Three months had passed swiftly. Anaurael was finally starting to wear maternity dresses of golden stretch velvet, and Tyrael was a constant visitor to her the moment she began to show her pregnancy. Even her mother was in the same state and given light chores to do. When it was decided for Anaurael to visit the new family home, Imperius was not very pleased. Tyrael was even mildly against it.
"It shouldn't be too long," she smiled. A rocking chair was given to her, and it was used with enthusiasm. She sipped some warmed milk with a bit of chocolate in it while rocking herself.
"Well, no matter what happens," Tyrael frowned. "you know that I cannot let you out of my sight. Not while you are on Sanctuary."
"I will be with you no matter what happens," Izarius nodded. "I would not be surprised if Imperael insisted to appear, too."
"That would be a spectacle!" she giggled. The empty mug was taken from her, and Tyrael helped her rise up from the chair. He rested a hand against her belly with a warm smile.
"Any movement?" he asked with a touch of eagerness. The first time father was clearly apparent with him now. She laughed softly and let him squeeze her.
"Not yet. Mother told me that it was around the fourth month that she felt anything with me. It could be the same. Itherael? Are you well?" she asked when he appeared.
"I understand that you are to go to Sanctuary?" he asked. He clasped his hands with hers before accepting the hug and chaste kiss from her. He pressed a hand to her belly with a soft chuckle.
"Mother and Father want me to see what they did with the new place," she beamed.
"I would go with you," he sighed.
"You could. It would be easy. Simply meditate," Malthael said when he appeared.
"Ah! That is true," Itherael nodded. "Researching Talus'ar would help."
"Then it will work," she nodded. "Even Auriel can do this, if she wished to."
"I shall inform her," he said in full agreement. When Imperius appeared, she moved straight into his arms to get picked up and held close. He pressed his hand to her belly and gazed lovingly at her.
"I will be watching you at all times," Imperius vowed.
"Like you did before throughout my life?" she smiled.
"Exactly," he nodded. "Tyrael, do not let her out of your sight."
"I shall be with her through meditation," Itherael nodded. "Auriel may do the same."
"That is fine. I have sent more angelic warriors to guard the new dwelling. I change them out in small shifts, so they do not miss the Heavens for long. It appears to be working. I offered to do the same for the ones with you, Tyrael, but they declined. They are pleased where they are," Imperius said.
"I know. They insisted to stay after they kicked Lyndon out for breaking in," Tyrael sighed.
"When did this happen?!" Anaurael asked with alarm.
"A month ago. Why?" Tyrael frowned.
"As your wife and a Keeper of the Horadrim, I have to know these things!" she growled. "I could have punished him for breaking into a private Horadric area!"
"Yes, you could have," he sighed.
"If anyone that I do not approve of approaches her, she will be brought back here," Imperius warned dangerously. Tyrael raised a brow at him. That meant everyone to him.
"Imperius, you don't have to worry so," she smiled at him. "You will be watching over me. I'll have an army of angels, both invisible and visible, around me, too. I will be safe."
"Anu will give me a solid form, if needed," Malthael muttered out. "None will touch her."
"Neither will you," Imperius seemed to glare at him. He had gained a horribly protective streak for her the moment her belly began to show.
"Imperius!" she said with a touch of dismay.
"Do not argue," he said to her. She was still in his arms, and a kiss was soon pressed to his mouth to help him recollect his thoughts. Her simple touch no longer worked as well as it used to.
"Rethink your thoughts now," she whispered and lightly nuzzled his invisible chin within the helm. When she started to Sing softly, he found himself joining her. At the end of it, she smiled. "There you are. I will be safe. Have no worries about it."
"I will not be myself until you are back safely in my Halls," he muttered.
"If that is the case, you may as well lock me to your wrist," she giggled. A soft chuckle finally came from him. He placed his hand on her belly again and hugged her again before setting her down.
"She will be protected," Tyrael nodded.
"We will all ensure it," Izarius nodded. "Darius, Azarius, and Mithus are already in the new residence. They went there before she arrived to ensure nothing will go wrong, and they will leave after she does. This way none can interfere with her teleporting."
