What Greed found out for them the next day was so humorous to him that he was laughing all through his report in the Angiris Council chamber. Itherael was let in on what was happening, and he wanted a form of judgment done, too. Even Auriel was appalled at what she learned and had to find out what was happening.
"This human mortal!" Greed was still giggling from Gurzick's crown. "He has five females that are vying for his attentions! Five! And...and...none of them know of each other!"
"What?!" Anaurael gaped from where she was cradled in Imperius's arms.
"I should have knocked him aside," Izarius growled.
"He is not happy with just one?" Imperael asked.
"Some mortals never are," Izarius sighed. Erelus was disgusted by the whole thing.
"So...if none of them know of each other..." Tyrael mused. "I think they all should meet. We won't have to do a thing. He'll bring his own downfall."
"That would do it," Anaurael frowned. "I am so glad that I wanted nothing to do with him! He's probably the sort like Lyndon. Only Lyndon lets go of the ones he loses interest in, from what I know. This one just keeps them in secret. Was he even married?"
"No. But, he was buying rings to propose to all of them! Then he planned to keep them hidden in separate sections of the town! I was laughing so hard!" Greed giggled even more.
"Disgusting!" Imperius snorted.
"Oh, you will like this even more," Greed snickered. "He kept mumbling about the 'golden one' that got away. He was even making plans to try and find you again, child. To add you to his collection."
"Never!" Itherael said with a shake of his hooded head. "Such talk is madness!"
"I should cull him..." Malthael growled.
"Filth..." Anaurael muttered under her breath. Imperius only nodded.
"He would be one of those that I would not care if he perished or not," Tyrael sighed. "Still, I think a fitting punishment would be for them all to meet. Maybe like those girls did before. Only we won't let them see us. We won't even need them to come to Heaven."
"Oh? Ah! I see what you mean," Auriel said. "We could find a disclosed section of Sanctuary for this. Of course, they would be returned?"
"It can be arranged," Greed said. "I do not see how the innocent ones would not be able to go back. But, the foolish one should have a hardship."
"He should," Tyrael agreed. "and I don't want him to see Anaurael at all."
"Agreed," Imperius grounded out. He was only grateful that she kept a hand on his cheek.
"I should meet him," Erelus seemed to smirk. "I would gladly meet him and watch his head roll off his shoulders. It would be much better than watching him live and breathe."
"I would not stop you," Malthael nodded.
"Let us go to a viewing chamber and see where to place this meeting," Auriel said. As they began to move there, Imperius found himself neatly absorbed in the kiss he was given. At the nibble he gave her lower lip, she shivered. And that wasn't from the offspring in her soul.
"I had forgotten how much you like this," he whispered to her. At the hungry kiss he gave her now, he paused when she was able to fit both of her hands under his helm to run her fingers over his head. "You will need to do this again when we are alone."
"You like this?" she smiled and worked her hands to the back of his invisible skull to gently massage. A deep sigh of contentment came from him.
"That I do..." he muttered.
"You should have her massage your back," Malthael chuckled, as he walked past them. Now Imperius seemed to glance at her, and she blushed.
"Malthael had me do that to him..." she said.
"I'm not sure that it would be possible to me. But...we can attempt it," he nodded and began to carry her again. She blushed and could only giggle when he pressed a large hand to her head to move her close to kiss her again. As they neared the chamber, he asked, "Do you hunger or thirst?"
"I am a touch hungry," she nodded. Izarius now moved to prepare a small table for her. It would be positioned in such a way that she would be able to view what happened without needing to stand. Before she was set down, she pulled Imperius into another deep, loving kiss and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you," he whispered back and kissed her again in a feverish way. "Maybe we can simply let them tell us what happened..."
"You do not wish to see the mortal filth get what he deserves?" she chuckled.
"As if he should have the honor of me watching," he growled and kissed her once more. "But, I do need to ensure he gets just punishment. Eat for me and kiss me after each bite."
"Or each nibble?" she asked and run her teeth over his invisible lower lip. He almost lost control, but he was able to set her down to keep himself in check.
"I will get even with you later," he vowed. She blushed such a vibrant crimson that he found himself laughing softly, as he set her in his lap. Tyrael was also quite hungry, so he was seated next to her to be served up something. As he began to help her tear apart a suckling pig dish, he mused to himself.
"This is what humans would call a 'dinner and a show'. If I remember correctly," he chuckled.
"You're right," Anaurael beamed. Then she blinked at the sight of her parents appearing.
