A month had passed by in a bit of a daze. Ilerael had easily ordered the specialized chair for Imperius, and it was carefully installed in his sanctum behind the throne to keep it somewhat hidden. It could be folded up when not in use to conserve on space. Imperael had agreed to taking up his residence inside Anaurael's bedroom, and he was able to go to the Diamond Gates when Imperius needed to be alone with her. He actually felt better this way, too.
Imperius made part of his new routine to be with Anaurael the moment he was able. With the little body growing even more evidently, he felt the need to safeguard her himself. The offspring in her soul was even causing odd sensations within her that he had to monitor. Even Tyrael was becoming scarce on Sanctuary. The only time he went down was if he absolutely had to, or if Anaurael's amulet was needed. He had to escort her everywhere. Her brothers were always at her side, too.
"We need her again," Tyrael sighed at a report that Izual gave him. "Another chamber was found that cannot be accessed until her amulet unlocks it. It cannot be helped."
"How many more locked doors are there?" Izarius asked. He was holding Anaurael in his lap while she ate. "It may come to a point in the next couple months that all visitations to Sanctuary are barred. She's four months along now. She's getting drained far too much."
"Trust me. I know this all too well," Tyrael said, as he shrugged. "It's why I may have Izual bring any paperwork here for me, too. He's been starting to do that for me, actually. Such as with this report. The only time I can go down there is to settle disputes."
"Any words on Mitherael?" Imperael asked from where he stood. He was able to see what the troublesome mortal angel looked like through the viewing pool. He detested him on sight.
"No. I have been ordering Lorath to keep him away from any prime locations that Anaurael has to go to. We've been keeping him to scouting missions with other Horadrim. He's doing well, but only because he's under constant watch. We can't have that slip at any time. Even the Nephalem has agreed to keep Lyndon busy by assisting with some tomb exploration. He gets to keep a few treasures in exchange for some hard work. So far, that's paying off nicely," Tyrael chuckled. "Of course, Greed has a minion go through the place first to take the best items for us."
"Like this?" Mithus asked, and he pointed to the pearl and diamond bracelet that decorated Anaurael's wrist. It was found just the other day. Tyrael smiled and nodded. It was ancient and quite valuable.
"It would be nice to see my adopted brothers," she smiled. "I know I saw them a few days ago on Sanctuary, but I think it's time they came here. They should meet Titharius. He will be assisting them in training. I think it would be best."
"Let me ask Imperius for you," Azarius nodded. She beamed, and he vanished to the training halls. When he appeared, he saw Imperius directing how various weapons needed to be handled. At the sight of him, Imperius nodded and gestured for him to speak. "Anaurael would like her adopted brethren to come here to meet those that will help them train."
"Hmm. Why?" he asked.
"She feels it will be best."
"Very well. Have Ilerael and Lilaurael with them. Of course, that is if Lilaurael is feeling well enough. I know she has been ill lately. Otherwise, just Ilerael," Imperius nodded.
"Oh. Tyrael said that Anaurael's presence is needed on Sanctuary again."
"I don't like that. She's becoming heavy with offspring. If she must go, I will go with her. And, I will ignore any that tell me otherwise. I refuse to leave her alone with any now. It is too risky."
"I understand," Azarius nodded and teleported back to inform them.
"You know I'm going," Imperael muttered. Anaurael smiled and saw the bath that was being prepared for her. Tyrael seemed to give a longing look at the bath now. He needed one, too.
"How soon is she needed for the Horadrim?" Izarius asked, as he undressed her.
"Within the next couple hours," Tyrael said.
"I'll clean your armors, if you remove them," he chuckled. Tyrael was now quick to comply. Twenty minutes later, he was finally getting a good scrubbing by her. She had him wash his face, though, and she did the same with herself. After the scrubbing was over, he finally relaxed in the tub with her back pressed against his chest. He sighed and closed his eyes.
"Have you been sleeping well?" she asked.
"As much as I can when I'm able," he admitted.
"Then, maybe later you should rest with me. I think you need to," she said.
"I can do that," he nodded and smiled at her. He nodded to Izarius when he brought back his cleaned armors. They really did need to be cleaned. He averted his attention back to her, and he placed a large hand on her belly to feel his son moving. At the nuzzle she gave to his neck with the small nibble, he growled and was quick to respond in kind. Ten minutes later, he was relaxing again with her. There was a touch of exhaustion, though. "You can be quite evil when you want to be."