"Fine," Imperius nodded. The way he looked at her before he teleported out showed extreme worry. She sighed and ran her hand over her belly.
"We all worry about you now," Itherael said. "You have become one of Heaven's first priorities. A whole army of angels would willingly go to your aid right now."
"I did not ask for it," she smiled. "but it is expected."
"We know," Tyrael nodded and had her press into him now. "Malthael, you are sure she is bearing a son for me? Or you can't see yet?"
"It is a male," Malthael nodded. "Anyways, we should get this visit done."
"That we must," Tyrael said with his own nod. Those that were able to physically leave did so. Malthael vanished to join them in his spiritual way, and Itherael went to inform Auriel of how to visit with the others safely. She did know of this, but he had to show her how to meditate in full. After that, he was in his Library to research Talus'ar. When he appeared on Sanctuary to join with the others there, he was a touch surprised to find Imperael there in his solid state. He refused to meditate.
"You are going to raise questions," Ilerael grinned. He was wearing a medallion around his neck now that showed authority as Mayor. Lilaurael had a similar one, but it was far more feminine in design.
"And, I will give them answers, if they ask their questions," Imperael snorted. "I refuse to be idle. I have to be here for her."
"Imperael!" Loremy said with a grin, as he bounded down the stairs.
"Hey!" Ilerael growled. "What did we say about running in the house?!"
"Oh. Sorry, Dad," he winced.
"You can trip, if you're not careful! And you know how your mother worries now," Ilerael reminded him. Loremy winced again at that. "Good. Now you can greet your brothers."
"Imperael? Oh, good. You're here," Lilaurael said when she walked over to see him.
"Sister," he nodded and accepted the warm pat to his arm. "Is all well?"
"For me, all is well. But, Loremy has gained a bully," she frowned.
"Lilaurael..." Ilerael sighed.
"No! I'm tired of it! Just two weeks ago, he came home with a black eye!" she growled.
"What?" Anaurael asked. This was news to her. Even Tyrael was concerned.
"Who is fighting with him?" Itherael asked in his invisible state.
"Some children were brought in as orphans from Kingsport," Ilerael explained. "One of them was a noble boy. He is picking on Loremy due to the fact that he's my son. As in, the Mayor's son. It's all out of jealousy. His adopted family is trying to work with him, but it's troubling."
"Yeah," Loremy frowned. "I tried to be his friend, and he said I had no business being with my Dad. That I should have been cast aside at a first glance so that he could take my place."
"How awful!" Auriel gasped. "Is there no good in that one?"
"Hmm," Malthael thought to himself.
"Where does this one meet you?" Izarius asked.
"I always run into him at the angel fountain," Loremy said. Anaurael sighed and gestured for a hug. Loremy scowled, but gave her one after Ilerael gave him a glance. "Ouch!"
"What?" Anaurael frowned.
"Oh. I got pushed down the other day by him..." he said. At the look Ilerael gave him, Loremy tugged up his tunic to show off the nice bruise he got on his back. All of them were shocked.
"What?!" Lilaurael gaped.
"And you didn't tell us?!" Ilerael said with his own shock.
"This does not bode well," Tyrael sighed. Itherael and Auriel clearly showed signs of distress at this. They had no idea that such bullying existed.
"Show me this fountain," Imperael said. "If it truly is made to look like an angel, I have an idea."
"Hmm?" Malthael asked.
"Want to see a fountain come to life?" Imperael asked with a hint of mirth in his tone. Now Ilerael started to laugh. Izarius was all for it. Lilaurael was clearly pleased by this. Anaurael could only giggle when the others wanted to see what happened. Approving glances were given by the others.
"I shall find the child," Malthael said. "Ilerael, what does he look like?"
"Dark brown hair and eyes. He's a couple years older than Loremy. You'll know him when you see him," he said in response. Malthael nodded and vanished to search.
"We could get Greed in on this, but we'll wait and see what happens," Izarius said.
"We should wait," Itherael agreed.
