Willis had no idea how much trouble he was in. When he had bolted, the two invisible angels had easily stayed with him. He was only a mortal. He finally sunk to his knees and held his face in his hands. He didn't know what to do. One of the angels decided to turn visible to regard him.
"Human," the angel said in his deep tone to get Willis's attention. "Why do you continue such a worthless quest? It holds no valor or honor to you. None trust you any further. You were doing well with your place in Tyrael's Horadrim. Why do you pursue this?"
The other angelic guard remained invisible. He did see Izarius's invisible form, though. Malthael wanted Izarius to try and track down Willis as a precaution. Now that he was found, Malthael formed next to Izarius to bear witness on what was happening. On seeing and hearing what was taking place, they waited for the answers to come forth.
"Because, I feel that Ana should have been with me!" Willis finally blurted out. "When I first saw her, I liked her. Ever since I could remember. My Dad did try to get us hooked up, but Isaiah said that she was already claimed. She wouldn't tell me to who, either. Just that he was special and above royalty and such. I didn't know that she was claimed by angels. It makes no sense to me! And, yes, I saw that dot on her forehead. I know her life is linked to the gold angel, too."
"Imperius values her more than anything. If he dies, so does she. You should know this by now. And, Imperius is not just a 'gold angel'. He is the Archangel of Valor and our leader," the angel said calmly. He knew he was getting information for the others there.
"Yes, I know," Willis mumbled.
"Do you know who Anu is?"
"He was the one that made the High Heavens."
"Yes. He is supposed to be dead. He still lives."
"Anu is being reborn from the offspring that Imperius made for her in her soul," Izarius said when he appeared. Willis sighed and shook his head.
"What is the main issue?" the angelic guard asked. "What truly troubles you?"
"I just don't see how Tyrael is important to her!" Willis growled. "I can understand why her life is bound to one. That he is for her. But, now she is to be with Tyrael? It makes no sense!"
"Only he can create a living, physical body for Malthael. As well as any other angels that pass on and have touched her mark," Izarius explained. "If you tried, all pregnancies with her will fail. You have hereditary demon blood in you. From your ancestors. Her body cannot mix with it. Neither can any other angelic mortal females from the High Heavens. At least, this is what we know. It has not yet been tried with them. It is proven with Anaurael. Tyrael was also a very powerful angel once. He was the Archangel of Justice. His mortal form has no demon blood. Only a pureblood like him can create a healthy, viable offspring with her."
"But, how much more importance does she hold? Why can't she be around me? I mean..." Willis sighed. "I get it that I can't be with her. I understand why. I just...I miss her friendship."
"If you can see her as a younger sister, then you can be more tolerable. However, you did insult her and Imperius by calling them merely lovers. It is true that she is bearing offspring for him, but they share a relationship that goes beyond simple love. You did not respect that," Izarius said carefully. "And, so you know, she was the one that had us save you when you were near death."
"I know," Willis swallowed. "I'm surprised she didn't leave me when she saw who I was."
"The thought did cross her mind," Izarius chuckled. Willis could only nod at that.
"He should be culled..." Malthael muttered. Izarius ignored him easily for now.
"What can I do to make things right?" Willis asked.
"Go back to your post and do what needs to be done. Right now it is too risky for Anaurael to be on Sanctuary. Here is why," Izarius said. "Because of the offspring in her soul, if she is too far away from the energies of the Crystal Arch and the High Heavens, it will become weak. She must be as close to the Heavenly energies as possible for Anu's body to form properly. Nothing else will work. She must also have as little to no stress as possible. She is bearing, as some humans could say, twins now. One in her soul, and one in her physical body. She gets ill rather quickly. She needs to keep her body weight healthy. So, if you want to rectify this, go back to your post. I will ensure that you are forgiven for this."
"But, if you leave it again, I will not be so lenient," Tyrael said when he appeared in the flesh. El'druin was in his hand to show his seriousness. "Izarius, she's fine. She's sleeping. Darius is with her. Mithus was kind enough to bring me here before going back to see to Lilaurael. As for you, head back to your post now."
