When Greed brought up the offer to have her visit his domain, it was another week later. She was finally showing the signs that both of Imperius's offspring were taking. When she started to get irritable from being ill, the offer was made. A Council meeting was done shortly after.
"What will we expect to see?" Itherael asked Gurzick's crown.
"Just my new home," Greed replied lightly. "I was thinking of having a specialized, stationary teleport done from her chamber in Heaven to a chamber that I set up for her here, too. I can disguise this as a full-length mirror. It can be something she can retreat to, if threatened. It will also be open to any of you. I shall have to make sure you all have specialized mirrors for contacting me. They can also be keys to entering the teleport. If you are escorting any others through, the mirror holder will need to go in after the others go through for safety."
"That can work," Tyrael nodded.
"I'll see about securing more mirrors," Greed promised. "I owe you all a debt for showing me how to gain a form of freedom that I couldn't have dreamed of."
"Oh, how do we know if we find your goblins in the field that do not belong to the Baroness?" Izarius asked. "I'm sure that the Nephalem will need to know."
"Quite true! Ah. They will wear different cloth colors. Well, no. Then they'll be recognizable to the Baroness's drones. Okay. They will wave at you and toss a coin. That can be done," Greed said.
"That should work just fine," Tyrael chuckled. Malthael was definitely curious on seeing a realm like this. Such a thing was a rare event to him. To any, actually. When Mal cried from the cradle, Anaurael was quick to head over to his side. Despite how she felt, the urge to tend to her son would always come through. She got Mal to give a little baby laugh with soft tickles as she cradled him, and Imperius was quick to gather her up in his arms to cradle them both. Tyrael just watched this and said, "It is so strange watching you act like this."
"I am aware of it. Should it matter?" Imperius seemed to shrug. "He is my son as much as he is yours. Should I not do this? Yes, I do know that this is a new side of me. I even surprise myself."
"You shouldn't be surprised," Anaurael whispered to him under his helm. He kissed her gently and squeezed her. "Others can be surprised. Not you."
"Perhaps," he chuckled and regarded Gurzick. "When do you plan to have us see your realm?"
"We can do so now, if you like. Gurzick has enough power to do so," Greed said. "I made him my adviser. He is now second in power to me."
"Oh! Is this new?" Anaurael asked.
"Yes. He is the best goblin in my force. He did find you, after all," Greed chuckled. Anaurael blushed softly at this. "When you are ready, go to your chambers. A mirror has been installed."
"Then let's go," Imperius nodded. When Anarius appeared, it was only evident that he wanted to join. Imperael, Izarius, her other brothers, and Agrius intended to go, too. Tyrael called Izual to them, and Itherael and Auriel were showing that they made no plans to leave the group. Malthael was even able to remain out of his body's form to see this for himself.
"I AM VERY CURIOUS ABOUT THIS!" Anarius chuckled, as he walked with them.
"So are we," Itherael said. "It will be a first time for us to see anything like this. For knowledge, I must go. I need to record everything I can."
"You should have Erelus with you," Tyrael said.
"He may only come along if Elaine is with him," Itherael said.
"Then bring her," Anaurael chuckled. "He is a lieutenant of yours. He should witness this, too."
"You are correct. I shall summon him," Itherael nodded.
"I can fetch him," Izual said. Then he vanished away. About five minutes later, Erelus appeared with Elaine. She was being held in his arms and was already showing her pregnancy.
"So good to see you, Elaine," Anaurael chuckled. Mal waved a small hand at her, too, with a short laugh. Then he laughed again at the soft tickles Anaurael gave him. "And you will get a bath when we are done visiting Greed."
Mal simply gurgled and wiggled a bit in a playful way. When he saw Tyrael laughing at him, his little arms reached out for him with small whimpers. Tyrael was surprised and very delighted at this. Now that he was holding his son and giving him affection, Imperius put the rest of his attention on Anaurael. Little did they know it, Malthael was silently giving thoughts to his mortal body to want Tyrael a bit more than Imperius. He knew the Archangel may be too busy at times to fully dote on him.
When they got to her chamber, they noticed the massive, gilded gold mirror with inlaid gems in the frame. At the way it shimmered, they already knew it wasn't an ordinary mirror. Gurzick placed his hands on the mirror to focus, and the glass seemed to disappear for them all to simply step through. He waved at them to have them move through it quickly. Anarius was mildly pleased that the mirror seemed to enlarge itself to make room for him. It did the same thing for Imperael. When they stepped in, all the Greed Goblins in the proximity of the mirror shrieked with alarm.