"I should Sing in front of the fountain. It has been a while since I saw it," Anaurael smiled.
"We shall make ourselves invisible to human eyes. Hmm. Your Singing could 'summon' us into existence," Izarius said. That got Imperael laughing softly. He could stand invisible and in front of the fountain. Then she could bring him about. Tyrael chuckled and was quick to escort her out.
"This way!" Loremy grinned.
"I was born here. I know where it is," she laughed. Her brother laughed with her, and they soon found the fountain. Ilerael was able to get Harvey to repair it again. After Malthael's attacks, the statue was torn down from the demon Mayor's insistence. Ilerael wondered why it was agreed to build the statue in the first place, but he realized that the statue drew in trade. It lined the vault with more coin. As much as the vile family hated to see it, greed always won out.
"We're almost there!" Loremy said. She laughed softly and followed him. When Anaurael walked the old streets, a rush of memories hit her. Many of the smells were same. Fresh baked bread and picked vegetables. Fresh cut flowers in the stalls. Even a few of the older buildings were still there. Quite a few of the residents recognized her and asked how she was.
"I'm good! I'm showing my husband the sights," she beamed. Tyrael nodded and said a kind hello before urging her on. "Tyrael!"
"After we see to Loremy's problem will we idle about," he said. That had her nodding. When they reached the fountain, Malthael was standing in front of it in thought.
"Malthael?" she frowned.
"I would like to speak with you later. If possible," he said. A hint of the sadness he had lingered in his tone. Tyrael didn't catch it, but she did. She gave a small nod to him to show it would be done.
"Did you find that child?" Tyrael asked.
"He is on his way here. And...there he is..." Malthael growled with distaste. The boy that walked over was clearly in his early teens with how he walked and acted with an air of slight around him. He did appear to have a noble appearance in his look and stance. His clothes were slightly better than the disheveled garments worn by other children. He had demanded such things, too. The family he was with was struggling to provide for him, and he treated them with a touch of distaste.
Any that he decided that were not worthy to be in his small circle of friends was treated with cold ridicule. So far, that was everyone in the town, and he was still struggling to fit in. The way he was brought up was completely to blame. Imperael walked over in his invisible state and moved to stand in front of the statue. He stood much taller than it, but that was fine. He was also far wider. It would help with the intimidation effect.
When a breeze moved through the area, Anaurael's molten gold hair gave off its shimmering effect when it floated. Then she turned her head to regard the boy with her topaz blue eyes. He was simply staring at her in her circlet and golden finery. He thought she was royalty. When he could only stand there speechless at her beauty, she smiled and said, "Hello! Who might you be?"
When the child was still speechless, Loremy said, "That's Durlin. He's the one that was bullying me. I do nothing to him, and he just keeps doing things to me."
"Is that so? How rude!" she frowned. Then she turned to face the pale-faced boy. "Loremy is my brother! He may be adopted into my family, but for you treat him with such slight is not acceptable! Have they not taught you how to respect others that are outside the royal or noble courts? Even a ruler needs followers. If you are a bad ruler, then your people will revolt and rise up against you. If you are kind and just, then you will have allies and supporters that will fight for your cause."
"I..." Durlin stammered. He didn't see it that way before.
"I was born and raised here. I was ridiculed for my looks out of jealousy. The ones that ridiculed me are either dead or performing just servitude," she said with a hint of dismay at him. "Do not speak to my brother, nor approach him from now on. There is no need for him to be around an evil person."
"I am not evil!" Durlin finally snapped at her. At that, Tyrael moved in front of her protectively. Even she could sense the disturbance in the invisible angels around her.
"To me you are," Tyrael glowered. "I am Tyrael. The leader of the Horadrim, and I was also an Archangel of the High Heavens. Anaurael is my wife and bearing my son. What do you have to say to this now? Hmm. I think we need another form of judgment."
"You are right," she nodded. "Loremy, stay back, please."
"Okay," her brother nodded and moved away.
