COF 23

 Opening her mouth wide, Andais let out one shrill scream after another, pale face frightened at the sight of Lezard. The woman struggled to get out of Lenneth’s arms, at once trying to back into the cottage, and drag the Valkyrie in with her. Lenneth took a step forward, holding on rather helplessly to the woman. Lezard let out a vicious sounding curse, coming forward at lightning fast speed. He was grabbing at Lenneth’s arm, spinning her away from the screaming Andais, even as his other hand went over the woman’s mouth.

Her voice muffled, she continued to cry out, and Lezard reached around with his other hand, landing on the flat of her back, pushing her against his chest. She began struggling wildly, trying to hit at him, but he ignored her blows, lifting her slightly off the ground. Her feet dangled a few inches off the floor, and he stepped forward into the house, carrying the panicking woman. His booted feet stepped onto the candle’s flame, snuffing out the fire before it could do any damage.

“Lezard, what are you doing?!” Lenneth demanded, hurrying into the house. “Don’t hurt her!” She frowned, not liking to have to constantly remind him not to harm people.

“Then tell her to be…OW!!” He hissed, not pulling his hand away, though it stung from where Andais had bit down on the delicate flesh. “Quiet you!” He gave her a shake and unceremoniously dumped her onto the floor. He glanced at his hand, feeling to see if she had broken the skin. Fortunately for her, she hadn’t. Lezard glared down at the woman, and Lenneth pushed past him to kneel down by Andais’ side.

“It’s okay!” She soothed, brushing back the bangs on the frightened woman’s face. “He won’t harm you.” She looked up at Lezard, a glare on her pretty face. “Right?”

“…That remains to be seen…” He muttered in response, and a sob issued from Andais’ mouth.

“Lezard!”

“Fine…I give you my word, I won’t harm her.” He glanced around the room, itching to cast a silence spell on the sobbing woman. His eyes landed on a scone on the wall, and he lazily wiggled his fingers at it. “Illumi-nata!” Fire flickered to life, lighting up the room so that he could see inside. It was quaint, homey even, with a couch and chair next to a small table. A harp lay in one corner, with doors leading to other areas of the cottage.

Lezard turned, at last getting a good look at the frightened woman. “Wonderful…” he muttered, a heavy sigh emanating from his lips. “Another blasted elf.” He had just spotted the long, pointed ears that jutted out through the strands of dark green hair. Her hair was so dark a green, it was almost black, with streaks of gray mixed in. Until then he had never seen an elf with hair that wasn’t anything but pure green. He hadn’t even realized elves could grow old.

Her skin was still that of a young woman, free of wrinkles and lines. Her eyes were bright with intelligence, though those golden orbs were looking at him terrified. Lenneth quickly switched languages, speaking to her in the tongue of the elves, and that seemed to relax Andais. He supposed that made her convinced of Lenneth’s true identity. He continued to study the elf, seeing her hair was braided in two pigtails, that fell over her shoulders, to trail down to the tips of her breasts. She wore a long gray nightgown, having already retired for the night. Her skin was tanned, most likely from working on the garden outside.

Andais was shaking her head, a fearful frown flashed in Lezard’s direction. He didn’t like being left out of the conversation, the tongue of the Elves being one of the few languages he was not an expert in. Lenneth seemed to sense his frustration, because she switched back to Norse. “Did you know they have wanted posters made up of you?”

His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really now?” He sounded amused at that.

“Yes…one of the warriors is a skilled artist. She was able to paint an accurate portrait of you. They’ve been distributed among the elves so they know to watch out for you.” Lenneth’s mouth was set in a grim line, and Lezard wondered what else Andais had told her. The dark look in her blue eyes said she thought he was a very bad man. Ill at ease, Lezard tried to flash her a reassuring smile, saddened to see Lenneth look away.

“I’m sure they have me confused with somebody else.” His lips quirked, trying not to laugh at the lie. Lenneth gave him a displeased look, not liking his glib manner.

“Perhaps…” She said at last, looking away from him. Andais shook her head, also speaking in Norse. “I’m not mistaken…you are the sorcerer who has been kidnapping elves!”

“That’s…all in the past.” Lezard said, not bothering to deny it. “I’ve no need to harm your sisters anymore.”

“Only because you got what you wanted…” Lenneth muttered, further displeased with him. “Not everything…” He was quick to correct her, his voice a low purr. She turned to frown up at him, and he just smirked at her in return.