"Of course, Sir," Willis nodded. Tyrael nodded back and watched him leave to get teleported away. The powerful man sighed and shook his head irritably.
"He misses her friendship? Lies!" Malthael snorted.
"Was that what it was all about?" Tyrael asked. The warrior guards knew that Malthael was being spoken to. It was only obvious.
"Yes. It is what he said," Izarius nodded. "I explained everything to him in full."
"If he fails to see reason, he should be culled," Malthael growled.
"Shut up," Tyrael said to him over his shoulder. "Everything should be culled in your eyes."
"Not everything..." Malthael muttered.
"And who would be on your list of ones to save?"
"There is only one worth saving to me. And that is the one bearing my body. But...I would save her, regardless of that fact," he said quietly.
"How many more are going to fall in love with her?!" Tyrael seemed to scowl and storm off. Izarius sighed and followed him with the other two angels with them. Malthael only glared back mildly and retreated back to Anaurael's mind. She was sitting alone by her favorite waterfall, as her body slept. When she saw Malthael, he scooped her up from the rock she was on and held her close.
"What's wrong?" she frowned and ran a hand over his invisible cheek.
"Tyrael can be as irritating as Imperius," he snorted. She smiled slowly and leaned into him. "Also, the half-spawn Willis claims that he misses your friendship. I find that...doubtful."
"We were good friends until he tried to pry into my life," she sighed. "The only way I could see him in a new light is if he decides to see me as family."
"Doubtful," he muttered. He rested his invisible cheek against her shoulder. He was still standing with her in his arms, but that was fine. This was what he needed right now.
"Malthael, do you feel the need to confide in me?" she asked gently.
"I want to..." he admitted. "but...others may try to find you. Unless..."
"Unless what?" she frowned. He seemed to tremble.
"No. It's too risky right now," he sighed. She ran her thumb over his invisible lips to feel his frown. She drew him close to kiss passionately. Then she pressed her mouth to his invisible ear.
"Talk to me now," she whispered. "If we get interrupted, then we can continue at a later time."
"I would not want interruptions," he admitted.
"It will be inevitable. Tell me the more important things now. Then the little things later. The more you wait, the more your grief will affect you. Confide in me. You know you can. Let me help you find some form of peace," she pleaded gently. He finally sat on the ground to keep her squarely in his lap. When he hesitated, she ran a soothing hand up his chest. "Trust in me, Malthael. You want me to trust in you. It's your turn to trust me now."
"I love you," he whispered and squeezed her. She pressed into him and listened to him start to whisper in his deep tone. He had decided to start from the beginning with his first memories. As he progressed, he began to feel like Imperius. With each memory and thought he told her, he felt a touch more relieved. It was as though his long slate was finally getting wiped clean. When he wasn't sure if she was paying attention, she would ask a soft question relating to what he just said. After he answered her, he found himself humbled that she would pay such acute attention to him.
Three hours had gone by safely by the time he was able to find a stopping point. At the feel of her hand moving through his hair, he gave a ragged sigh and crushed her to him. At the nuzzle she gave him, she whispered, "I'm getting hungry. I'm sure I will need to wake up soon."
"I have more to tell you...but it can wait," he nodded. "And, I will say this."
"Hmm?" she smiled.
"When I first saw you...you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen," he whispered. At her blush, he held her tight. "And...now that I think about it...that was why I wanted to steal you away. To keep such beauty close to me. Despite the mark on you. Yes...I touched it. Because, I was unsure as to what it was. But...even by looking at you...I knew your soul was utter perfection."
"Tyrael told me that you ran your weapon over his skin to draw his soul out," she frowned.
"I did. But...since he held no demon blood...he was no threat to me," he said with a mild shrug. "And I tossed him aside. There was no need to kill something that was not worth killing."