"This town was rumored to be protected by angels. Let the rumors prove true!" she said and faced the angel statue. Then she began to Sing. Anyone that was bearing witness to this was in shock when Imperael materialized as if by magic. When her other brothers appeared, Durlin's jaw could have hit the ground. When the Song was finished, Imperael stepped away from the statue he was in front of. A single, mere footfall from the massive angel shook the ground lightly, and Durlin fell to the ground from the instability. Tyrael was hiding his laughter in the palm of his hand. The effect was simply flawless.
"Sister? You called for me?" Imperael said with a perfect air of acting. At the sight of the massive grandfather sword in his hand and ready to use, Durlin had his heart hammering in his throat.
"This one has slandered me. He has also been causing ill will to my brother," Anaurael said and pointed to the panicking boy. "I was told that he came from a noble family line, but he is acting purely like a vagrant! Is there no way for him to change his ways?"
"Hmm," Imperael thought and glared down at the trembling boy on the ground. "He should join the Horadrim. He will learn honor and integrity through them. It would be the only way."
"He should also treat Loremy with a form of neutral respect," Izarius added. "To bode ill to others opens a path for evil to enter the heart and soul. If there is an ounce of Light in this child, then he must prove it to us. There would be no other way."
"I wouldn't mind killing him..." Malthael muttered in Anaurael's ear. She pursed her lips to keep from laughing out. He was still invisible.
"Even young ones still have time for redemption," she said easily. When Ilerael was forced to appear from the mass of townspeople at his door, he simply waved at them. It was time to act like the purposeful Mayor and to see to them as though he had not met them yet. The angels knew this, too.
"I give greetings!" Ilerael said. "I am Isaiah, the Mayor of this town. For what purpose do you angels grace us with your presence?"
"We were summoned by our sister," Darius said regally.
"This one slandered her!" Imperael growled and raised the edge of his sword at Darius. "We have decided to have him join the Horadrim to learn how true honor, valor and respect can be achieved. If he fails, he shall be seen as nothing but vile!"
"So, you insulted my daughter?" Ilerael seemed to glare at the troublesome boy. "If it's not one thing, it's another with you. Look. I understand that you were part of a noble family. But, around here, there are no nobles. There is no royalty, either. It's a farming village that has taken you in out of gracious kindness. Everyone is treated as an equal here. We have tried to explain this to you multiple times. So, now may be the time to bring up this question. Why do you keep picking on my son?!"
"I would also like to know why you keep pestering my brother," Anaurael nodded. At the glowering looks from the angels now, Durlin managed to stand up to defend himself. "Bullies are not tolerated with my family. You can pick on another. Not him. And, from what I was just told, he has another bruise from you pushing him down! How would you like it if it was done to you?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Durlin gaped.
"I would dare!" Imperael said and drove his sword right into the hard-packed earth as though it was soft mud. Then he ripped it out to leave a gaping hole there. It was a complete show of strength. Ilerael mumbled about road cost repairs, and Tyrael sighed and shook his head. When a golden glow appeared behind her, Imperius stood up tall from where he landed. Now the accused boy thought he was going to die. Ilerael wanted to groan from all the questions he was going to have to answer. Auriel and Itherael were chatting with Lilaurael, but, at the presence of Imperius, they had to let their invisible forms go to join the rest to see what it was about.
"I need to bring Anaurael back to Heaven. She has spent too much time here," Imperius said. Then he looked over at Durlin and snorted with disgust. "I am Imperius. I am the leader of the Angiris Council, and I am the Archangel of Valor. You are nothing but demon filth to me! You want to prove yourself? I doubt you can! Only demons show disrespect to those around them. I should simply cull you and leave it at that. And you slandered Anaurael! Disgusting! If you want me to change my views on you, then I give you one year to change your ways. I will not grant you a lifetime. One year should be sufficient. Decide what you want to do."
"Go with him," Tyrael nodded to Anaurael. "I'll feel better about it."
"We all will," Ilerael said. She wasn't ready to go back, but she also knew that her pregnancy depended on it. When Imperius moved to rest his hands on her shoulders, she regarded Durlin.
"I really do want to know why you pick on my brother. Answer this first. Then I shall go," she said. "This matter is too important."