"They are guests! They allowed us to have the idea on how to be here today!" Greed thundered in his deep tone at them. At this, they all relaxed and went about their business. "Sorry. They're like cubs. They didn't realize that I was serious in letting you all visit."
"That is understandable," Imperius nodded. Anaurael was only amazed at how large Greed was. None of the goblins there could compare in his size. He was just as tall as Imperius was, and he looked every bit like a Greed Goblin. Of course, he wore a massive crown. He even wore a fine, red cloth with gold embroidery over his hips and shoulders. He did have a little gold armor, though, but not by much. She did giggle a bit at the upgraded shovel he twirled about in a hand.
"It is an honor to finally meet you in person, child. Come. I shall show you what your room will look like," Greed chuckled. Gurzick hopped along happily and helped shout out orders to any goblin that was gawking about. Itherael was studying the whole structure of the cavern system in acute recollection. There was gold mining, gem piles, mild sorting, weapons displays, and armor set ups. Unlike the old home, Greed had been watching how Anaurael sorted through the treasures. He was applying her techniques to his new home. He found it much easier to find things this way.
"This place looks very well-organized," Auriel mused, as she looked around. "I was not expecting such a place of order compared to how you used to pile things around in Heaven. Is this new?"
"Yes. The child has been sorting so much of my treasures that I, well, adopted some of what she did. And, as much as I hate to admit it, I find more things now than before," Greed sighed. "I have been setting aside things that may benefit her."
"And what of my son?" Tyrael asked. Mal was sleeping deeply on his shoulder in complete comfort right now. Greed glanced over and thought.
"It depends on what weapons and armors he will need. Once I know, I shall set things aside. Hey! Stop idling about!" Greed snapped at a staring minion and swung his shovel to smack it upside the head. Tyrael quickly looked away to keep from laughing too hard. Even Izarius and his brethren tried to stay neutral at this. "Sorry. They need to focus on work."
"Well, it's not often that they get to see others here, right?" Anaurael chuckled. "Imperius, can you put me down so I can walk?"
"No. As much as you can, there is still too much on the ground. I won't have you trip," he muttered and kicked a small cup away. "Greed, you need to make a better pathway for her."
"Hmm," Greed mused and had Gurzick sound an alarm. Even Erelus was carrying Elaine in his arms. He had the same mindset as Imperius did.
"I'm not weak, Erelus," Elaine smiled.
"I know. I'm just concerned over you," Erelus said. She blushed at him and snuggled into his chest. "At least, if I trip, I can divert myself to land on my back to keep you safe."
"Like he said," Imperius muttered to Anaurael. She only sighed and glanced over at Tyrael holding Mal. Izarius was walking just behind Greed now to help ensure a clear path.
"GREED, CAN YOU NOT SIMPLY PUT THINGS IN CHESTS LIKE MY CHOSEN ONE DOES? MUST EVERYTHING BE LYING ABOUT?" Anarius asked.
"The thing about that," Greed started. "is that I like seeing what is there. I like knowing that what I have is right where I want it. Yes, everything could go into boxes and such, but I like seeing everything. The workers make sure it's all as tidy and neat as possible. Of course, I could make a section of workers that will simply be designated to keeping this place kept up."
"How do you summon more goblins into your fold?" Itherael asked curiously.
"Ah," Greed said and stopped in his walk to regard them now. "I can show you. Gurzick, get some volunteers. Some very hardy ones."
"Okay!" Gurzick giggled and bounded off. Several small goblins appeared soon after and showed they were ready. Greed focused on them and simply duplicated them.
"That's how it happens?" Itherael asked.
"Yes. I can only do this with the working goblins. Then they would work hard to rise up in the ranks. Ah. You. Come here," Greed said to one of the scouts. It scrambled over expectantly. "You did good. Find good stuff. I raise you."
"You can't talk normally?" Anaurael asked.
"I can, but only in our language. They aren't really as smart as Gurzick is. Gurzick has spent a lot of time around all of you, so he may not speak it out, but he fully understands. They only understand broken parts of your language," Greed explained and focused on the scout. The goblin's form got larger to show it was now a higher scout. It whooped with joy and bounded off to search for places. He glanced over at another higher scout and let that one become a sentinel guard. Its form got larger, far more massive, and developed a meaner temperament. "You guard girl. In Heaven. Go."
