.Another month flew by. It was getting harder for her to move each day. The offspring in her soul was the main blame from all the strange, shivering sensations she kept getting. Malthael was also keeping a close watch on it. Tyrael found it harder for him to leave her side, too. At five months along now, he was getting incredibly concerned over her. Even Imperius found it nearly impossible to leave her side for more than an hour at a time. He always sensed her distress, and he had to remain close to her. The only time he could train the troops properly was when she was with him.
"You shouldn't have me with you," she frowned. He had her seated at a small table to watch the others train under his guidance. Imperael and Izarius stood on either side of them. Imperius had ordered for the two of them to remain close to her at all times, and they had readily agreed.
"Think not of it. This is needed. They know this. It also helps them train more knowing that you are watching them, too. Hmm. There is something else on your mind?" he asked.
"Not really. I'm just relieved that many of those in the Pools of Wisdom are helping Tyrael train in working with Chalad'ar better. The older ones that guarded the Chalice for so long are able to help him work with the energies Chalad'ar gives out. As much as he is needed on Sanctuary, he is needed here, too. And, I'm also glad that he was able to see the sanctum there. However, he told me that the Courts would always be his true home," she sighed. "It cannot be helped, I guess."
"No. It would not," he nodded and rested his hands on her shoulders. Izarius glanced at Imperael with concern. They looked over when Erelus walked over with a nod.
"Hello, Erelus!" she smiled.
"Greetings! How are you feeling?" he asked and was able to rub her belly to feel the kicks. It would never cease to amaze him.
"I'm well enough, thank you," she sighed. "I seem to fall asleep more, though."
"This is normal?" he asked.
"It is. It's just her body coping with what is going on," Izarius chuckled.
"Sister! I brought this for you," Darius said and handed her a warmed chocolate drink.
"Thank you," she smiled and sipped it lightly. She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at it. Then Imperius kissed her to get a taste of it. He liked chocolate quite a bit. They looked over again when Telanya approached. Malthael appeared to stand nearby to find out what she wanted.
"Hello, sister," she said softly.
"Hello, Telanya! What brings you here?" Anaurael asked.
"I wished to ask a question," she said.
"What question?" Imperius asked.
"If I could be Malthael's personal guard when he is born," she said.
"Interesting...but why?" Malthael mused. He couldn't be heard by her, but it was easily remedied on what he wanted to know.
"Why do you ask this?" Izarius asked for him.
"Well..." she sighed. "as I was thinking, I could not be with him like this. But...if he was a mortal reborn...I was hoping..."
"Wait," Imperael said to interrupt her. "You would need to become a mortal to be with him, then. It would be the only way. You would have to strip your wings."
"What?!" she cringed.
"He may be right," Anaurael frowned. "It is unknown of angels being with mortals in such a fashion. It could be dangerous. Or nothing may happen at all. I know that demons mix with mortals all the time, but it is unknown for angels to mix with mortals. However, you do have much time to think on this. After he is born, it would be eighteen of Sanctuary's years before he would even wish to see about being with another. That is the proper age for a mortal to choose a life partner. And I know that, with me being his mother, I would refuse any form of relationships until he was at the age to decide."
"Unless it's with me like this?" Malthael muttered lightly. She gave a slight nod, but made it look like exhaustion was hitting. "And I would only do such with you, anyways."
"I would also be his sire. As well as Tyrael," Imperius said. "I would not permit my offspring to lack in his training. Such a thing would not do. So, you would have to choose wisely. As much as I despise those removing their wings, I can see why you would wish to do so. Just remember. You would live in a mortal shell. You would have to learn how to live as a mortal. Once you remove your wings, there is no way to retrieve them. Just keep this in mind before you attempt anything foolish."
"Two sires?!" Telanya asked.
"I will not explain how, because even I do not know how," Imperius seemed to snort. "But, it happened. And, I only believe that it happened with her, because she shares my Light. However, Anaurael is correct on one thing. You have some time to think things through. I will accept your decision to be my offspring's personal guard when needed. As for everything else, you must weigh your options carefully. Speak with those that removed their wings, too. Even her parents. They can tell you what to expect. Go back to the Pools of Wisdom and think on this."