"Fine," Durlin said and licked his lips. He had to answer willingly, or the ones before him would see what they could do to force his answers. "I never liked commoners. My family raised me to disregard them. That they were all just ready to harm us, and that it was best to treat them like the dirt we walked on. When I was told that he was the Mayor's son, I was baffled. A commoner to be adopted by the Mayor? It made no sense to me at all! I should be his son. Not him."
"I believe there is a resolution to this," she said. Her necklace seemed to shimmer to show it was going to justify the reason. Tyrael smiled softly, and Imperius squeezed her shoulders for her to continue. "Father, see if Durlin can become adopted by you, too. However, he would need to go through the same training exercises as Loremy in the Horadrim. If he wants to continue to fight and pick on Loremy, at least you can discipline him properly as your son. He will also become my brother, and I'll be able to slight him as a sister would with adequate distaste. And, Durlin, Loremy was adopted in before my Father became Mayor. So, you can think on that."
"Oh..." Durlin frowned. He didn't know that at all. That made sense to him.
"Well, what do you think?" Ilerael asked Durlin. "Would you want to become my son and learn the true value of life, hardship, and respect? Or, do you want to live with the current family you have now and try to fit in with the rest of the townsfolk? You will not become a favorite of mine. You will be treated equally with Loremy. You will have chores, hard work, and a curfew, as well as adequate schooling. And I will not hesitate to tan your backside if you misbehave!"
"You will also learn many secrets," Tyrael said. "If you tell anyone of these secrets, you could be killed. Isaiah also works closely with me and the angels here. So, if you go against him, you go against all of us standing before you. Think carefully now."
"Isaiah?" Imperael asked with a puzzled tone.
"It is what Ilerael calls himself around human filth," Malthael muttered to him.
"It is true," Itherael nodded. Imperael nodded slightly at this explanation.
"I feel so sad for this young one," Auriel sighed. "I do hope he decides to right what he has done wrong. There is time for him to fix what was damaged, but only if he reaches out to grasp it. What Anaurael has suggested would definitely be in his best interests."
"But, the choice is his to make," Tyrael sighed. He acted as though he was talking aloud. "It would be good for him to go down this path. He could show that anyone can change and make the right decision. But, because of what he's done now, he would be watched heavily until he can prove his trust."
"Very true," Ilerael nodded.
"You would...adopt me...?" Durlin blinked.
"I would. But, I would not allow you to continue your current actions. I will punish you for them, if I ever learned of them reappearing. And, think on this. If you tried such things in secret, these angels here will be watching you. They will tell me. So, you wouldn't be able to hide it," Ilerael warned. "The same is done with Loremy, too. If he misbehaves, I will know."
"When Anaurael was born, I sent down the angelic watch," Imperius said. "I wanted her safe at all times. This watch has carried over to her family. They are in their dwellings and around them at all times. And they never need to sleep. None of us need that mortal weakness."
"I would accept you as my brother, but I would not be able to fully feel welcome around you until you proved yourself," Anaurael said. "I am not noble born. I am not royalty. But...I am complicated, all the same. Imperius claimed me as his on the night I was born. You will learn my tale and how all of this started, but you cannot go off telling everyone. Not many will understand."
"This village was run by demons. Until we discovered them and killed them," Izarius nodded. Durlin was shocked. "They can infiltrate anywhere."
"Speaking of infiltration..." Malthael muttered at Gurzick's appearance.
"I know you! Or, something like you. One of you stole my favorite toy horse," Durlin said and pointed at the Greed Goblin. "It was the last thing I had received from my parents before they were killed, and I was sent here afterwards with nothing else of theirs."
"Oh? Who kill?" Gurzick asked now.
"Um...ones like them. But, they were darker," Durlin said and pointed to Izarius and his brothers.
"Malthael?" Itherael asked.
"Keep quiet," he growled back.
"My parents died the same way," Loremy frowned. That had Durlin a touch speechless.
"So, now you both have something in common," Ilerael said gently. "Gurzick, will you give back the toy that was taken, if I give you something in exchange?"