"I think...I would have been distraught...if you did kill him..." she winced.
"I would not have known you in full. But, I know you would have been," he agreed.
"Would you have done the same to me? With your weapon?" she asked now.
"No," he said softly. "I already knew that there was no need to do that. The mark on your forehead was proof enough. And, by you stating that Imperius was your guardian was the other."
"I am glad that things turned out this way," she smiled.
"As am I," he nodded and ran a gloved hand under her chin.
"I do care for you."
"I know you do."
"Do not make me do things that I would regret."
"I could not bring myself to do such to you, if I tried."
"I would hope not," she murmured. He kissed her deeply and rocked her. "I should wake."
"In a moment," he muttered and had to claim her for himself. When she finally did open her eyes, she yawned and stretched. Darius noticed her movement and was able to help her sit up.
"Ow," she winced.
"You are in pain?" he asked.
"My chest..." she sighed and rubbed herself. "Wait...ugh. I know what it is."
"Do you?" Darius asked and let her lean into him.
"Yes. When a pregnancy develops, a woman's body starts to undergo changes. I believe I am, well, starting to produce milk," she sighed. "It gets rather tender."
"Hmm," Darius studied her. "Your gown looks taught on you."
"What? Oh, no..." she winced. "Swelling..."
"So...they are getting larger?" he asked.
"It comes with the pregnancy," she said. "My back is going to be a mess!"
"Anaurael?" Imperius asked when he appeared. "I sensed distress."
"Her chest is in pain," Darius said.
"What?" Imperius asked.
"It is part of the changes," she seemed to blush.
"Ah. I can understand that. Lilaurael did warn me to watch for this. Has anything begun to leak yet?" he asked and strode over to her side to rest his hands on her shoulders.
"Not yet," she said and leaned back into him. "My back is already killing me!"
"Hmm..." Imperius thought. He soon had her gasping relief at the intense massage he began to give her. "Darius, one of you will need to do this for her on occasion. It will help with her back pain. If it becomes too much then we will consult Ilerael."
"It will be done," Darius nodded. "I shall inform Izarius."
"Where is he?" she frowned.
"He went to check on the troublesome one. He will be here shortly," Darius explained. She nodded and shivered a bit at a particular cramp that Imperius smoothed out.
"Have you eaten yet?" Imperius asked.
"I was going to," she sighed and started to feel drowsy again. He lifted her up into his arms and sat down in the chair to keep her in his lap. Gurzick appeared to wave at them, as another Greed Goblin set down a platter containing a whole roasted suckling pig. "That...is...wow..."
"What is it?" Imperius asked.
"It's a whole animal. Um...a young one, though. It's considered a delicacy," she explained. "Of course, it has been gutted before it was roasted over an open fire. I'm just amazed that I am able to try this! Ah, thank you, Gurzick."
"All good!" Gurzick beamed.
"I was informed that you needed heavy meats. Developing males do require this. Your mother was very informative," Greed said from the crown. "I shall see about providing more meat than other items of food for you to ensure your health."
"I see. Thank you," she smiled. A small plate of sweet meats was brought next for her to try. Imperius simply kept her in his lap and continued to mildly massage her as she started to eat. When Tyrael came back to see her, he paused at the small feast. "What are you staring at? I can't eat all of this by myself! And you need to eat, too."
"That I do," Tyrael sighed with a nod and got seated. Izarius appeared soon after to help out.
"Willis is trying to make amends," Izarius said.
"Malthael told me as much," she sighed and tucked into a tender forelimb. She was amazed at the sweetness the meat held. The tenderness was something else, too. Even Tyrael was a bit surprised.
"This is very good," Tyrael chuckled.
"I know!" she laughed softly. Imperius paid no mind to it at all. "Imperius?"
"Yes?" he asked.
"It is a shame that you can't taste this. I know you have no need for food, but it's really good!" she laughed. He seemed to think, and he regarded her silently.