“Lady Valkyrie…please…why are you with this man…and why are you a human?” Andais begged, needing answers. “Are you two the reason why the hunting horns have been sounding for the past two hours?!”

“I’m afraid so…” Lenneth hung her head in shame. “We had a…misunderstanding with some of your people.”

“Arriving here with him in your presence, I should say so!” Andais shook her head, still not believing the notorious elf kidnapper was in her home.

“He’s a…necessary evil…” Lezard scoffed at this, feeling insulted. “I couldn’t travel here on my own…not like this…” She spread her hands helplessly.

“Yes…humans tend to be limited in what they can do…” Andais said softly. “Most of them anyway…” She added with a sidelong glance at the wizard.

“So glad you noticed.” Lezard said sarcastically.

Andais nodded gravely. “We’ve never known a human quite like you.” In a twisted way it could have been a compliment. “It’s good you’ve come to me…the others won’t be willing to listen…not with him around.”

“You didn’t seem to want to heed our words either.” pointed out Lezard.

“I was startled…I…” She lowered her eyes to the floor, a blush on her cheeks. “I did not act very wise, did I?” She let out a bitter laugh. “The wise sage of the elves cowering like a mere babe before a human! What would they think of me?!”

“Don’t worry…” Lenneth smiled at her. “Your secret will be safe with us.” She held out her hands, and the elf took them, rising up with Lenneth to stand before Lezard. She seemed to be composed now, intent on being a good host. “Look at the two of you…a frightful mess…come, I’ll draw you a bath…” Lezard grinned at this, and Andais hastened to add. “Separate ones of course…Lenneth first…” She said, taking the Valkyrie by the arm. Lezard opened his mouth to protest, and with a curt nod of her head, Lenneth said, “It’s all right…we’re safe here…no one would dare intrude on Andais without good cause.”

She allowed the elf to lead her to the bathroom, hearing Lezard’s reply just before the door closed behind her. “And you don’t think two wanted fugitives is good enough cause?”

“What a terrible man!” The elf said, leaning against the door with a shudder. Her hands fumbled behind her, clicking on the lock. Lenneth didn’t reply, eyes drawn to the marble tub in the center of the room, raised off the floor on ivory feet. Earlier she had eyed the small pond of water they passed with much longing, wanting a chance to wash off the dirt and grime from her body. She was relieved to get her chance now.

“Let me…” Lenneth said, hurrying forward to work at the pump. Up and down she pushed it, working to get the clean liquid into the tub. Andais wandered about, pulling out towels, and a fluffy robe. “I dare say your outfit is ruined.” She commented, looking at the dirty and bloodied leather. “I suppose I could mend those tears for you.”

“If it’s not too much bother…” Lenneth said.

Andais nodded her head, a small frown on her face. “I won’t say much about your choice in companions. But…”

“But what?” asked Lenneth, easing off her vest. She winced at the pain in her left shoulder, starting in on the buttons of her no longer white blouse.

“Surely there were other humans you could have relied on!”

“No…” Lenneth said softly. “No there wasn’t…I didn’t have much choice in the matter.”

“I can’t say I understand…I get the feeling there is so much you are not telling me…” The elf replied with a sigh. “But I think I know why you’re here..” Lenneth turned to meet her eyes, and the woman nodded her head. “The apples…you’re here to see Lady Idunn.”

“Yes.” Lenneth tossed her boots onto the floor.

“I didn’t want to ask in front of him…” Andais shuddered at the thought of a mortal like Lezard knowing about the apples. “But I just knew if you’re here like this, you must be seeking to regain your Godhood.”

“That I am.”

“I’ll help you.” promised Andais. “I can lead you to Idunn’s home, get you an audience with her.”

“Thank you Andais…I knew I could count on you.” She slipped her legs over the side of the tub, sliding down into the warm water. She let out a happy sigh, pulling her hair forward. Andais let out a hiss, coming closer. “You’re injured!”

“A stray arrow got me…” explained Lenneth. She felt the elf’s hand on her back, fingers caressing the wound. “I’ll get some ointment for it.”

“Thank you…” Lenneth said, winding her fingers through her hair, scrubbing shampoo into her thick mane. The door was unlocked, Andais saying something in elvish to Lezard. She paid no mind when the door reopened, not turning around, instead continuing to wash at her hair. Booted footsteps walked forward, and she realized a second too late Andais had been barefoot, her soft feet gliding silently across the floor.