Telanya could only nod and do as she was told. When she got back to the Pools of Wisdom, Tyrael was waiting for her. Izual was standing behind him, and two appointed guardian angels stood on either side of Tyrael in a protective way. As he regarded her, he said, "The Chalice revealed what you are planning. You are traveling down a very dangerous path. You will have some very intense hardships. Perhaps too intense for your tastes."
"I will?" she asked.
"You may not be able to survive in a mortal shell," he frowned. "It may be too much for you. However, you guarding my son will be beneficial to you, too. That is, if you still wish to pursue it. Like Imperius said, you must weigh your options. Talk to Ilerael and Lilaurael. They will tell you what to expect, should you decide to remove your wings. Personally, I doubt you will remove them."
"I do have time, though. To think on this. So, I shall," she nodded. "What would you request of me right now? Is there anything you require?"
"Now that you ask, there is. Can you check on Inarius for me? You know what all he has done, and how he is trying to regain his respect. Please look into his well-being for me," he nodded. She nodded back and moved to do just that.
"Do you believe it will happen?" one of his floating guards asked.
"Chalad'ar never proved us wrong before. We shall see," Tyrael chuckled. As he moved to check on Anaurael, Inarius was wandering around the Courts of Justice to ensure that all was well. At the sight of Telanya, he paused. She walked up to him and nodded.
"Hello, Inarius. You are doing well?" she asked.
"I am. As well as can be expected. Is all well with you?"
"To a point," she nodded. Now he noticed that she looked troubled.
"Is there something on your mind?" he asked.
"Well..." she seemed to tremble. He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently to show that he would listen. There was something about her that caught his interest. He wasn't sure why that was. For some strange reason, she began to confide in him of what was bothering her. Now that they were neatly absorbed in each other, one of the small, angelic scholars that was watching nearby was able to report it. The scholars did retain their knowledge of how to hide and observe in silence from their Winged Assassin years. This was a benefit that they used in full now to maintain a secret balance in the High Heavens when it came to uncovering crucial information.
"Wise Tyrael, I report that Chalad'ar was correct. Inarius has taken interest in her," the small angel whispered when he approached Tyrael.
"Good! I hope they learn from each other and grow. I can see her protecting my son, but she would be good for Inarius. He would be good for her, too," Tyrael nodded. "It would be too much for her to become a mortal."
"I know it would," Izual agreed, as they approached Anaurael. She waved at them and let Izual get a chaste kiss from her. She had just eaten a small piece of roast, and he paused with surprise at the taste. The taste actually appealed to him.
"The meddling female is occupied?" Malthael asked.
"Yes. With Inarius," Tyrael grinned softly. Now Imperius looked at him with surprise. "Chalad'ar hinted that something good would come out of it. Inarius would be kept in check by her, and she would gain some new insight from him. Would more happen? I am unsure. But, it will give us some relief as they talk and get to know each other."
"And Inarius was the one that stole away the Worldstone?" Erelus asked.
"He was," Izarius nodded. "As much as Anu gave him reprieve, he has much to answer for with us. Yes, we give him leeway now. He did confront the demoness, Lilith, to cull her at long last. But, now her soul is free to be reborn. Such is the cost for such things. As to how we keep watch on him, he...well...desires Anaurael. He can only see her as a sister. And, yes, he knows this."
"Sacrilege!" Erelus hissed. "I will help ensure that he gets no closer to her!"
Malthael seemed to mutter to himself, but he paused in surprise at the mental squeeze that Anaurael gave him. She didn't have to go into her mind to do this. Since he was the first one to have touched her mark, there was something special that was formed between them. A bond unlike any that he ever knew of. He had been mildly experimenting on how to be near her without showing that he was in a mental or physical state. So far, most have been a success. He was the one that usually started the experiments. This time, she did this to him.
He loved her fully and completely. She knew this, too. As much as he ached to hear her say that she loved him back, he knew that it couldn't be done. She proved how much she loves me back just by doing what she could with me. He knew that she vowed to Imperius that no other would have the same love that she shared for him. Malthael wouldn't want to see his brother go through so much pain. Imperius gave me a chance to remain in her mind as a show of trust. He deserved that much respect from me. It did pay off to keep Malthael alive, but even he knew that certain lines could not be crossed.