"Eat something, but do not drink any water after," he said. Tyrael rose a brow, but he continued to eat. She nodded and managed to chew and swallow down a bit of the meat. Then Imperius pulled her close and kissed her. "Hmm..."
"Are you able to taste it?" Tyrael asked.
"I cannot eat, but it is...different," Imperius mused. Then he put a sweet meat in front of her. "Eat that next for me."
"Oh, dear," she laughed and did as he asked. For the next ten minutes, he had her eat something just for him to kiss her afterwards to get the taste of it. He was rather fond of the different fruits. He even had her carefully sample a little wine just to get the taste of that.
"Anaurael, try this for him," Tyrael said and handed her some cheese slices. After that, he had a Greed Goblin bring some honey. Imperius did like the honey. He apparently had a bit of a sweet tooth. When she began to blend different flavors together, it surprised him a bit more.
"The apples and honey are nice. Even with that milk," Imperius said. "I think I have had enough for now, though. Ah...hmm..."
"What?" she asked. Tyrael coughed at what he saw and gestured to her chest. She gaped at the wet spots that appeared in the gown. Izarius was quick to help change her into something else, but Imperius stopped him. He gathered her up in his arms to take her to his sanctum. After it sealed up, he had her undress. Then he pulled her to his core form.
"I want to ask you something," he said gently, as her held her.
"Yes?" she smiled. At the sight of a white droplet appearing, she blushed softly. Then her eyes widened when he gathered it up with a finger to present to her.
"Can you? For me?" he asked. She was actually very flustered by this.
"Normally it's...not supposed to be that way...but..." she hesitated.
"Just this once," he said gently. She finally nodded and licked his finger. She was surprised at the touch of sweetness there, but he was quick to kiss her to get the taste from her. There was only one thought on his mind as he deepened the kiss. I like this. He wasn't sure if she would do it again, but he wasn't going to ask her to right now. Only after his Song took over her senses and she recovered did he let her dress in the gown that Izarius had set aside for her.
"I should finish eating," she whispered when he held her again.
"That you will," he nodded and carried her back to the room.
"What did you do?" Tyrael asked. He had finished eating and was resting now.
"I had her taste something for me," he said bluntly and settled her back in his lap.
"Taste?" Tyrael frowned. At her soft blush and the way her hand fell to her chest, he went speechless from the understanding. "I see."
"It was nice," Imperius said and let her start to eat again.
"Interesting to know," he mused.
"You should taste it later," Imperius said.
"I don't know if I could," Tyrael admitted with a flustered look.
"Why not? It comes from her," he said.
"I just..." Tyrael started. Then he paused. Imperius was actually challenging me. On this fact, he smirked and said, "I'll try it later."
"If you do, tell me what you think," Imperius nodded.
"I'll make sure to do that," he replied and drank down some water. "As for Willis, I last heard that he returned to his post. He does want to reestablish friendship with you, Anaurael. It's just how he wants to do it. It's very hard for me to trust him after all he's done. I witnessed quite a bit."
"The mortal fool insulted me to my face!" Imperius growled and carefully squeezed Anaurael to him. "And it wasn't just myself that he did this to."
"Hush, love," Anaurael said and moved to pull him against her a bit more. "It is rather doubtful that I'll be spending any time on Sanctuary. You can believe that. So don't think about that one. He is not worthy of your thoughts."
"No. He isn't," he muttered and began to enjoy the feel of her hand on his cheek under the helm. Tyrael could only pause with wonder. He still found it amazing that Imperius had allowed her to actually touch his cheek like that. He knew about his core, as it was only obvious, but he was still always taken by surprise with his present state. At the fluttery movement Imperius felt with his hand on her belly, he laughed softly.
"He likes to move for you," she giggled. Then she felt another odd movement, and she gasped.
"Anaurael?!" Tyrael asked.
"I felt...something else move..." she whispered.
"The one in your soul?" Imperius asked now.
"I think so..." she swallowed.