“She doesn’t like me very much does she…” Lezard said, his voice too close for comfort, his hand reaching out to caress her wet shoulder blades.

“Lezard!” hissed Lenneth, starting to turn in the tub, before remembering she was naked. She let out an angry shriek, crossing her arms over her breasts, hugging her knees tight to her body. “Get out of here!” A low throaty chuckle was all the answer she got. “I mean it.” She insisted, trying to ignore his fingers touching her back.

“I just wanted to talk to you.” He said at last, and she heard him dip his fingers into the water, the back of his hand brushing against her skin. Her flesh goose pimpled, her cheeks flaming crimson. “You can do that later…when I’m dressed.”

“But it’s more fun this way…” He teased her.

“Lezard!”

He let out a sigh at the anger in her voice. “Perhaps I’ve…overstepped my bounds.” He chuckled again, removing his hand from the tub. “Maybe just a little.”

“Only a little?” Lenneth asked tartly, imagining the leer that must be on his face.

“It’s just…I worry what that elf could be telling you about me…”

“Don’t expect me to believe Andais would make up lies about you!” Lenneth retorted, with a scoff. “She’s a very truthful woman…” She let out a sigh. “I was a fool to bring you here…”

“I don’t think you were.” He replied.

“Why didn’t you tell me this forest was where you were getting the elves for your experiments…” Lenneth felt very foolish. Lezard was silent, the quiet dragging out long enough to make her think he had left the room. “Didn’t think it mattered…” He said at last. “You needed to come here…to see Idunn…I’m willing to risk death to get you where you need to be…”

“That…” She hesitated. “It’s almost sweet when you say it like that. Makes me want to thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t say I did, just that I almost want to.” Lenneth replied, insisting on being difficult. He smiled at this, opening his mouth when a loud knock came out the door. Both he and Lenneth turned, but not before he caught the view of her bare breasts, the sight making him want to turn back around. But the warrior in him was wary of the frantic banging on the cottage’s outside door, and they both watched, seeing Andais walk past the open doorway. Her mouth opened in shock to see the wizard standing by the tub, her eyes narrowing as she gave them a stern, displeased look. She then shook her head, and quietly closed the door. The last sight they saw was of Andais holding a finger to her lips, telling them to be quiet.

Lezard turned to look at Lenneth, and she flushed, quickly turning to present him with her back. She gritted her teeth, unbelieving of the situation forcing her to stay in this position, in this state of undress. And yes, she noted to herself, he did have that god forsaken leer on his face when he looked at her. His purple eyes had filled with desire, his lips spread in a grin, approving of what he had seen.

Lenneth glared at the water, wishing it wasn’t quite so clear. She cocked her head to the side, straining to hear. The banging had stopped, Andais opening the door. “Bloodwyn!” Andais said, her voice carrying into the bathroom. “What brings you here at this late hour?”

“Just checking to make sure you are all right…” came the answer. Footsteps stepped across the wooden floor, several people entering Andais’ home. “Pushy, aren’t they?” murmured Lezard into Lenneth’s ear. She mutely nodded, his breath tickling against the side of her neck.

“I’m fine…just up doing a little late night sewing…” came Andais’ reply. “I must say that it is unusual to get any visitors out at this time of night, in this part of the woods. Is everything all right?”

No more comments came from Lezard, although he did touch her again, causing Lenneth to jump slightly. Water sloshed out of the tub, and she cringed, hoping the elves missed the sound of water hitting the floor. Her eyes were furious, and she wanted to scream at Lezard. He was still touching her, a washcloth held in his one hand. He slid the soft material across her back, dipping down low to caress across the top of her buttocks. Lenneth gritted her teeth, digging her fingers into her arms until the knuckles turned white.

Lezard buried his face in the back of her hair, and she felt him shaking with repressed laughter. The wash cloth moved lower, and she felt his fingers nudging against the flesh that she sat on, giving her a slight squeeze. She let out an outraged gasp, and she heard him wickedly murmur, “Careful Lenneth, we have to be quiet!” It made her want to sink down into the tub, or better yet reach up and pull him in, drown that smug, insufferable necromancer.

He was still feeling the roundness of her ass, when Bloodwyn’s reply came. “The sorcerer is back.” Andais let out a horrified gasp, feigning shock. “Naturally we are concerned about all the citizens of the Forest.”