"And I don't hear you complain about it," she chuckled.
"Trust me. I know," he mused. "We still have some time left. I'm tired, but not completely exhausted. Did you want to do something?"
"I thought I already did," she beamed. That got him to go quiet, and Izarius laughed softly. Tyrael was now able to turn her to face him, and he pulled her right against his chest.
"You need a good spanking," he smirked.
"And then Imperius would chastise you for hurting me," she giggled. At the look he gave her now, she started laughing. Izarius only shook his head and began to straighten up the room.
"I'll give you something to chastise me about," he growled and attacked her throat. He was starting to get even further intimate with her when Izual appeared. Tyrael suddenly glanced up and moved quickly to have his back exposed with her against his chest to hide her.
"Tyrael?" Izual asked with a touch of amusement.
"Sorry, Izual. It's a habit to shield her," he chuckled and relaxed a bit.
"Ah. No, don't worry. That's a habit you should not break," Izual chuckled. "Anyways, they really need you and her back on Sanctuary. The door that needs to be opened seems a touch important. It appears to be a treasure vault of some sort. At least, this is what that human thief says."
"Lyndon thinks that every door is a vault," Tyrael snorted.
"He may be right on this one. There are lines of gold etching in the door. He even pointed out a small hole were a gem used to sit. When he was scoffed, he had Shen place a gem in the door. It fit perfectly. So, both Shen and Lyndon are both adamant for you two to come down," Izual sighed.
"Imperius plans to join. Anaurael cannot linger for too long," Azarius said.
"That's fine. I would not have expected anything less," Izual agreed. Anaurael rested against Tyrael's warm, broad chest, as he cradled her. When she traced a finger along the tip of his chin, down his throat and further down his chest, he cleared his throat.
"I think the water is getting cold," she whispered.
"Then Izarius can add another bucket of hot water. We're not done bathing," Tyrael smirked and looked at Izual. "Give us another thirty minutes."
"Impossible," Malthael muttered when he appeared. "You both need to head down there now. Before Mitherael appears. He is on his way back for new orders."
"Or we wait for him to leave," Tyrael growled now.
"I say to wait," Imperael nodded from where he stood.
"Hard to do when Lorath is deterring Lyndon from convincing the Nephalem to come here. He is getting so impatient that he is driving everyone up various walls. As they say in terms," Malthael said with complete distaste. Tyrael was clearly not happy. Malthael flicked his misted wings out and shrugged at him. He was only telling him what he knew. He was able to see what was going on through Myriam. This could not be ignored for too much longer.
"We can finish the bath when we come back," she smiled. Tyrael sighed and relented.
"I'm holding you to that," Tyrael managed to smile. She chuckled and kissed him deeply before letting him help move her from the tub. She was dressed in a gown of gold stretch velvet for her maternity. Specialized pads for her chest were set into the gown to catch any leakage. At a wince from her back, Izarius was now massaging her as Tyrael dressed.
"I really needed this," she sighed. "Maybe Greed can find heating stones for me. Mother said they work wonders for her. They may help me, too."
"I will have to ask him," Izarius nodded. At a sharp gasp from her when he moved his armored fingers over various sore muscles, he knew how bad it was.
"Oh, was Greed able to reclaim his gems?" Tyrael asked.
"Yes. He was able to find the five gowns and various weapons and armors easily," Izarius chuckled. "I've never known that Caldeum royalty had such intense finery!"
"It is a bit strange to only wear a robe," she giggled. "Imperius didn't complain."
"Neither did I," Tyrael smirked. That got her laughing. He moved to her side to kiss her thoroughly and managed to finish dressing. She yawned with exhaustion, and her brother let her rest on him. He noticed this right away from how hard she leaned into him. The constant jumping to Sanctuary was starting to drain her.
"Tyrael, after this, she may not be able to go back down to Sanctuary," Izarius said. "She gets far too weak with each teleport now."
"I have noticed this, too," Tyrael sighed. El'druin gave a soft glow of agreement. "If there are any new doors, we will simply notate where they are and when they were found. I don't believe there are any other existing necklaces like hers. If there are, it would help, but we need to start playing it safe."
"That we do," Imperael nodded.
"I will help enforce your decision," Izual snorted. When Imperius appeared, they let him know of what they discussed. He nodded with complete agreement.
"I will carry her there," he said calmly, and Anaurael reached for him. He cradled her in his arms in a rather tender and gentle way. Nothing was going to touch her. Then Tyrael looked over when Malthael suddenly became solid. Anu wanted her to be completely protected, and he sent a message.