"Yes," Gurzick nodded. "That work."
"Oh, we started to rebuild the cottage," Ilerael said. Now Anaurael gasped and glanced up at Imperius. He lifted her into his arms and teleported with her to see the construction. Tyrael had to make his way to her now, and Ilerael was quick to follow with a smile. Loremy was scooped up by Imperael and set on a shoulder, as he strode through the town. Durlin frowned and actually felt lonely. When Izarius walked over to him, he knelt down on a knee to regard him.
"What is running through your mind, child?" he asked carefully.
"I didn't think...that I would fit in...that I would be..." Durlin began to tear up.
"Did you want to join this family? Will this help you fit in?"
"I do! I think it will," he nodded. Izarius pulled the boy close to give him the hug that an older brother would give a younger one. The feeling was completely surprising to Durlin. He never had brothers or sisters before. His parents had never bothered with any others. Even his parents never hugged him like this. He found himself hugging Izarius back with a form of relief. Izarius knew that such contact was needed for a child. He had to wonder now.
"I will gladly see you as my brother. Just remember," the angel warned. "ifirf you learn secrets, you cannot spill them. Do not go against us. Learn our ways. Angels go above noble ranks. Above royal ranks, too. Such things do not matter to us. As of now, your noble lineage does not matter. Do you understand this? This is important."
"I understand," Durlin nodded. Now he got lifted up and carried to the others.
"Better off dead..." Malthael muttered lightly.
"Curb your thoughts," Auriel chided softly. "If we can get another to assist with our cause, then I will not complain. It is another to help us battle the true demons here."
"She is correct, you know," Itherael said. Malthael snorted, but he would be watchful of the child all the same. Gurzick was informed of what was going on, and he would definitely see about returning the toy horse that was taken. He even went back to his domain to see if he could find it. At the sight of the cottage halfway rebuilt, Imperius was already looking over the structure. Ilerael was taking great care to ensure that the place was exactly as it was before, save the garden.
"That beam was taller," Imperius said. "The roof was a touch sloped to the right."
"You remember much?" Anaurael smiled.
"I was watching you all your life. I made sure to study your place of dwelling intensely," he said. "I shall see which of my warriors would like to see your place rebuilt to help assist."
"That won't be necessary," Ilerael started.
"It is to me," he snorted. "It will be done faster."
"No one would really be living here," Ilerael said. Tyrael held up his hand.
"This house is on a hill. We can dig into it to create a hidden treasure cache," Tyrael said.
"Oh! That could work. Maybe a few of the other mortal angels could help," Ilerael mused. When Lilaurael appeared with Mithus bringing her, Tyrael's idea was explained. She was all for it.
"We can have some Horadrim living here to help delegate out funds for this region," Tyrael said. As they continued to discuss future possibilities for the cottage, Anaurael was standing where she used to stand with Imperius resting his hands on her shoulders behind her. Izarius could only sigh with a chuckle escaping him. He knew that this was the true reason why Imperius wanted the place rebuilt.
"What's going on?" Durlin asked.
"Your sister grew up here," he said. "The way they are now is how they were in the past."
"Really?" Durlin blinked.
"Yes. Come. Let us tell your new father that you are to be his son. The arrangements will surely be made," Izarius said and carried him over to Ilerael.
"How long has it been since we were last like this?" Anaurael asked in a soft whisper.
"Far too long," Imperius muttered. When she began to Sing softly, he was able to gently compliment her. Tyrael turned to watch them with a smile. Even the others there had to stop and listen with silent appreciation. It was Loremy from his vantage point that spotted someone coming up the hill.
"Imperael," he whispered.
"Hmm?" the massive angel asked. He followed the pointed finger to the figure appearing. At this, Malthael quickly vanished and appeared next to the lone man walking towards them.
"A Demon Hunter..." Malthael mused to himself. The snapping cloak behind the man's stride easily gave his profession away. When the man reached the top of the hill, he paused at the sight of Imperael glaring down at him with the small boy on his shoulder.
"State your business!" Imperael ordered and had his massive grandfather sword ready.