Malthael kept his thoughts to himself, though. The only thing that she could sense was that he was calm. But, she also knew that he still held much sorrow in him. As much as he confided in her, he was still holding something back. She would never press him to tell it. He had to be the one to choose when the time was right to talk about it.
A few hours later, she found herself reclining in her bed. Tyrael had to return to Sanctuary, and Imperius needed to see to his troops for a bit. She had a few pillows cushioned around her for support, and she was struggling to remain calm. And she didn't feel comfortable at all. Her chest hurt, her body was shivering from the sensations from the offspring in her soul, and her physical offspring was very awake and kicking at her. If she wasn't wearing the light gown of gold, she would have overheated.
"Sister..." Izarius sighed from where he sat near her. "Imperius will be back soon."
"I know," she winced at a kick. "I need the basin."
"Come to me," he said. She nodded and was able to lightly roll into his arms. He kept her belly from becoming a hindrance as she did this, and he settled her in his lap first. Then he gathered her up in his arms to take her to the basin. She had needed it quite frequently, but even Lilaurael said that it was normal. When he placed her in his lap again, she threatened to cry from the frustration. "Hush, sister. Hush. There is no need to shed any tears."
"I know," she trembled and clung to him. "I just feel...as if it's just...too much at times..."
"And you know that it isn't," he said. "We were all prepared for this hardship. Everyone in the High Heavens guards over you so much now! So, don't even think that you are not alone in this."
"I just..." she cringed and found herself shedding tears. He let her press into the hooded part of his cheek to vent. He didn't bother with the handkerchiefs for now.
"Easy," he soothed and rocked her. When she breathed easier, she was handed a handkerchief to blow her nose. He dried her eyes with another one and continued to rock her. "I know this is rough on you. I know how much you hurt from this. Just rest now. Others will be here soon."
"Sister..." Imperael said from where he stood by the chamber entry. "Is there anything that I can do to help ease your pain?"
"It is not really pain that I have," she shivered. "I need a form of comfort that only Tyrael or Imperius can provide. I crave their close companionship."
"I see," Imperael thought. Then he looked over at Darius. "Brother, can you see what is keeping Tyrael? Imperius does need to see to the troops, but she could use Tyrael here."
"Let me see what is keeping him," Darius nodded. He vanished away and found himself in Caldeum. He found Tyrael sorting through some papers in his chamber, and he was quick to approach him. "Tyrael, Anaurael is suffering."
"I see," he winced and looked at the overflowing papers. "I have so much work to do now! Well...maybe if this was taken up to her chamber with me..."
"We will handle that," a floating guard said. "Go see to our sister. Your work shall be delivered to you. You have my word."
"Thank you, brother," Tyrael nodded. Darius was quick to take him to Heaven. When he saw her state, he looked at Izarius. "I believe my armor needs to be cleaned."
"I can handle that," Izarius nodded. "I'll polish up El'druin, too, when you set it down."
"Thank you," Tyrael said. "Anaurael, give me a moment. One of my guards is going to bring up some work for me to do as I comfort you."
"Okay," she said with a small, tight smile. On seeing this, he gestured for Izarius to hurry with his armor. The moment he was free of it, he moved to lift her in his arms and carry her to the bed.
"Been some time, hasn't it?" he asked with a small grin. She blushed at his chuckle before he kissed her hungrily. Now that Imperael realized that this was what she needed, he seemed to nod to himself. He was a touch curious about how it all worked, but he still turned his back to them to not pay attention. He was surprised to find Malthael standing next to him with his arms crossed over his chest.
"They cannot see me. Just you. It's a mild...talent that I have," Malthael said calmly. "You should not desire her. She is your sister."
"I know," Imperael said lightly in a low tone to keep from being heard. Izarius was away on cleaning Tyrael's armor, but her other brothers were mildly standing about the room. "I do not truly desire her. I am just...curious. If that. On how all of it works."
"I can explain it to you. Just keep silent," Malthael offered. Imperael nodded and listened to how physical pleasure worked in full. As much as he was appalled at such a thing, the curiosity factor was there. He didn't know why, either. "Remember. Imperius knows all when it comes to Anaurael. Attempt nothing with her. If you do...you have yet to see him truly angered."