"No more trips to Sanctuary after this. Anu forbids it," Malthael said and flicked his white wings.
"Done," Imperius nodded. Malthael grabbed his two sickles when they reformed at his side to hold them up. He was ready to kill anything that tried to touch her. When she looked over at him with a smile, he seemed to sigh. He still needed to speak with her. The mental confirmation that they would speak soon was given, and he nodded slightly to show he understood.
"We need to go with you," Itherael said when he and Auriel both appeared.
"Yes. I had received an impression that this may be important. As to why, I am unsure," Auriel said. "I can only assume that this message came from Anu."
"It likely did," Tyrael nodded. "After this trip, we cannot allow her to return to Sanctuary until after she gives birth. He forbade it. This is likely to ensure that his rule is accepted."
"And likely to keep nosy humans away from her," Imperael muttered.
"That's right. Lyndon was down there," Izarius growled.
"We will deny him access," Itherael nodded. Imperius nodded and had Tyrael teleport down first. Then he followed the signature to Kurast. Where they ended up was a bit deeper in the jungle, though. The ruins were in the ancient Nephalem city of Travincal. Mephisto used to reign there, and quite a few of his leftover minions had run rampant. Most of them were cleared out, but the library was just outside of this old city. The quickest way to reach the door in question was to go into the very heart of the city.
"We have not been here yet," Anaurael frowned.
"No. The library was housed just outside it for safety. But, it runs under the city, too. More like along a parallel line to any sewers here. Mainly for quick escapes. The Nephalem was able to clear a path to where we need to go," Tyrael explained. Imperael moved to the front of the group to lead. Imperius remained in the center with her. Auriel and Itherael formed a flank. Izarius and her brothers formed an outer circle. Izual readied to assist with Imperael. Tyrael was able to move between them. Malthael remained close to Izarius. The moment his halo glowed, he would be quick to strike.
As they walked into the city, Izarius felt a nasty vibe. The presence of Mephisto was strong here. Now he knew why Imperius demanded to be there. And now he knew why the other Council members had to be there. Their auras were shielding Anaurael. Malthael had to be given flesh to give off what Wisdom he still retained. Izual was there for Justice with Tyrael, since he was both Justice and Wisdom. Auriel's powerful aura of Hope was assisting the invisible shield with Imperius's Valor. Itherael's lingering aura of Fate seemed to fill any gaps that were left.
"I just figured out why you needed to be here," Izarius muttered to them. Then he explained what he felt. Imperius stiffened at this. The others glanced at each other and moved swiftly.
"We cannot separate, then," Itherael said calmly.
"That we cannot," Imperius nodded. Tyrael led them down a set of stairs and found Lorath and Xavian waiting at the base of them with lit torches.
"We must make haste. Anaurael will suffer if we linger. Hurry!" Tyrael ordered. Lorath nodded and quickly led them down the passageway. Xavian ran ahead to ensure a clear path.
"She's here?!" Lyndon grinned. Then he scowled when the Nephalem smacked him upside the head. "Fine. I won't say anything."
"Wisest thing you've said all day," the champion growled.
"She gets sick quickly. She is only here to open the door. Then she has to leave. We need to remember that this place used to belong to Mephisto. The smell of demons makes her very ill. Also, the entire Angiris Council is with her. Malthael has flesh again," Xavian said.
"That means he will kill you, if you say something stupid," the Nephalem smirked at Lyndon.
"You would stop him, right?" Lyndon asked.
"I don't know. It depends on if you say something stupid," the champion shrugged. Lyndon scowled again, but paused at the angelic entourage that appeared from the darkness.
"This place is a bit cramped," Imperael muttered. "I will manage."
"I would hope so," Imperius said and continued to hold Anaurael. She had fallen asleep against him now with her hand on his neck to help him keep focus. At the sight of Shen gesturing to them to hurry for his own impatience, he found himself gaping with surprise at the sight of Imperael's glare. Izarius gave a stern glance at Lyndon to keep his distance. Now Imperius gently woke Anaurael.
"Huh?" she asked and yawned.
"We are here. Use your necklace. Then we need to go," he said. She nodded groggily and shook her head. Then she was set on her feet. She took two steps, turned, and got incredibly ill.
"Anaurael?!" Tyrael gasped.
"It's the pregnancy," Auriel said gently. "Sister, we are definitely not allowing you to travel here anymore. It is not safe for your health."