"Um," Loremy frowned. "Don't you mean to say, 'Hi, what do you want?' I mean...well..."
"That is not my nature. I am one of the prime guardians of the High Heavens. If I am not at the Diamond Gates, then I am defending your sister. Such is my purpose," Imperael explained. "I must get my point across to those that could be a threat."
"Oh!" Loremy said with understanding. At the careful poke to his side with a massive finger to hear the boy laugh, Imperael chuckled and regarded the slightly stunned man again. The Demon Hunter had never seen such a creature before, much less the kindness given to a small child. He knew this being was clearly not evil at all, but he still wanted an explanation.
"What are you?" the Demon Hunter asked. His voice was a touch harsh, but it wasn't gruff. When Anaurael looked over, she noticed that he was one of the few that had joined the Horadrim bounty offers. She studied the dark blue cloak he wore that hid his features neatly. Taught leather pants with armor bits over the knees and back of his calves to his boots fit him perfectly. His chest armor almost reminded her of Malthael's chainmail vest-like appearance, save the cloak in the back. Even the hood could have been the same, but it wasn't as pointed. His brown hair appeared to be tied back, though. An odd, white glow seemed to come from his eyes when he peered out from the hood. His true eye color was obscured this way, but she was sure she would find out the color of his eyes in time.
"I am an Archangel. A defender of the High Heavens. And what are you?" Imperael asked in kind. Tyrael walked over now to regard him.
"Imperael, it's fine. I know him," Tyrael nodded. Imperael snorted, but he didn't move. "You are one of the Demon Hunters, right? The one called Vincent?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I heard that there was a disturbance here."
"There was one. There is no disturbance now," Izarius said. Then he set down Durlin and gestured to Ilerael. "Go to your father."
"Okay," Durlin nodded, and Ilerael was quick to pick him up. Durlin was mildly speechless from the sudden affection shown by his new father. Ilerael noticed this and knew right away what the main issue with him was. He needed affection and a show of trust. This would be easily given.
"So...all is resolved?" Vincent asked carefully. When his cloak shifted from the wind, his twin crossbows were seen in their resting places along his back. He would easily reach for them if he needed to. He even had a neat array of daggers, stun bombs and other odd devices lining his belt and unseen pockets. He was a master with his traps when he had to use them.
"Yes. I oversaw this," Tyrael nodded.
"Very well," the Demon Hunter nodded. "It does look like demons were here, though."
"This was done purposely," Tyrael explained. Now that he was being told what had truly happened to the cottage in full, Anaurael returned her gaze to the landscape.
"We need to go back," Imperius said. "I am sure you need to eat."
"Okay," she nodded. He pulled her up into his embrace and shared a kiss with her. "Father! Imperius needs to return me to Heaven."
"All right. I'll handle things here with your mother," he nodded to her. "And, I'm sure you will have another brother in full when we see you again."
"I look forward to it!" she beamed. Durlin was surprised at the show of approval he got from her now. Very slowly, his past ignorance was beginning to deteriorate. It would take a few more weeks, but Ilerael would ensure that it was fully gone. Small flare-ups would be dealt with, of course. He just didn't want a fully blown out issue like he had been witnessing so far.
When Vincent looked at Anaurael, she smiled and nodded to him lightly before Imperius teleported with her back to Heaven. He had seen her before, if briefly, and he was a bit curious about her. Not much information was given to him about her. "Who was that?"
"That is Anaurael. My sister," Imperael said. "Loremy, I need to return, too. You will be safe here. I shall visit when I can to train you."
"Okay," the boy nodded. He was set down carefully, and Imperael teleported away. Any other angels there also left quickly. Ilerael kept a mild attention span on the Demon Hunter in their midst. He was a touch uncomfortable with how a keen interest on Anaurael was taken.
"He shall be watched..." Malthael muttered to him.
"Make sure of it," Ilerael muttered back. If he had to play out being the protective father figure, he knew that wouldn't be a problem. He knew that Tyrael would be the over-protective husband. It was becoming apparent at the questions being asked.