"I can understand that," he nodded slightly. They broke off the conversation when Izarius walked back in to set Tyrael's cleaned armor on a chair. He tended to El'druin with a careful polish to the blade, and the sword seemed to shimmer with gratitude. Then he walked over to stand guard silently. Ten minutes later, Tyrael's harsh growl at his peak of pleasure broke the silence. Even Anaurael gave out a sharp cry at it. When another ten minutes crawled by, his heavy sigh of contentment finally escaped him.
"Needed that?" Anaurael giggled.
"You did, too," he smiled and kissed her softly. "I need to sign off on some papers. I won't leave the bed, though. I'll just sit up and have a small tray table here."
"Like this?" Izarius asked and set up lap table for him.
"Yep!" Tyrael nodded. His two floating guards now came in to carefully set down the papers for him in neat, tidy stacks. "Thank you."
"Of course," a guard nodded. Then he moved with his partner to keep watch from the windows.
"Is that my Father's writing?" she asked and saw a scribbled parchment.
"Yes, it is," he smiled. "He gathers all the scout reports in his region and helps mark down the most important ones. Then he has his reports sent to me."
"It's good to know," she said with a soft, sad smile.
"Is something wrong?" he asked and moved to hug her to him. She snuggled into his warmth.
"I miss my parents," she admitted. "I know they are so busy now..."
"They visit you in your mind, though, right?" he asked.
"They can, but I just...I miss physically hugging them, too," she admitted. That had him nod with understanding. "Yes, they come to me when they sleep, but I miss them being here. I miss seeing them as they are. It's been a while since I last saw my brothers, too. My adopted ones."
"I, too, wonder how Loremy is," Imperael said when he turned to regard them. Anaurael had a thin sheet of silk covering up to her chest, and Tyrael had one up to his waist. "Tyrael, you do not cover yourself as she does? Why is that?"
"Oh. Males don't need to. Females do. It's...complicated to explain..." Tyrael said in a slightly flustered way. When Anaurael began to move from the bed, she was stopped. "Don't do that!"
"Why? Izarius had seen me naked countless times. It should not bother my other brothers at all," she shrugged. He still kept her in the bed.
"I feel uncomfortable with you doing that," he frowned. Now she looked at him with a touch of amusement, but she nodded. Malthael appeared in full to them all and whispered to Imperael.
"It's possible?" Imperael asked.
"Yes. Go check and return. Just remain invisible," Malthael nodded. Then he looked at the others and said, "Nude public community bathing is common in hot places. Even various places if one knows where to look. He can see what he needs to there."
"Oh..." Tyrael said and swallowed a laugh. "Personally, those places scare me."
"Why?" Imperael asked.
"Not all mortals are...pleasing to look at without clothes on," he said. "I had to visit one such place, due to a raid from thieves. Needless to say, I cross places like that off of my list of areas to linger."
"I am confused," Imperael said. Tyrael sighed, reached over to grab his cotton breeches to slip on and stood up from the bed. Now Imperael saw how Tyrael mainly looked without his armor.
"Okay. You see me like this. My form is considered healthy and strong. It's a warrior's body. Many females desire this. Go to where Malthael suggested. Then come back and tell me your thoughts. And, no, you will not see Anaurael's body. Just recall what she is like in her gowns. That should be enough. Her body, for a female, is like mine. Healthy and strong. As well as desirable by many," Tyrael said. Imperael nodded and teleported away. Five minutes later he returned. And he was shivering with a form of revulsion at what he witnessed.
"I understand now. And I doubt such images will leave my mind!" he growled. Now Anaurael had to rise up from the bed before Tyrael could stop her, but she didn't remove the sheet. She knew how gauzy it was, and she let Imperael study her form through it. It didn't reveal all, but just enough.
"Of course, I am with offspring. But, I'm sure you get the idea. Does this help?" she smiled.
"Yes. Thank you," he nodded.
"Malthael, where did you send him to look?" Tyrael asked when he moved to support her form.
"The noble's section in Westmarch," Malthael said smugly.
"That was cruel and unusual punishment," he muttered. Malthael only chuckled and nodded.
"Oh?" Anaurael frowned.
"They are mortals that let others work for them," Tyrael explained. "They don't do hard work."
"Oh, dear..." she said and pursed her mouth shut to keep from laughing. She had seen a few of them from her younger days. "Ah! That reminds me..."
"Of what?" Tyrael smiled and sat on the bed with her.