"Where did it happen?" Tyrael asked. Even her brothers looked over curiously.
"It seemed to be all over. Like a...tingly sort of feeling," she said.
"Truly?" Imperius mused. "So, you do not believe that I could feel our offspring?"
"I am unsure if you can," she sighed. When the odd feeling returned, she grabbed his hand to press to her mark. He focused silently. Then he hugged her.
"I felt him," he muttered. "I am speechless..."
When she started to feel tense, he began to rock her gently. Tyrael could only chuckle and sigh to himself. At the presence of Malthael, they all looked at him.
"Focus in her mind," he said urgently. Imperius watched him curiously, but they all did just that. When they all stood by the mental spire, Malthael pointed off in the distance. "Look."
"What am I...wait...is that...?!" Tyrael gaped. A softly glowing sphere within Anaurael's golden, mist-like soul was trembling softly. Every time it moved, she felt something shiver through her.
"So, my offspring is moving," Imperius said softly. When Itherael appeared from what Izarius told him, he was even shown where to look. He was in a slight form of shock.
"Simply amazing..." Itherael whispered. Anaurael smiled warmly at him, and Imperius allowed Itherael to receive a tight hug from her. "I would like to speak with you later."
"Of course," she nodded. "We can arrange to speak at length."
Itherael nodded and accepted the chaste kiss she gave him. When Izual appeared with Auriel, they were showed the vibrating speck of light. Izual was speechless at what he was shown. Auriel was only filled with a form of genuine delight to see it.
"Let me get Imperael," Izarius chuckled and vanished. A short moment later, the massive angel appeared. He had not yet been in her mind, so he was a bit intrigued at what he was looking at. Her parents were the same way when they appeared next with her other brothers.
"Okay, you know we need to come up to Heaven to be with her," Ilerael chuckled.
"That is fine," Imperius nodded.
"It's funny. I just ate, but I'm hungry again," Anaurael frowned.
"Get used to that," her mother smiled and lightly embraced her. Tyrael laughed softly to himself, as they all left her mind. Imperius watched the Greed Goblins gather up the empty dishes, as he lifted Anaurael up with him. Tyrael was already set to follow. So were Izarius and her brothers. Imperael chose to join them to help guard over her. He was glad that he did.
"Tyrael," one of the guards in his chamber appeared. Tyrael had just sat down to help Anaurael tear into another suckling pig when he looked up.
"Yes? What's going on, brother?" he asked.
"The recruit, Willis, is requesting audience with you," the warrior said.
"Disgraceful..." Malthael muttered to those that could hear him.
"I'm in the middle of a meal," Tyrael sighed. They were sitting in the small feast hall again. Anaurael's parents were clearly irritated by this. Imperius was standing behind Anaurael with his hands on her shoulders. "Imperius, can Lorath be brought here to bear witness to this?"
"I will allow it. This uncouth human is part of your Horadrim. He should be judged as such," Imperius said. "And Anaurael does hold ranking."
"That I do," she nodded. Her necklace even flickered to show it was ready to help. She was a Keeper of the Horadrim and had to see what needed to be done. Lorath was brought to them first. When he saw the food, and they heard his stomach growl, Lilaurael was quick to have him sit with them.
"You forgot to eat, too?" Tyrael asked.
"No. Shen found the food stores again. My rations were cut down to less than a quarter. If they weren't then families could have starved," Lorath sighed. Tyrael grumbled slightly.
"How much was taken?" Anaurael asked.
"Over half. A good portion of us were able to salvage what was left. It wasn't much, like I said," Lorath muttered and tore into a flavorful roast. She was not happy about this, and she looked at Izarius.
"I can call Greed," her brother nodded. When Gurzick appeared, she regarded him.
"Greed, I need to ask you for a favor," she said.
"And what is this favor, child?" Greed asked calmly.
"Shen has nearly starved the Horadrim of their food storage. Can you replenish it?" she asked.