"Okay..." Anaurael whispered a touch painfully. Itherael watched Darius teleport away and return with some water for her. She was struggling to focus.
"The necklace. Quickly," Malthael urged softly. She nodded and tried to reach for it. She was shaking too much. Now Imperius moved to comfort her and look at her necklace.
"I know you are sentient. Will you allow me to assist?" Imperius asked the necklace. It shimmered happily to show it was allowed. "Thank you. You know her health is in decline."
The necklace shimmered again and let him gently move it to place it in the small wall crevice. It was very rare that the necklace would allow another to touch it. It knew that Anaurael was too weak. It would only trust Imperius and Tyrael to handle it. When the door finally opened, Shen ran in first and started to complain of how dark it was. Lorath began to light old torches for the wealth to finally appear.
"Ooh!" Gurzick cackled when he appeared.
"You can help us sort, but do not take anything," Tyrael said. "Anaurael just got ill. She needs to go back to Heaven. She will need to eat again, too."
"That is fine. I'll have something waiting for her," Greed said from the crown. "If I find anything worthy of Heaven's standards, the treasures will go there."
"Fine," Imperius nodded. When he turned to leave, he felt a familiar sensation. He reached out and called for Solarion. "Izarius, take her back. I need to cleanse this room."
"There is a demon here?" the Nephalem asked.
"Yes. Near the back. And it seems to be happy to see us," Imperius snorted. That was made apparent when Shen neatly bent down to look at a pile of gems, and, in an uncanny way, dodged the swipe that was done to his form.
"Is there a breeze in here? How odd," Shen frowned. Then he gaped at the massive demon that appeared from the darkness of the back chamber. Something had to be of great importance in there for the demon to take up residence. Izarius's halo let out a brilliant flare of light to stun and blind the hideous, tentacled beast, and it howled with searing pain. That gave them the leeway to get Anaurael back to Heaven. The moment she was safely out of there, the attack ensued.
"I hope they will be all right," Anaurael sighed, as she got rocked by Izarius in the rocking chair.
"I think they'll be fine," he chuckled and kissed her forehead.
"It would have been nice to see what was found," she mumbled and sipped the warmed milk and chocolate drink he gave her. "There appeared to be quite a few items of value."
"Greed will likely bring them here for you to see. Just rest now, sister. All will be well," he assured her. She nodded, let him take the mug from her and had her close her eyes to sleep deeply. An hour later, Imperius had returned. The battle was over swiftly enough, but he was looking over a few choice artifacts for Anaurael. He set them down for Azarius to start placing around the room as decorations. Most of these were other necklaces and gowns from a past era. He didn't care for coins or gems. He did find an interesting instrument that resembled a lute. When he kept glancing at it, he decided to take it for her.
Weapons and armors were also added to the wall of weaponry that she already had. A Greed Goblin sett down an exquisite jewelry box encrusted with gems and etched with gold, and it spilled out with coins and intricate pieces of jewelry. Imperius snorted at that, but he knew it would suit Anaurael's room perfectly. Mithus was able to place it on a dresser. Darius was now setting up a new table with hand carved vine work with inlaid gold. There was much new wealth being added to the treasury, too.
"There is more, but I will only allow choice items to be placed here," Imperius said. "She sleeps now? How long has she slept?"
"About an hour. She had some warmed chocolate to ease her stomach," Izarius said. When Malthael appeared, he set down a ring for her. Then his form lost its solid base.
"I found this for her. I had to ensure she had it," Malthael nodded. It looked a bit like a wedding ring with a single, solitary diamond stationed at the top of it. It seemed rather simple, but the ring's name was Eternal Union. It was the only item he saw that was worthy of being collected by him. Imperius was unsure, but the ring was special. He decided to allow it for now.
"Very good. We will let her continue to rest for now. Tyrael?" Imperius asked when he appeared. His mortal brother looked very drained now.
"I worried too much about her," he sighed. "I can't be away from her for very long now."
"That's fine," Imperius nodded. He looked over when Anaurael yawned and woke with a small frown. On seeing him, she reached for him. "Izarius, I shall replace you for now."
"Of course," Izarius nodded and handed her over to him. Imperius was able to settle in the rocking chair with her carefully to feel her sigh with complete comfort. When she fell back to sleep, Tyrael chuckled and kept himself busy by looking over the new weapons and armors that lined the walls. Malthael nodded slightly and vanished away, too, to let her rest.