“Yes…we certainly can’t let him take any more of our people.” Lezard’s hands were coming around to her front, washcloth caressing her belly. His arms squeezed at her sides, and he leaned forward, uncaring of getting his shirt wet as he pressed in against her soaked back. He was hugging her from behind, his lips once again by her ears. He kissed the curve of her ear, and she jerked her head to the side.

“What do you think you are doing?!” Lenneth hissed, angry at him for taking advantage of the situation. She dropped her arms from her chest, catching at his wrists.

“Just enjoying you…” came the whispered answer, his captured hands caressing the middle ground just under her breasts. Her belly was hardly a safe place to touch, being too close to too many interesting body parts. It left her confused over whether or not to hold his hands there. Lenneth reluctantly let go.

“We are going door to door, checking to see if anyone has seen anything unusual.” continued Bloodwyn, just as his hands moved upwards, lifting up her breasts so that they rested on the sides of his wrists. He purposefully avoided touching them directly, still making lazy swipes at her skin under them with the washcloth. Lenneth knew he could feel how hard her nipples were, hoping he realized it was due to the rapidly cooling water.

“What was that you said about being truthful?” He whispered in her ear, as Andais easily lied about not seeing anything unusual.

“It’s just a white lie…” Lenneth said softly. “To save us…”

“Hmm…” Lezard wasn’t really interested in Andais’ motives. Not when he had a naked, wet Lenneth in his arms! “Lezard…stop…” Lenneth tried to make it sound like an order, as his hands reached up to cup her breasts full on, palms pressed against her hardened nipples. He had dropped the washcloth, no longer interested in the pretense of washing her. Her pleas to stop came out as a moan, the Valkyrie being especially susceptible to his skillful hands on her breasts.

He rubbed his hands back and forth across her nipples, fingers squeezing her breasts. Lenneth moaned again, her head falling backwards. Lezard took advantage of this to lick the side of her face, trailing his tongue down to her neck where he lightly bit down, feeling her tense underneath his teeth. He sucked and nibbled at her tender flesh, lips working to mark her skin with a love bite.

Lenneth’s hands once again touched his, but she didn’t try to grab at them, or make him stop. Instead she stroked his lower arms, rubbing up and down in encouragement, just needing to feel him, to touch him. His fingers on her breasts parted, catching a nipple between forefinger and middle finger. He twiddled his fingers, a slight pinching motion, and Lenneth opened her mouth to moan, louder this time.

“What was that?!” demanded Bloodwyn, suspicion in her voice. Lenneth and Lezard froze, faces paling. “Just my cat.” Andais was quick to say.

“Your cat? Since when do you keep animals?” asked Bloodwyn, footsteps moving towards the bathroom. Andais hurried after her, catching at her arm. “Luserina gave it to me…poor thing was nearly at death’s door…I had to take it in…”

“Are you quite sure that was your cat?” Anwyn spoke up now. “Didn’t sound like any cat I’ve ever heard.”

“She’s…she’s in heat!” Andais said in a sudden flash of inspiration, and Lenneth’s mouth dropped open in shock. Once again she felt Lezard shaking behind her, lips parted against her hair as he tried to reign in laughter. “It’s not funny!” She hissed through clenched teeth.

“Yes it is…” came his smug answer.

“Pervert!”

“Yes but you liked it.” Lezard teased. That stopped her up short, and she was glad her back was to him, so that he could not see how embarrassed she looked. She HAD started to enjoy what he was doing to her. Did that make her a pervert as well?

Bloodwyn seemed to reluctantly accept the answer. “Maybe I should leave a guard here for the night…Anwyn perhaps?”

“Oh no, that won’t be necessary.” Andais hastened to ensure the elf. “I’ll be fine on my own.”

“But you’re quite isolated out here…if something were to happen, I’d never forgive myself.” said Bloodwyn.

“Really, I’m quite confident nothing will happen to me. I have my magic to protect me.” Andais said confidently.

“I suppose…” More footsteps sounded, moving away from the bathroom. They heard the sound of a horn being blown, Bloodwyn checking in with the rest of the patrols. Answering calls came back, and she let out a frustrated sign. “Still no sign of the sorcerer!”

“I’m sure you’ll find him soon enough…” came Andais encouragingly reply. “Good fortune to you.”