"A nobleman did stop by the village of my birth. He asked for my hand in marriage on sight! It was frightfully embarrassing."
"Oh. Yes, I remember that one," Izarius said. "He was as bad as Willis!"
"Who was this?" Tyrael now asked with a touch of protective rage.
"That is what I wish to know, too," Imperius said when he walked in. Malthael had to get him for this conversation, and Anaurael moved directly into his arms to get held and cradled. "I had just finished with the troops when Malthael retrieved me. Who was this foolish mortal?"
"One of the lesser nobles in Westmarch. He had come to her town of birth to investigate the rumors of angels living there. She was sixteen when this happened. I believe you were training the troops, or you would have seen this. She was fetching some errands for her mother when he saw her. He demanded for her to leave with him, and she laughed at him. She stated that her parents would not be pleased. He had proceeded to follow her around the village in hopes to convince her. And he paid for her purchases. She informed him not to, but it was his own choice to do so," Izarius muttered.
"He just kept trying to sweet-talk me with everything he knew," she frowned. "It was disgraceful. I even told him such, but he just laughed at me."
"Interesting," Imperius growled out. "Anyways, continue, Izarius."
"Yes, Imperius," he nodded. "He followed her back home. Of course, Darius and I were with her. As much as we wanted to knock him over, he likely had connections. So, we only followed and bore witness. Of course, Darius moved into the cottage first to inform Ilerael. The noble had not much to say when he saw her father with his sword at his throat."
"Did he cleave off his head?" Imperael asked.
"No. But, he did soil his breeches," Izarius mused. That got Tyrael to crack a grin.
"Hmm," Imperius thought. "Can this one be found?"
"Love, there is no need for that," she frowned.
"If he is doing any wrong, then he should be found. And he should be brought here for judgment," Imperius said. "Any that slighted you in the past should be brought forth."
"No," she said again. "It is unnecessary. It is a waste of time and effort."
"Anaurael," he said rather gently now and ran a finger over her cheek. "I was not there for you when this happened. I need to be there for you now. I do not care if this was an incident from your past. I must see judgment on this one. Will you allow me this? I'll even let you watch what happens to him."
"If he is married with an established family, then he is forgiven," she said.
"Agreed," he nodded. "Izarius, send a scouting team. You know what he looked like?"
"I do," Izarius nodded. "Darius shall do this for me. He also knows what this one looked like, and I must remain with my sister."
"Done," Imperius nodded. Darius now teleported to Westmarch in an invisible state. He searched actively and found Malthael with him.
"I, too, wish to find this mortal. Hmm. We should call on Greed for assistance. Are you able to? If not, I can have Izarius do so for us," Malthael said.
"I do not believe so. I saw the mirrors, but I do not have one," Darius said. Malthael vanished and came back a moment later. Gurzick soon appeared to hear what needed to be done. "A mortal slighted Anaurael in the past. He is a noble that lives here. I do not know if he still lives."
"His name and description, if you would be so kind," Greed said in a demanding way. It was given, and several goblins were soon seen teleporting about. Ten minutes later, Greed let out a harsh chuckle. "Found him. He looks amusing to toy with."
"Does he have a family?" Darius asked. "If he does, we do not bother with him. It was agreed."
"I am unsure. He seems to be buying a gift for someone. I'll tell you what. Let me follow him for a full day. I will tell you what I find out. What all did this human do?" Greed asked. Darius informed him, and now Greed was ticked. "Yes. Let me follow him. I'll report anything of interest."
"We shall await your report," Darius nodded and teleported back to Heaven with Malthael. On hearing what was to be done, Tyrael was amused.
"I'll stay here and see what happens. You need me, anyways," Tyrael said to Anaurael. "I can do my paperwork here. It's not a problem."
"Good. I still have some troops to train. They are almost at the point that they have surpassed where they must be. Give me a bit more time. Then I will be able to focus more on you," Imperius chuckled and squeezed her. "I will also wish to be here when Greed gives his report."
"I will inform you when he arrives, if you are not here," Malthael nodded. At this, Imperius gave a kiss to Anaurael and set her down in her bed. Then he teleported to his training halls. Tyrael let her cuddle into him when he got comfortable in the bed. Imperael was anxious to know what was going to happen. It was all they could think about for now.