"A trade. I shall do what I can, if you can make that beautiful music for me," he chuckled. "I will only do trades like this for you with what you can readily provide for me with your voice."
"I can do that!" she beamed. As she began to Sing, the Greed Goblins were quick to replenish what was lost. Greed even went so far as to place a minion scout to warn if Shen was appearing. He also included better foods, too. Any Horadric member that did not get to eat their fill now had the chance to do so. Xavian was even given a mirror to contact Greed if there was an emergency. The same was now done for Lorath. As long as Anaurael Sang for him, he would see it as a trade.
"I'm guessing that you like to hear her Sing?" Tyrael chuckled when Anaurael finished.
"Oh! Her music is divine! If she could do such all the time, then I would like nothing more," Greed laughed. "However, I have given over ways to contact me. Just speak my name into the looking glasses I gave. Not for anything simple! But, for issues like this. I can work through her for trade agreements. I even placed a minion to watch for my meddling jeweler friend. If he approaches what I replaced, I shall know and deter him."
"Thank you!" Tyrael said with complete relief. "He has a bottomless gullet! He could remind me of another Ghom, in a sense."
"No. Ghom was a...case in himself," Greed snorted. "Did you know that I once dared him to try and eat one of my treasure chests? He actually did! And I sent minions to move behind him to pick up what was let out. If any thought my Bopping Stick was punishment, well that was far worse!"
"I just ate..." Tyrael grumbled. "I don't want that visual!"
"Bopping Stick?" Izarius asked.
"She gave Gurzick an item. I liked it so much that I use it to smack around my minions with!" Greed said with pride. Imperius shook his head, but Anaurael could easily tell that he was amused. At the confusion that her parents showed, she got their attention easily.
"He's talking about the broken shovel, Mother," Anaurael giggled. Lilaurael's jaw dropped, and she barked out laughter at this.
"Okay, that's funny!" Ilerael grinned.
"I was sad when it broke, too, but Gurzick got it repaired! It's better than ever!" Greed giggled. Then the sound of a lazy Greed Goblin getting smacked with it was heard. Lorath couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him. Tyrael pursed his lips together, but he was still laughing, too.
"Well," Izarius chuckled. "we will soon be confronting that youth that insulted Anaurael in her past. The one that Gurzick stole items back from."
"Oh. Him," Greed snorted. "Why?"
"Because, he wants to become friends with me again. If you want to bear witness to this, then it's fine," Anaurael smiled. At this being said, Gurzick planted himself right in front of the main table to wait. He wanted to know what was going to happen. Imperael seemed to snort with disgust, but he did mildly appreciate what the small demons were doing to keep his sister happy.
"Shall I bring him now?" Izarius asked.
"You may as well," Tyrael nodded. Anaurael seemed to frown, but he placed a comforting hand over hers. Imperius squeezed her shoulders and continued to watch the room silently.
"He comes now," Malthael muttered. When Willis appeared with Izarius, she seemed to tense. Until she knew he was trustworthy, it would always be this way.
"Calm yourself," Tyrael whispered to her. "Willis. You have been brought here to the High Heavens. You wish to speak with Anaurael? Well, here she is. No, you will not gain a private audience with her. You will speak to her in front of us. So, speak now."
"Ah..." Willis gaped at the sight of her. Imperael crossed his massive arms over his equally massive chest, as though daring him to try something with him standing there. Anaurael studied him silently and looked at Malthael. The silent message was given, and he chuckled when he walked over to Izarius to whisper to him. Her brother nodded and vanished away. When Harvey was seen next, Ilerael got up to greet his old friend. Lilaurael hid her smile at the man's astonished look.
"Where am I?!" Harvey gaped.
"The High Heavens. I told you the truth about me, didn't I?" Ilerael asked.
"What truth? Isaiah?" he frowned. Then he noticed the powerful angels in the room. He recognized many of them from the tales and images from older books. He was in shock.