“Good fortune to you as well, sage.” answered Bloodwyn, and at last the room fell silent. They heard the door close, Andais locking it behind her. A few minutes passed by, before she knocked timidly on the bathroom door, calling out to Lezard and Lenneth. “They’re gone…you can come out now…”

“Just a minute!” Lenneth replied, and turned towards Lezard, her eyes twinkling with mischief. He was distracted by her breasts, leaving himself open to a sneak attack. Lenneth reached out and grabbed at his arms, pulling him off balance. He teetered tottered over the edge of the tub, before splashing face first into the tub of water, legs sticking out in the air. “That’s for groping me!” She told him, rising to get out of the tub. He flailed around, getting his hands on the bath tub’s edge, pulling himself up.

“Lenneth!” He barked out angrily, hair sticking wetly to his face. He heard her let out a giggle, laughing at the sight of him. A growl issued from his throat, and he reached forward, sliding arms around her waist, pulling her slippery body back into the water. She let out a startled shriek, falling back first into the tub. She sat up, frantically brushing hair and water out of her eyes, a glare on her face.

“Payback…” He said, tapping her on the nose. Lezard stepped away from the tub, reaching for one of the towels. He wiped at his face, carefully cleaning off his glasses, finding them fogging up.

“Is everything all right in there?” Andais said, hand hovering over the door knob, worried over the Valkyrie’s shriek.

“We’re fine!” came Lenneth’s cry, even as she shot a mad look at Lezard. “At least your clothes didn’t get wet.” He pointed out. “I doubt the elf has anything in my size to wear.” Lenneth almost looked apologetic. Until she remembered he himself had gotten his shirt wet first. “So I did.” He said, when she pointed that fact out to him. Lezard approached her with a long towel, holding it out for her. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before.” He reminded her when she hesitated to step out of the tub.

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that.” Lenneth said, ordering him to turn his head away. Lezard humored her, and she climbed out of the tub, allowing him to wrap the towel around her body. His hands came forward to knot the towel over her breasts, the length of it falling just above her knees. Lenneth was startled when he then lifted her up in his arms, holding her close to his chest, one arm slung under her knees, the other just under her shoulders.

“I can walk you know!” She protested. Ignoring this, Lezard carried her out of the bathroom, turning slightly, so that he could get the door open without putting her down. Andais’ eyes were wide as a soaking wet Lezard strode out into the room, holding the towel clad Valkyrie in his arms. “Where’s your bedroom?” He asked.

The elf’s mouth worked open and close several times, trying to process this question. She looked at Lenneth, whose face was turning red with embarrassment. “I have a spare bedroom…it’s that way…” She pointed at the oak door, and Lezard immediately turned in that direction. “Oh dear…” She murmured, as the door slammed shut behind the pair.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Cuddling her pillow, Mystina’s eyelids fluttered, a frown on her face. There was noise intruding on her beauty sleep, a loud insistent knock on the door, ringing out in her bed chambers. It was impossible to sleep through, the person at her door would simply not go away. “This better be good Arngrim…” The mage muttered, opening her eyes. She glanced at the open window of her bedroom, seeing the moon high in the sky, stars twinkling. She wondered how late it was, as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, sliding her toes into fuzzy pink slippers.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” She bellowed out, reaching for her robe. She pulled it closed over her short nightgown, securing the sash around her waist. Mystina took her sweet time walking across the room, tired fingers working the lock of her door. She was letting out a rather large yawn, hand to her face when the door opened, her visitor barreling past her into the bedroom.

“Hey! Rude much?!” commented Mystina, turning to follow the person. She blinked surprised to see it wasn’t who she expected. No, it was not Arngrim who had disturbed her slumber, but Hrist, the Valkyrie drawing back her hood, for once not wearing her feathered helm. Hrist turned to look at Mystina, and her lips pursed in amusement. The girl was dishelved, her long blonde hair tied up in many curlers, some sort of green facial mask on her face.

“Hrist?!” exclaimed Mystina, mouth falling open, eyes wide. The Valkyrie nodded her head, gesturing at the door. “Oh…right…” Mystina hastened to shut the door close, not bothering with the locks though. “What…what brings you here…” She licked her lips nervously, getting a taste of the avocado facial cleanser on her tongue.

“I was told you would be of some use to me.” replied Hrist, wondering just what was the purpose of that green goop on the blonde’s face. Mystina stiffened, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “It depends on who told you that.” She gave a lofty toss of her head, trying to look haughty, thought in her current state of dress she looked like a clown. “I don’t take orders from just any old Valkyrie.”

“Insolent…” Hrist noted. “Just like last time.” It was a sore point of issue between them, Mystina and Arngrim having refused to work with the Valkyrie the time she had stolen Lenneth’s body.