"We were told that you missed us. You can thank Azarius for this," Ilerael smiled and moved to press a loving kiss to her cheek before hugging her. Imperius nodded to them and informed them what was going on. After Lilaurael hugged her daughter, Auriel was quick to check on her pregnancy.
"It's another daughter," Lilaurael smiled. "When I carry high like this, you can tell. If it is low, like Anaurael, it is a boy. And I want what my daughter is eating!"
"Of course," Izarius chuckled and watched a Greed Goblin set a matching dish in front of her at a newly set up table. Itherael was whispering to Erelus lightly on everything, and Ilerael gaped at him.
"Erelus?! Is that really you?!" he asked.
"Yes," Erelus nodded and moved to clasp hands with him. "As much as I should be appalled at what you have done with yourself, I was informed of how important it was. Just with you and Lilaurael, of course. The others are...questionable. Even Tyrael."
"I will not get into why I removed mine," Tyrael muttered, as he chewed. "Oh, that reminds me. Agrius, I would like to see if you can appoint one to assist in guarding Ilerael and Lilaurael."
"I can see what can be done," the floating guard said with a small nod.
"They have two guards that move out in shifts. The same can be done for the ones appointed, too. It helps to have an arcane wielder as well as physical attacks. They can simply remain invisible to all those that cannot see them. This is important," Tyrael said. Agrius nodded and vanished away. His other floating guard hovered near Izual calmly.
"Where did they come from?" Ilerael asked.
"Ah. You don't know this yet. They are from Malthael's old forces. Anu gave them reprieve. The Pools of Wisdom are slowly being inhabited again," Tyrael smiled. Ilerael blinked in shock. Lilaurael was just relieved on hearing this. When she saw Imperius kiss Anaurael after a piece of meat was eaten, she became highly curious.
"He can taste what I eat," her daughter explained. "He cannot eat, himself, but he can taste."
"Now that is interesting!" Ilerael chuckled. "Loremy! Durlin! Have a seat and eat something. We are all about to watch someone from Anaurael's past get his just desserts."
"Who would this be?" Durlin asked. He did smile at how Izarius moved over to squeeze his shoulder. He grinned when he saw Izual walk over to do the same to his other shoulder.
"He was a noble from Westmarch that tried to marry your sister. When she said no," Lilaurael muttered. A chocolate cake slice was set in front of her, and this was tackled with relish.
"I want that!" Anaurael said.
"Finish eating this first. Then you shall," Imperius nodded. She seemed to pout, but relented at the loving squeeze he gave her.
"Imperael!" Loremy said happily and got hoisted up to his massive shoulder. "I missed you!"
"I, too, wondered how you have been. It is good to see you, too. You should eat, and then I shall place you back on my shoulder," he said. A couple tickling pokes were given before he set his mortal brother back down. Greed had Gurzick looking at the viewing pool for him, and his goblins had found a place for the girls to meet first.
"I was thinking a mildly dangerous place," Greed said. "The one with the skull is nearby. In that swampy area outside of the city walls."
"Zayl. That's right. He was still working on the Bogs outside of town. Why do you want the girls to meet up there? Oh!" Tyrael blinked when his Wisdom settled in. "You want that noble to prove his bravery! To show he's really a coward?"
"Yes! That is correct. The one with the skull can protect them all. Maybe even chastise the entire situation," Greed snickered. At this, Malthael vanished to confront Zayl. When Humbert saw him, he seemed to scowl. That got Zayl's attention instantly.
"Can I help you?" Zayl asked.
"In a sense. I must warn you. A meeting of...fate...is going to happen soon," Malthael said. He calmly informed him what was going to happen, and Zayl was finding himself in tears of laughter.
"Okay, you win. I'll help!" Humbert snickered darkly.
"He's right," Zayl nodded and wiped away his tears. "I know the perfect place."
"Lead on," Malthael said. Zayl led him to an area where the ruins of a castle were.
"This place was sold to a Lord from long ago. I believe, if the history books are correct, his recorded name was Lord Kertis. He was tricked into buying a plot of land in the Bogs without realizing it. So, as an act of foolish bravery, he began to build the castle. The ghosts still work on it to this day. If anything tries to disrupt the building process, the ghosts attack. I think it would be a perfect opportunity to put these ghosts to rest with that nobleman's unwitting help," Zayl smirked. "Of course, if he runs, I can take care of the ghosts, but only temporarily. The Nephalem may be asked later on to arrive and help, if it gets too out of hand. For now, this will work."