"Well, Harvey, I was originally an angel here. A powerful one. It was the same with my wife. My real name is Ilerael. My wife is Lilaurael. We loved each other and removed our wings to be together in secret. No, we didn't plan the attacks on the village. That was Malthael. You know how we tried to defend it. And, with me being the new Mayor, I intend to personally ensure that no further attacks happen with the angels that I have befriended here," he said. "Many of them knew me from long ago and can vouch for me. The ones here, save Imperael, are those very angels."
"I believe you on that. And you were an angel?! I suppose talk of the town having angels around was true, eh? So...what's going on with Ana?" Harvey asked. "What's her story?"
"She is my daughter. You were around when she was born! So, you know of her upbringing. And she's pregnant with Tyrael's son. Her role is very important here, and she can't leave the High Heavens for too long," Ilerael said. "It will harm her pregnancy if she does."
"She is very protected here," Lilaurael smiled warmly. "We see you as one of our most trusted friends on Sanctuary. We wanted you to learn the truth about us."
"And I value your friendship, too. Neither of you have done any wrong to me. Ana hasn't, either. Thanks for telling me this," Harvey nodded. Then he glared at his son.
"I'm surprised that Willis said nothing to him," Anaurael smiled. Imperius only squeezed her shoulders, as he silently bore witness to what was going on.
"I didn't want you to worry, Dad," Willis sighed.
"You knew this?! And you said nothing?! At least I know you can keep your mouth shut when you think of trying to keep secrets that will benefit you!" Harvey growled. His son winced, but it was Lorath that rose up from his chair. Harvey recognized him and nodded to him.
"I'm not an angel, but I work closely with Tyrael. You know this, too. Willis keeps pissing off the angels here. Anaurael is her true name, and she is bound to Imperius. The one standing behind her."
"That's fine. I appreciate the new business and trade I've been getting. I hold no fault with any of you. But, Willis! I am not happy with you! Your mama worries about you enough!" he snapped at his cringing son. "I liked how you were helping them with work. I've been busy expanding our trade and taking in new apprentices. But, now I have to wonder. What did he try to do?"
"He wants to have Anaurael become his friend again. However, he is approaching it all the wrong way," Tyrael sighed. "You know who I am, as we have met. I was, originally, the Archangel of Justice. I am now the Aspect of Wisdom here. On Sanctuary, I am the leader of the Horadrim, and Anaurael is my wife. But, she truly does belong to Imperius. She is bound to his life. She is also the Light that he lost. It's difficult to explain to you, but she is pregnant with my son. He is to champion the High Heavens when he is born. If Anaurael has any form of stress come to her it can harm her."
"I know that," Harvey sighed. He looked at Imperius and nodded respectfully. "I'll keep tabs on him from now on. I know how to do that. It was a mistake to let him go off on his own."
"You say this now, mortal," Imperius finally spoke to him. "How do you intend to fix this?"
"He can help me train new apprentices. I know there are still quite a few statues that need to be repaired in that library. I'll work on them with him. I do have to work in other areas, since I am very demanded for. But, I intend to check on him daily," Harvey said. "And I mean that!"
"Come on, Dad!" Willis said.
"I could help you with that!" Greed said from Gurzick's crown. "I am Greed. Gurzick is my messenger. The moment your offspring leaves his area of work, I can notify you."
"If you do that for me, I will hand carve a few statues for you to keep in return," Harvey grinned.
"Oh! I like that! Yes, we can do that!" Greed giggled.
"However, one of your, eh, followers took a few of my tools. I caught one looking through my things. If I don't have my tools, I can't do any work for you," Harvey frowned.
"Tell me what is missing, and I will replace them," Greed said quickly.
"Of course, if I get better tools, I can make better things..." he mused.
"You tell me what you need!" Greed said adamantly. Imperius was now amused. Harvey was able to manipulate Greed without even knowing it. Or did he know what he was doing? He would likely ask when Greed wasn't there.