“Call it what you will.” Mystina shrugged, uncaring of the Valkyrie’s words.

“You’re lucky I have need of you.” Hrist sighed, hands on hips. “I was told by Lucian that you and Arngrim were to be trusted. Perhaps he was wrong.”

“Lucian?” Mystina blinked. “Wait…what do you know?”

“I know a great many things…including who was the true abductor of my sister.”

“The true one? Then it means you’ve accepted that it isn’t Brahms…?” Her blue eyes widened in shock. “It was the little freak, wasn’t it!?”

“Yes.” She nodded her head. “Lezard.”

“Ooooh…I hope you hurt him good…” Mystina grinned.

“All in good time.” promised Hrist.

“What do you need me for?” asked the mage.

“I need you to get a message to Freya…Keep her and Lucian informed on what’s going on.”

“Done.” Mystina said, cutting off the Valkyrie before she could continue. Hrist held up a hand, and Mystina fell silent. “They must know, I cannot delay it any longer. Odin pushes for the war with Brahms to happen tomorrow.”

“So soon?!” gasped Mystina. “Why?”

“It would seem he wants to get his Nifleheim army in position in Asgard…to consolidate his power in case his role in these heinous plots come to light. It’s a lot easier to hold a realm than to invade it.” explained Hrist. “If he can get Hel’s forces firmly entrenched in Asgard, while our soldiers are away fighting Brahms…well…those that returned will be weakened and without access to the resources in Valhalla…we will be forced to invade our own home…or worse yet, make conditions of surrender with Nifleheim.”

“Damn…” Mystina shook her head. “This goes a lot further than just Lezard kidnapping Lenneth cause he’s a horny little toad.”

“Indeed.” Hrist scowled. “The human was just a catalyst that started off these chains of events.” An angry sigh issued from her lips. “Tell Freya…let her know I still have a few tricks left to exploit. I won’t let Asgard be overrun with the undead and demonic fiends so easily.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Mystina curious.

“I think it’s best to wait and see.” answered the Valkyrie.

“When do I leave?” wondered Mystina. “And to where?”

“As soon as you’re ready I shall send you down to Midgard.” Hrist had a feeling she knew where Freya would be.

“No time to lose, I’m ready to go right now!” She said eagerly. Hrist had to stifle back her laughter. “Have you forgotten something?” She reached forward, swiping her finger across the green cream. Mystina let out a little o of surprise, her hands flying to the curlers in her hair. “Just give me a moment to get dressed…” She said hastily pulling out curler after curler.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Like the main room of the cottage, the bedroom was plain in appearance, a few hand sewn touches being spread through out the room. Such as pillows, and a coverlet spread across a plush chair. It appeared Andais didn’t get many overnight guests, in fact the room seemed more suited to tending to a sick patient than anything else, with plain white sheets, and blue pillows that matched the curtains hanging in the window.

The bed was large, being made of strong oak, it’s mattress looking soft and inviting. Lezard immediately made a beeline for it, still carrying the Valkyrie in his arms. “Lezard…put me down!” Lenneth ordered, beginning to struggle. He merely tightened his grip on her, making sure not to drop her as he walked towards the bed. “I mean it!” She got her wish when he abruptly dropped her on the soft cushions, her body bouncing slightly on the springy mattress.

Lenneth immediately sat up, hands going to secure her towel, making sure it stayed in place. Lezard’s hands came forward, touching the sides of her face, gently caressing as he bent towards her. She found her face being turned upwards, to meet him halfway as his lips descended upon hers, kissing her soundly. “Lezard…” His name was drawn out on her lips, a moan that was half in appreciation, half frustration. “What are you doing…”

“I would think that would be obvious to you by now…” He said in a teasing tone, once again planting a kiss on her lips. “I think it’s time now, don’t you?” Another kiss on her mouth, his tongue pressing against her lips, wanting access. Instead he settled for licking across her lower lip, lips puckering to claim another chaste kiss from her.

“Time…What are you talking about?” Lenneth frowned, fighting to not return his kisses.

“Back on the beach…you said then was not the time…” He reminded her, one hand winding up into her hair, wrapping the thick wet mane around his fingers. With a tug, her head was pulled back, exposing her throat to him. He kissed against the front, working his way down to her collarbone, as her brow furrowed, trying to remember. He licked the soft hollow in her throat, gratified to see the mark he had put on her in the tub was already blossoming on her skin, a dark bruise that stated she was claimed by him.