"Interesting. Where should the mortal females start to arrive?" Malthael asked.
"The top of the steps. And I would say one at a time. I am curious to see what girls were being chosen for his brash behavior," he admitted.
"He also wished to gain Anaurael into his fold..."
"Okay. He's dead," Humbert growled out. "She should have nothing to do with the likes of him! That guy just wants a harem! As much as I should be jealous, him wanting that girl is something even I hate thinking about. She's too good for him!"
"And Humbert is correct," Zayl muttered with a hint of protection.
"If all goes well, I can see about you coming back to the High Heavens to visit with her. Even her parents are watching this. With her adopted in brothers," Malthael nodded.
"Tyrael, too?" Humbert asked.
"Yes. He called it...a 'dinner and a show'...apparently..." Malthael shrugged.
"Then let's give an outstanding performance. Shall we, Humbert?" Zayl smirked.
"Oooh! Can I play out being the announcer?!" Humbert asked.
"No. You can help me mop up the mess after the show is done," Zayl said.
"Darned! I never get to be part of the audience. Or even part of the show! I can be a good actor, you know. I can remember my lines!" the skull said. "Honest!"
"I may have to put you in my pouch, if the ladies in question are too fearful," Zayl said. That got Humbert to scowl, but he understood. "Do we happen to know the name of this noble?"
"Not that I know of. I could check. But...why?" Malthael shrugged.
"It's so that I know who to refer him to," Zayl explained. Malthael thought and glanced over at Gurzick when he appeared to help them.
"The fool's name is a certain Lord Pomperaux. Does this sound familiar?" Greed asked from the crown. Zayl paused in thought. Then he grinned wickedly.
"Yes. It does. I know exactly who he is. Thank you," Zayl snickered.
"It was him?! Seriously?!" Humbert asked with excitement. "Do we finally get to mess with him? Oh, you know I am going to enjoy this now!"
"Hmm?" Malthael asked.
"Whenever I walked into Westmarch, I would find myself confronted by him. He would chide me for my looks and even snided Humbert. He kept saying that Humbert was fake. That I would make him talk like a puppet does. I always found him alone, too. When I asked him why he had no girl on his arm, he would brag and say that he was too good for them. I'll make sure to bring that up," Zayl said.
"I'll prepare the gem traps now. I would suggest that you hide," Greed snickered. Malthael retreated to the High Heavens, and Zayl moved off a ways, but stayed in the area to overhear everything. Gurzick set down a gem within the cracks of the old castle flooring. It was be easy to obtain and easily missed by the humans about to appear. It was mainly a set point to where they would be teleporting to.
The first girl was found and teleported in. She was a stunning strawberry blonde with pretty blue eyes. Her full lips were trembling when she found where she was. She was in a crouching position from the gem she had reached for, and her light pink gown did nothing to protect her from the harsh, damp air that assaulted her from the boggy swamp.
When she was going to cry out for help, another stunning female with blonde hair appeared. Her deeper blue eyes were in as much shock as the other girls' was. Her own slender gown of white cream was also no match for the weather. When they looked at each other, confusion had quickly set in.
"Who are you?!" the first girl asked in her trembling, soft tone.
"I should ask the same," the second girl said. "The only thing I know is that I was doing some mid-day shopping and came across a gem on the ground! So...I reached down to touch it and found myself here! I...do you know where we are?"
"I am unsure. But...it was the same that happened to me!" the first girl frowned. "I am Issabella. My family lives in the southern section of the Westmarch noble quarters."
"Truly? I am Margarite. My family is also noble born. I lived near the northern section. Odd how I never met you!" she smiled. Issabella could only smile and nod.
"As much as I would like to make your acquaintance, we need to find out why we are here," Issabella frowned. "I am...quite vexed at this."
"The very same," Margarite nodded. Then, much to their surprise, another girl with pitch black hair and emerald green eyes appeared next. Her gown of royal purple displayed her incredible figure perfectly. She was just as stunning in looks as the two of them.
"What?! A gem was on the ground for me! Now I am here?!" she gasped.
"The same happened to us," Issabella said. "I am Issabella."
"I am Margarite," she said.
"You can call me Anabelle," the new girl said.
"Oh! I know of you!" Margarite said. "Your family lives in the east section?"
"Yes. Oh! You both are also noblewomen?" Anabelle asked. They both nodded and seemed to huddle together. When the next just as stunning girl appeared, they were now incredibly scared that someone was deliberately kidnapping them for ransom.