"I go," the guard goblin nodded and teleported away.
"That isn't necessary," Imperius snorted.
"It's also to guard the mirror," Greed said. That had Imperius nod with understanding. "The last thing we need is for nosy humans to get into areas they do not need to be. And, yes, I know you will refer to my minions, too."
"Good call," Imperius muttered. Erelus chuckled softly. When they approached Greed's throne room, Anaurael stared at a staggering stack of weapons, armors, and odd items. It looked very out of place from the rest of the cavern structure.
"That does not look safe," she grimaced. Izarius now moved to step over to the unruly pile and watched Greed shout out a few orders. The moment one item was removed, the entire pillar collapsed into the main walkway. Izarius was able to keep it from landing on anyone. Darius and Mithus had also darted in the moment they saw the tall mess start to waver about. Mithus was quick to start kicking as much as he could out of the way.
"Who set this up this way?! Answer me!" Greed growled angrily. A goblin in training came over now with a sheepish chuckle. "Why did you not sort as I instructed?!"
"I am sorry, My Greatness of Greats. This is too much. I don't know what goes where," the small goblin seemed to shiver. Greed didn't look amused.
"What happened?" Izarius asked.
"This goblin in training does not know where to place things," Greed sighed.
"Then delegate a few other goblins to help. You did say that you were going to do so, right? Why not do it now?" Anaurael said with a small shrug. Greed now paused at this and looked at Gurzick. The clever goblin was already picking out the best goblins to form this new team. They would also work in making sure that none of the wrong items were misplaced.
"I should just have you live here," Greed mused. She giggled softly and watched the unruly pile get removed swiftly. Malthael was studying the entire place with intense detail.
"I doubt it would work," she laughed softly. Imperius wouldn't allow it. As much as he felt easier around them now on learning that they weren't true demons, he would want her to be in Heaven to keep her energy in sync properly. She snuggled into him when she started to feel ill, and he sensed her distress. He whispered softly to her to help keep her calm.
"Don't worry. You'll be with me," he vowed softly. At her soft smile, he pressed a kiss to her lips. "I do love you, my ward. Your next physical offspring is direct from me. None shall touch you."
"I love you, too," she said softly and pressed her face as close to the space between his helm and armor as much as she could. He gave off a warm, sunshine summer scent of a sort to her. It calmed her greatly. "You smell very good."
"Do I?" he asked. "What do I smell like to you?"
"Like a warm, summer day," she chuckled. "It's a wonderful scent to me. Even by being near you, it feels like I'm warmed by the sun. I...tend to feel cold when you are away from me."
"And you have not stated this before?" he asked now with concern.
"I didn't want it to bother you," she smiled. He gave out a long, drawn out sigh now.
"My ward, just by you telling me this, you do know that I will be keeping to your side that much more," he said, as he carried her. She only smiled and nodded. "And, just so you know, you have a scent like a warm breeze in the High Heavens."
That got her to blush, and he laughed softly as he squeezed her. "You know, Tyrael has the scent of what it is like after a good storm."
"Truly? Do you know of Itherael?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"Um...I wouldn't know unless he came close," she admitted. Imperius thought and glanced over at the elusive Archangel. Malthael now turned his attention to them with his own form of curiosity.
"Itherael," Imperius started.
"Yes?" he asked and hovered over.
"Let her smell you," Imperius said. "She said that I remind her of a summer day."
"Oh? Interesting! Well...if you can tell me what I smell like, I would like to know," Itherael chuckled softly. She nodded and leaned in close to inhale a touch deeply. He almost lost his resolve, but Malthael was there to help draw back in his pent up emotions.
"Books. Old papers. It would make sense," she smiled and pressed a chaste kiss to his invisible lips. "Imperius says that I smell like a breeze in Heaven."
"I'll have to see if that is the case, too," Itherael managed to chuckle softly. "I did wish to speak with you at some point."
"I'll see if I can make time," she smiled. Imperius seemed to snort at that. Anarius glanced over at Itherael and seemed to nod. He would help Itherael out when it was time.
"We are almost at my throne room," Greed said, as he led them.
"Good to know," Imperius said. Anaurael continued to snuggle into him, as they walked and hovered along. He knew that she needed him right now. He was making no plans to give her over to anyone. "If I don't like your room here, I'll demand it to be changed."
"I know you will," she whispered and let him kiss her lovingly. He was in a very possessive mood right now. "I am a bit hungry."
