vibe much like that human thief. I will not trust him alone with her. Not until he proves his trust," Izarius said. Even his other brothers were in agreement with this.
"You may be right," Malthael said. When Tyrael's angelic form appeared, he was regarded in full. "When can we seek Chalad'ar for a decision about Inarius?"
"As soon as possible," Tyrael said. "My flesh is taking a short nap. Lorath ordered it. Where is Anaurael? I thought she would be here."
"She purged. Imperius is having her rest for a bit in his sanctum with him," Izarius said. They looked over when Izual teleported in to be there for the small meeting.
"Inarius cannot make up his mind," Izual snorted. "He tries to recall all the good things he had with that demon filth. Then he remembers how she harmed him and killed others when her mind slipped. I honestly believe that he cannot bring himself to cull her."
"We cannot make the decision for him," Itherael seemed to shrug. "It must be done freely of his own will. If we intervene, he will not learn properly. It is saddening, but there is not much else we can do."
"I'm aware of it," Malthael seemed to snort. As they continued to discuss Inarius, Imperius was sitting in his throne and cradling Anaurael.
"Why...do I have to...go through this...?" she whispered, as her body trembled.
"Your mother had to do this with you. She survived. So will you," he said calmly.
"I knew I'd experience some symptoms, but...getting ill all the time?!"
"Hush now. There is no need to fret. I am with you."
"I'm seriously having second thoughts on having another child," she muttered. Now he looked at her, and she blinked at the soft laugh he gave out. "What is that for?"
"You forget. I still want to try having one with you that is not of your soul. And you agreed. You cannot go back on your word with me," he said. She sighed and nodded.
"Of course, Imperius."
"From what Ilerael was telling me, pregnancies can differ all the time. Your body is experiencing these changes for the first time. You are coping. I have been paying...much attention to him. Do not worry about these things for now. We will get through this together. Nothing will harm you. All of us are working to keep you calm and safe."
"I know it. I just feel...bored. Really," she frowned. "I can't do anything."
"Are you feeling well now?"
"Yes."
"Very well. We shall do something," he said and rose up with her. "I would have you eat, but you just purged. However, you do need to drink. Here."
She nodded and accepted the mug of water he reached for. She needed fluids. He had her drink down another mug before setting it aside. Then he took her out to the main hallway. He had Izarius contacted to appear with them. "I'm here! Is there something wrong?"
"Just follow me to ensure her safety," Imperius said and flexed his wings. She gasped when he jumped over the side to fly with her. Izarius chuckled and was soon in the air after them. Imperius knew that this kept her happy, and she enjoyed flying with him greatly. It also eased her mind, and he needed the exercise, too. Much to her delight, other angels began to join them in flight soon after. To see Imperius flying majestically as he did this had easily emboldened other angels to do the same.
When he landed before the Diamond Gates, the angels dispersed back to where they needed to be. Of course, Izarius landed with them. Then Imperius faced the massive gates and began to tell her the history of what she was seeing. Now she realized that he was giving her a personal tour of the High Heavens. He could have Itherael do it, but he needed her to remain calm. By being with him did just that. He also didn't want to think of another flying with her and holding her. Mental flight was one thing. Physical flight was another.
For the next three hours, it was like this. He flew with her to a part of the Silver City to land and explain the origin of the building or structure she saw. By the time he got back to his Halls of Valor, Tyrael was waiting for them in the flesh.
"I need to speak with Chalad'ar about Inarius. We cannot delay any longer," Tyrael said.
"So you say?" Imperius asked calmly.
"Yes," Malthael said when he appeared. "We gave you ample time to calm her. Now, we must see to business once more. Inarius is a blemish in the High Heavens. He must decide on what needs to be done to regain his favor with Anu. Chalad'ar can help speed up his thought process."
"Izual is keeping tabs on him right now," Tyrael nodded.
"Very well. She needs to eat first. Then we shall go. We shall meet you at the Pools of Wisdom. Gather Itherael and Auriel for this. They may be needed," Imperius said.
"Should we get her parents?" Tyrael asked.
"No. There is no direct threat to Anaurael. You can inform them on what was discovered when time allows," Imperius ordered mildly. "Let us do this now."
"Of course. I'll meet you there," Tyrael nodded and made his way there to prepare the chamber. He would also make sure to grab Itherael and Auriel, too.
"Inarius is still troubled?" she frowned at Imperius.
"He does not know what he wishes to do, apparently," Imperius seemed to shrug, as he carried her to his sanctum. "He needs to make a decision and act on it."
"It is not only that," Malthael muttered. "He knows what must be done. He simply despises it."
"Well, I don't like the way he watches my sister," Izarius growled.
"What?" Imperius now looked at him.
"He desires her. It's either that, or he's too curious about her for his own good. I'm not letting him touch her!" he said. Imperius regarded him silently and started to walk again.
"I understand that Izual is watching him. The moment Inarius is close by, I want to know. And I want her full guard around her. No excuses," Imperius ordered.
"Of course, Imperius," Izarius nodded. Anaurael seemed to worry, but she got squeezed by Imperius to show that he was with her. He needed her to eat and regain some much needed strength. After she ate, it would be time to see to Chalad'ar once more.