"As to who she is, Anaurael is my wife, and she is bearing my son," Tyrael said calmly. "I am not sure why you are interested in her. This is something that I need to know."
"Oh," Vincent thought. "I just sense that she's...different."
"This is true," he nodded. "Anaurael is a pureblood mortal angel. Her parents were angels before, but they removed their wings to be here. They left Heaven to share the love they had in secret."
"And her hair?"
"On the night of her birth, Imperius sensed her. He came down and marked her. Since you are not a mortal angel, you cannot see her mark. She is tied to his life. As much as Anaurael belongs to me, she also belongs to him. It's a delicate balance of trust. You could say that she is the key for Heaven to regain some much needed forces. She is guarded over constantly," Tyrael explained. "Her hair was blond at first, from what I know. Imperius's Light changed it to the color it is now. And it's the color of molten gold, if you haven't noticed. It does have odd effects, too. Maybe in time, if you ask politely, she can show you. She is also the Light that was missing from him. He curbs his anger for no other."
"This is redundant!" Malthael growled. Itherael and Auriel had already left, but he couldn't leave until the meddling man was gone. "He should not need to know so much!"
When Gurzick appeared again, Vincent had a hand crossbow out and ready to fire. The Greed Goblin hopped quickly behind Tyrael. At this, Vincent muttered, "Move, please. I have to kill that."
"Gurzick is a friend. Put your weapon away, please," Tyrael said calmly. "You have seen him before around me. You can tell who he is by his crown. It gives him away that he is an aid to us."
"Oh," Vincent blinked and lowered his weapon. "It's hard to tell them apart."
"Just look for the crown," Tyrael advised. "Gurzick? Is everything good?"
"Yes. Um, toy. I bring," the Greed Goblin said. At this, Durlin walked over to see the toy horse.
"No, this isn't it. The one that I had was white with gold on it. Even the mane and tail was gold, too, with blue gems in the eyes," Durlin said. "This is just a basic wood horse."
"Oh! Okay!" Gurzick nodded. "I look!"
"As for you," Greed said from the crown to regard the Demon Hunter. "What is your purpose to knowing about the girl? You have me curious now."
"She is unusual. That is all," Vincent said.
"Well, so are you," Greed seemed to snicker. "But, I must say...your weapons will do nothing against the demons that lay in wait. Did you find them at the base of a trash bucket?"
"Sometimes," Vincent growled. "one can only use what they find, or can afford to purchase."
"A shame," Greed sighed. "But, I do have something that could benefit you. I just ask for a mild favor, as well as an exchange of what you carry now. It is how I work."
"What favor?" he asked. Tyrael was curious about this. So was Malthael.
"I will give you weapons that will kill far more demons than you could ever think. However, should you see the girl, you are to treat her like family," Greed said. Tyrael hid his smile. He was safeguarding Anaurael by having the Demon Hunter treat her like a sister. Even Ilerael was amused.
"That can be done," Vincent nodded. Gurzick now gestured for both of his crossbows, and they were given over cautiously. They were tossed in his bag, and now two exceptionally powerful crossbows were presented to him. Lilaurael's jaw dropped at them. As a bow user, she was no stranger to crossbows. She simply couldn't use the hand crossbows that Demon Hunters specialized in.
"These are a sister pair," Greed explained. "Use them well."
"Danetta's Spite and Danetta's Revenge?!" Vincent gaped. He wasted no time in testing their weight and feel in both hands. And they could each hold a gem to increase their effectiveness. "I see that gems can be placed, but I have none."
"Easily fixed. Come with me to where Shen is. I believe that he is in the town of Westmarch. I can bribe him with food," Greed giggled. Now that they were both gone, Tyrael gave a small sigh of relief. He began to worry about Anaurael. Malthael strode up to him calmly.
"She is with Imperius. Safe," he said.
"Good to know. When she is free, can you tell me? I need to rest with her. I haven't been able to sleep right lately," Tyrael sighed. Malthael nodded and vanished away. He needed to speak with her first, but that couldn't be done until later. Until then, he would patiently wait and bide his time.