"You'll eat in your chamber here," he promised. "or back home."
"Okay," she nodded. Anarius studied her silently and seemed to grimace. He didn't like how she was. He knew it was from the offspring finally forming in her, but he knew she felt disgruntled. He would need to speak to her at length when he could. When they finally reached the throne room, there was only one thing they could think of.
"I can see a floor," Izual chuckled.
"Oh, that can't be the only impressive thing you see!" Greed scowled to get them laughing softly.
"You actually have a chair, too," Izarius said.
"Of course, I do. And it's all made of various treasures," Greed said.
"Not solid gold?" Erelus asked. "Don't you have the power to do that?"
"Well...hmm. I could," Greed mused. "I didn't before."
"You are not used to wielding such power?" Itherael asked.
"No. It will take some time to get used to," he admitted. "I've been a lackey all my life until now. I'm sure that any in this position would be the same. Anyways, let me see what I can do for my throne. Child? Could you help with some suggestions?"
"I would be delighted to!" Anaurael beamed. For a good ten minutes they worked on the throne designs. When Tyrael began to suggest some embellishments from Westmarch, the idea was also embraced. Itherael began to make suggestions to include pillars and articulate vine designs for originality. Greed was simply beaming at the various suggestions now. When the throne was done, it was worthy of any groveling and begging from any kings to try and lay claim to it.
The solid gold throne now had decorations of vines with delicate gold flowers that displayed various gems within their centers. Silver leaves delicately cupped each flower, as the vines intertwined at the top around a massive diamond that sparkled with various facets over the top of the throne. A regal red pillow was now a seat cushion and easily supported Greed when he sat down. The armrests resembled slender hounds with protective gazes.
"And, now that this is done, where is her chamber?" Imperius asked.
"This way," Greed nodded and rose up from the throne. He would make some adjustments to it later to help with the comfort factor. The next room he led her to had a door made of heavy, royal red curtains. These were pulled back to be secured, and Anaurael was just in shock and awe of the room. From what she could see, that is. The only light she had was from the wings of the angels around her.
Heavy fur rugs covered every inch of the floor. The bed was just as luxurious as the one in her chamber in Heaven, but was heaped over with sheets and pillows. Treasure chests that were open and brimming with wealth were lined along the walls. Hand-woven wall hangings decorated the walls, and a single, full-length, free standing mirror that matched the one in her chamber was set in a corner. It was obvious as to what it was for. Hand-carved oak tables, chairs and a resplendent tub and basin set were the only other objects to note of.
"She should have a small, personal library here," Itherael said. "Sometimes, books are just as valuable as gold, you know."
"Quite true!" Greed mused. "I may have quite a few of those lying around. I'll have to look."
"If you do, I can inspect them for you," Itherael offered. Greed would definitely take him up on that. "This room is acceptable, but it lacks lighting. You need to have either sunlight or candles placed for better viewing. That is the only thing I see missing."
"He is correct," Auriel nodded. "We are the ones providing light to reveal this chamber."
"Oh! I missed that important detail, didn't I?" Greed sighed. "I know of enchanted objects that can shed off light. I will acquire them and have them installed. Where do you think they can be placed?"
"I can help with that," Tyrael nodded. As a mortal, he knew where the light would be needed the most. Now that the various spots were taken note of, the light sources would be acquired. "We could even put a few of Heaven's trees in here. That could also help."
"I can try to do that," Auriel nodded. "I'm not sure how they would live without the Arch, though. It is the Light of the High Heavens that helps them glow."
"The energy can become a form of liquid. We can have angels designated to water them in small shifts," Itherael said. Erelus would help see to that. Elaine was just in awe of the room she was looking at now. She whispered to him, and now he looked at Greed.
"Can some of these items be set in my chamber, too?" Erelus asked. "Elaine really likes the floor and wall decorations."
"I can see what can be done," Greed nodded. At the hard rumbling Anaurael's gut did, all focus went to her and feeding her. She needed light, though, so Greed had them leave through the mirror to her chamber. At the sight of the suckling pig feast waiting for her, Imperius was quick to set her down to let her eat. Tyrael was able to join her, too. Gurzick looked at Erelus, and his crown said, "Another dish of similar design is ready in your chamber."
"Thank you!" Erelus nodded. Even he knew that Elaine was quite hungry. Once he left, the others slowly dispersed to do what needed to be done. Anaurael did notice how Itherael watched her silently before he retreated to his Library. Plans to visit him next were now underway.