Chapter 23

Sorcha awoke slowly.

Her pleasurably sore and very naked body was wrapped up in a fine soft blanket she didn't recall being there when she'd fallen. They were joined by more of the same type of blanket bundled beneath her body, keeping the cold hard floor from disturbing her sleep. That had not been there either.
She was still at the archway in the High Heavens after all.

There was really only one person who would have done this. Or at least she hoped only one. She didn't want to think of other angels finding her in her current nakedness. Her brain screamed at her the only reasonable conclusion.

That Imperius had been busy while she rested and it had involved tending to her in rest like a lost child.

Sorcha spotted his tall imposing frame soon after he'd first brushed through her thoughts.

The archangel stood fully clothed before a tall tree, staring at it while it was still being forged from diamond remains of Anu around them.

The tree she'd planted, and now stood towering above them, shimmered and glinted in the bright light of the Heavens with soft chiming as its crystalline leaves touched off each other.

Sorcha sighed a muttered complaint as she attempted to sit upright, the muted noise immediately catching Imperius's hearing.

He spun around and... smiled. He was actually smiling warmly at her. Sorcha expected upset, regret, even to wake up alone. Not this deep warmth from the archangel. Something had changed. She couldn't put her finger on it. He felt... different. Come to think of it, the whole city felt the same. Something had changed here entirely. Perhaps it was just the tree doing what she planned for it.

"My lady," Imperius said gently, having crossed the distance easily while her mind pondered before extending an hand to help up. Sorcha clutched to the blanket that covered her to shield her nakedness from him. Silly she knew. He'd already more than seen her body at this stage.

Not that Imperius noticed her attempt at modesty as he easily pulled her unresistant body close to his.

"Hey," Sorcha replied softly, cheeks flushing red at the gaze he leveled at her. "How long was I-"

"Long enough. We need to move. If we are to reach Pandemonium in time of course."

Sorcha's brow furrowed deeply. "How did you know?"

"Unfortunately time is running too short for me to really explain. The world-stone has been destroyed utterly. If we don't get the last tree planted then all worlds will come to an end."

"Imperius-"

He bent his head planting another kiss on her lips, stealing the words it seemed from her mouth as he did so. "If only I'd had you by my side back then. Perhaps things would have been different. "

"Back then?"

He shook his head, smiling at her. "It doesn't matter. What does matter is what you desire. If you still wish to save them then we must go."

"Imperius, I go alone. This is your home! Your duty has always been and always will be to the city."

He stared at her oddly, glancing around briefly at the remnants of Anu. Finally he said, "And everyone must leave their home eventually to make another. I can forge our way to Pandemonium but it will take time. In the meanwhile, Tyrael and the nephalem wizard he follows has reached New Tristam. I will take you to them."

Sorcha blinked. "Why would-"

"For protection. You've attracted the attention of some rather unsavory demons, one in particular I've had the misfortune of tackling right outside of this very city. He may not have physical form but he is still the greatest danger facing these worlds. And... where he'd once set his sights on consuming Tyrael's companion, he now sees you. And you are not the right kind of god to stand against him."

Sorcha's anger flared. "Sorry? What did you just say?! I've taken down more enemies than you could ever have, you-you... giant thick-headed ox!"

"Am I wrong? Are you actually a god of war?"

Her temper suddenly evaporated. "That's not the point! I don't need to be that type to win a war! I can fight."

"I never said you couldn't. But war is not your greatest skill."

Sorcha shook her head. "It may have escaped your notice but there's no other gods around apart from Shen and he's not exactly at full strength. I'm the only one in this fight!"

Imperius peered at her oddly. "You're not alone, Sorcha. I'll get you to where the last seed must be sown. Now unless you wish to remain only in that blanket, I suggest you redress before I take us to New Tristam."

"Don't you- eeeeek!"

"Brother?" Tyrael was stunned as Imperius teleported into view before him with the woman he'd brought previously to the High Heavens struggling in his arms. And... not clothed in anything substantial with the exception of a fine blanket that did nothing to hide her ample charms.

Something which was not appropriate considering the pouring rain and mud they stood in.

"Gods! Imperius! Take us back!"she squeaked.

"No," was the stern reply. Imperius merely tightened his grip on the struggling woman as he addressed Tyrael.

"I need your assistance. Sorcha will need protection in my absence. I require you and the nephelm who follows you like a puppy to tend to her."

"Nobody is tending to me!" the young woman with thick blonde hair shouted.

Imperius ignored her once more and continued to speak to Tyrael. "She'll need shelter and clothing. I will of course compensate you for your time."

Before Tyrael could even open his mouth, Imperius set off in long strides through the rain and thick mud towards the glowing lanterns that marked out the New Tristam Inn.

"I will organise what is required for her stay. Come, Tyrael. We have much to discuss."