"Where am I?!" the newest girl asked.
"What is your name?" Margarite asked. The brunette shivered and batted her soft, blue eyes. Her gown of pale yellow clung to her in the damp air.
"I am Clarissa. I was with my parents in the noble's market. We live in the western section. Everything was fine until I saw a gem..." she frowned. Now she saw the look of knowing on the other three girls' faces. "The same happened to you all?"
"Yes," Anabelle nodded. "We do not know what is going on."
When the last girl, an equally stunning red head with deep green eyes appeared in a gown of dark brown appeared, all five girls looked at each other with confusion.
"I am Delilah. I was...walking home when I saw a gem..." she started.
"And you reached for it to be brought here?" Issabella asked.
"Yes! Oh...what is going on?!" Delilah winced. "This air does nothing for my gown!"
"It's the same for us. So, we are all noble girls from Westmarch. Where do you live in the noble's section? I am from the eastern part, Issabella is from the southern area, Margarite is from the northern part, and Clarissa is from the western area," Anabelle said.
"I was from the center. Near the commons and the main hall," Delilah shivered.
"Well...we had to have been brought here for some reason. Were we kidnapped? Is this for ransom?!" Clarissa whimpered. "My Father would be so outraged!"
"Someone has to know that we are gone! They have to be looking for us!" Issabella cringed. The next one to appear had them all pause with wonder. The handsome, brown haired man with dashing blue eyes and a slight mustache found himself with dismay at where he was. But his look was priceless when he saw all of them together.
"Oh! Ah...I'm not sure what is going on..." the man seemed to say with confusion.
"Andre! It is you! It is I, your fiancée! Have you come to rescue me?" Clarissa asked.
"What? What do you mean your fiancée?! He was to be wed to me!" Issabella gaped.
"No! He was to wed me! He proposed to me just the other day!" Delilah scoffed.
"And to myself. And now...I think I know why we are all here," Anabelle seemed to growl.
"Wait. You mean...to all of us?!" Margarite gaped.
"And we didn't know of..." Delilah paused at it all fit into place.
"Whoever brought us together will need to be thanked. My Father will be hearing of this outrage!" Clarissa spat. "Dear girls, none of you are at fault. It is him! He is the one at fault!"
"I beg your pardon?! I mean...well..." Andre was finding it hard to defend himself.
"Why to all of us?! Answer me now!" Issabella demanded.
"Yes. Do tell them. Since you told me that you were too good for all of the girls in Westmarch," Zayl said calmly when he walked over. "And, no, I didn't bring them here. I was simply told to stick around in case any ghosts appeared. I can put them to rest."
"Ghosts?!" Clarissa paled.
"Too good for us?! Oh! That does it!" Anabelle snapped and yanked the ring off her finger to toss back at the nobleman. "I will not wed you! You disgusting snake!"
"But...dearest..." the man winced. Now he paused at the seething glares the other girls gave him. Their rings were soon removed and thrown at him. Greed would make sure to have Gurzick pick them all up later. Anabelle now moved calmly to Zayl's side.
"Kind sir, can you please escort me home? My Father is likely most worried about me. I will ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts," Issabella smiled softly.
"And me, too," Clarissa nodded.
"And me!" Delilah nodded.
"The same goes for me," Margarite said.
"Don't think that I would not have my Father reward you, too," Anabelle smiled.
"Well, I would be delighted to. Ah, I must inform you all of my companion, Humbert," Zayl sighed and brought out the skull. "I am a Necromancer. Humbert is my focus, and he is quite alive."
"Greetings, dear ladies!" the skull chuckled.
"Normally I would be disgusted, but a talking skull is much better to look at than a vile snake!" Anabelle giggled. She even lightly pet the top of Humbert's skull.
"Okay, I like her!" the skull said. The other girls could only agree.
"Now, see here!" Andre scowled.
"See what? From how it looks, these girls are, quite obviously, too good for the likes of you. I will take them home. You can try to figure out how to get back home. Good luck!" Zayl nodded.
"Wait. He needs to inform us of why he did this," Anabelle said.
"That is something we all want to know," Clarissa agreed.
"So, you need to answer us!" Delilah glared.
"Fine..." the nobleman sighed. "I just...always wanted to be married to girls with different colors in hair...and true beauty..."
"So...you only saw us...for our hair?!" Margarite gaped.