"Have you eaten yet?" Lilaurael asked.
"I already had something," Harvey nodded. "As for you, boy, you and I are going back home to revamp our new work schedule! Come on. Let's move."
"But, I didn't get to talk to Ana!" Willis said.
"For what purpose?" his father asked now. "What do you plan to prove?"
"Willis, if you really want to regain my friendship, then you need to listen to what your father says," Anaurael said gently. "If you truly want to prove your worth, you need to start doing what you are told. Running off to find me builds mistrust. You know where I am now. There is no need for you to try and hunt me down for no reason."
"I miss seeing you, too," he admitted.
"Well, that can't be helped," she frowned. "I'm three months into a double pregnancy. Yes, I'm pregnant with twins. If I get any stress, then my pregnancy will have problems. I doubt that you want to be held accountable for them. If I am allowed on Sanctuary, it is only to help with the Horadrim with my duties as a Keeper. Then I am brought straight back here. It is all for my safety."
Imperius suddenly glanced up at the entrance of the feast hall to find Inarius walking up to them. Willis and Harvey both stepped aside to make room for the new visitor. Izual looked over at Tyrael to nod slightly to him to show that he was ready if anything was to be pulled. Malthael was simply disgusted and decided to vanish away. Imperael showed some wariness, but Izarius only showed that he wasn't the only one to reflect those thoughts. Ilerael and Lilaurael seemed to tense, but Itherael placed a hand on each of their shoulders to show that everything was fine. Auriel was now very hopeful that Inarius would finally attempt to purge himself of the taint that he kept in him for so long. His next words would increase that hope.
"Sister, I wanted to tell you that I am ready to confront Lilith," Inarius said.
"It cannot be done here," Tyrael warned.
"I know. I need to go to Sanctuary to do this," Inarius said.
"If you go to Sanctuary, it is to only find the one you need to cull!" Imperius growled. "No excuses! You will be heavily watched! Anu may have given you reprieve, but we have not!"
"I understand," Inarius nodded. "I brought this on myself."
"When do you plan to leave?" Anaurael asked.
"As soon as possible. I will need a weapon to do this with," he said.
"Go to the armory. You will find one there," Itherael said. "If you need support, you may take one warrior with you. Do you feel that you need this?"
"No. I should do this alone," Inarius said.
"I shall hold hope that you will return to us whole," Auriel said.
"Thank you, sister," he nodded.
"Be safe. Take care. And do not let your rescue be for naught," Anaurael said. He nodded respectfully to her and looked at Imperius.
"I shall allow you to make use of a viewing chamber. However, we need to know where you plan to go. Izual shall accompany you to ensure that no humans are in that area," Imperius ordered.
"I understand," Inarius nodded. As he left with Izual, he felt a rather intense gaze on him and he gasped. Anu was also watching me. The moment he betrayed Anu, it would be known. He was given a second chance. There would be no more if he failed.
"I will be able to call you brother once more, if you do manage to kill her," Izual said. "All of the High Heavens will. You know this."
"That I do," Inarius agreed, and they went to a viewing pool. In the feast hall, Harvey and Willis finally left for Sanctuary. Ilerael and Lilaurael embraced their daughter before following suit to tend to her younger brothers and to see to the town. Auriel had to tend to the Angelic Host. Lorath had to return to the Horadrim. Greed had a minion follow Harvey to get him his replacement tools.
"Do you need to leave now?" Anaurael asked Tyrael.
"Not just yet. I have some free time," he chuckled.
"Good. Tend to her. I need to see to the troops," Imperius nodded. He pulled her up into his arms to kiss her and cradle her. "I won't be long."
"Okay," she nodded and let him squeeze her gently. When she was set down for him to vanish to his training halls, Itherael moved to her side to hug her.
"I still wish to read more of Cain's book," he admitted.
"I can read with the two of you," Tyrael said. Izarius and his brothers had already cleaned up the table and were back in her room to see what needed to be done.