"And our beauty? Not for who we are?" Anabelle asked with shock.
"There was another girl he wanted, too, near the town of Kingsport. Her husband found out about him and decided to find out more. I'm glad I was here to assist before you all were bound to an ignominious fate. You, sir, should look for a new place to live," Zayl smirked.
"A different girl? What color of hair did she have?" Issabella asked.
"A very rare color of molten gold. She's the only one of her like. She's also very special and no longer living on Sanctuary. She is not dead, but simply...removed from this realm. After so many tried to vie for her, her husband became angered and spirited her away," Zayl said. "She is safe."
"Oh. I would like to meet her," Margarite smiled.
"That may be possible. But...she is very pregnant now. She cannot visit you. But, maybe in the future, something could be arranged. We can see," Zayl nodded. "I have met her, and she is very kind. Her husband is Tyrael, and he is the leader of the Horadrim. She also lives with the angels in the High Heavens. The Archangel, Imperius, has also claimed her as his own. It's...difficult to understand, but her special nature made it this way. He has a truce with Tyrael."
"That is very interesting," Delilah admitted. "And they do not fight?"
"No. She is to give birth to powerful champions to protect Sanctuary. That is why they do not fight. I'll tell you all more about it, as we leave here," Zayl smiled.
"Wait! If one girl belongs to two men..." Andre started. Then he got glared at by Zayl.
"She is not with normal humans. One is an Archangel. The other was a full angel. Tyrael was, originally, the Archangel of Justice before he became a mortal. It's complicated to explain in a brief way. Anyways, she cannot be with a mere man," Zayl growled at him.
"Oh, just activate the ghosts before we leave already!" Humbert seemed to plead. "He deserves to suffer! At least for my amusement?!"
"Fine. Ladies, please stand behind me. I shall protect us," Zayl said. The five girls all did as he said, and he chanted. At the sight of all the ghosts that appeared, they cringed, but only Andre was noticed. The leading ghost, apparently Lord Kertis, saw him and scowled.
"My castle is not yet finished! Guards! Take care of this intruder!" the lord ordered.
"Now see here!" Andre argued. "I am a noble!"
"In a swamp?! Are you daft? You are thief in good clothes! Take care of him!" the lord ordered again. Now Andre paled and fainted at the sight of four armed ghosts running at him. He even soiled his cloth breeches rather hard in the process. Zayl chanted again to have the ghosts retreat.
"I'll let your guards find him. I'll give the location," the Necromancer nodded.
"Good. Please, can we go back now? My gown is getting so damp!" Clarissa said. It was actually her sweating, but she had never sweat before. Zayl nodded and had Humbert open a portal for them back to Westmarch. Greed had his goblins retrieve the discarded jewelry, and any on Andre's unconscious form, before the vision pool in the High Heavens faded out.
"Definitely a form of justice," Tyrael nodded.
"I agree," Imperius nodded as well.
"You know," Durlin frowned. "I know of that man."
"Do you?" Ilerael asked.
"Yes. He's my Uncle," he sighed. "I was offered to him, and he said he had no time for brats."
"He said what?!" Lilaurael hissed.
"Can I take care of him now?" Imperael asked. Itherael and Auriel were besides themselves with shock. Now Erelus was completely livid. Even Izual was pissed. Izarius was getting ready to retrieve the human just to berate him and call him out.
"Wait," Ilerael said. "Let's see what the Westmarch noble lords do first. Let them punish him. If they banish this man out of the city, we can pick him up afterwards for further punishment here."
"Hmm..." Imperius thought.
"We could bring those girls here, too, to testify. As though it is a new trial," Anaurael smiled.
"You would need to be seen, too," Tyrael frowned.
"Do you honestly think that my parents, you, Imperius, or any others would let that one get close?" she giggled. That had them all snickering with agreement.
"I shall ensure to become visible for this," Malthael said. Her two mortal, adopted brothers couldn't hear him, but that was fine. Neither could Tyrael's guards.
"Malthael, I am sure that Anu would let you join this judging. Until then, let us watch and see what happens down below," Anaurael smiled. He squeezed her shoulder and nodded. When Greed had Gurzick present the engagement rings to her in a small gilded gold box, she laughed. "As much as I like them, I should not be seen with them. You need to keep them either in your realm or in the treasure chamber here. Questions could arise."
"My realm for now. I can do that," Greed chuckled. The next few hours were set to planning out what would happen if Lord Andre Pomperaux was exiled from Westmarch.