“Oh!” cried Lenneth, remembering at last. “Oh…” Lezard mimicked, chuckling against her skin. Her hands came up, pushing at his chest, urging him away from her. “Lezard…” She said seriously. “That was…” She trailed off, not quite sure what to say.

“That was what…?” He asked, looking her straight in the eyes. His hand was still in her hair, holding her frozen so that she could not look away. “If you can’t give me a straight answer, I’ll kiss you again!” She gaped at him, thinking him mad to threaten that. He moved in to capture another kiss from her, and she opened her mouth, hastily crying out, “Wait! Wait!”

Lezard paused, his breath hot on her face as he awaited Lenneth’s next words. She stumbled over her own tongue, thinking as she spoke. “That was just lust…this body’s weakness…”

“You think it weak to have feelings for me?” He asked, and she frowned, thinking it over carefully. At last she nodded her head, looking shy. Lezard smiled at the gesture, pulling her forward, to hug her tightly. “Lenneth, Lenneth…” He chided softly in her ear. “There’s nothing wrong with feeling arousal…it’s part of being alive…”

“But you’re a…”

“I know, a defiler of souls right?” He was still smiling, giving a rueful shake of his head. “You think it wrong to care for me…to love me…”

“I don’t love you!” She was quick to deny him that, and for one brief second pain was in his amethyst eyes. “I don’t!” Lenneth insisted. “I just…” She was blushing, staring down at her lap. “…like…what you do to my body…” She almost wished the floor would open up, and swallow her whole, shocked she had been able to admit to that.

“Well it’s a start…” came his answer. She was quiet, still staring downwards. “Lenneth…” Lezard knelt down at the edge of the bed, taking hold of her hands. “Love can come later…” He interlaced his fingers with hers. “It doesn’t have to happen spontaneously.”

“It happened right away for you, didn’t it?” asked Lenneth.

“Well yes…but it’s different for everybody.” He was still holding her hands, and he raised the right one to his lips, planting a kiss on the back of her hand. She let out a sigh, liking his gentleness.

“Is it really different for everyone?” Lenneth asked quietly. Her blue eyes looked lost in thought, the Valkyrie clearly thinking of something.

“Lenneth, have you ever been in love?” She turned surprised eyes to him, and with a frown, slowly shook her head no. “I thought I was…but now I’m not so sure…” She sighed. “Lezard…how will I know?”

“Oh trust me, you’ll know.” He smiled at her. “You won’t be able to mistake it for anything else!”

“Not even confuse it with lust?” She asked.

“There’s the tricky part…there’s a thin line between the two…they often go hand in hand…” He squeezed her hands, gracing her right wrist with a kiss. He felt her pulse speed up under his lips, and smiled at that.

“But not always right?” Lenneth asked, wanting to be sure. To her relief, he nodded his head yes. She flashed him a dazzling smile, and leaned forward to kiss him on the forehead. “Lenneth…may I kiss you?” Her azure eyes widened in surprise, Lenneth flashing him a surprised look.

“What?” He asked, bemused.

“You don’t normally ask…you usually just take…” Her eyes danced with merriment. “It’s a nice change…”

“So may I?” Lezard asked hopefully.

“Yes, Lezard, you may…” He smiled at her answer, moving towards her, a slight tug on her hands guiding her into his chest. Their lips touched softly, Lenneth’s hesitating under his. He pressed his mouth forward, nudging her lips open with his, bringing forth his tongue to stroke against hers. Her tongue came forward to meet his boldly, wet velvet clashing against each other. She went to pull her hands free of his, and he let her, feeling her wrap her arms around his neck, clinging tightly to him.

They broke apart for air, taking a second to gulp in much needed oxygen. And then their mouths reconnected, no hesitation this time in the kiss. Lenneth’s eyes drifted close, enjoying the feel of his mouth on hers. She let out a happy sounding sigh, as he trailed butterfly kisses down her neck. His hands transferred to her waist, fingers digging into the towel’s soft material.

Lezard licked his way back up to her mouth, once again passionately kissing her. It was when he began to feel her up that Lenneth pulled away from his kisses. “Lezard, no…” She said, but he pressed forward cutting off her weak protest with his lips. “Wait Lezard…” She managed to say when he pulled away, and he let out an impatient groan. He wanted to admonish her for teasing him, letting him kiss her than pulling away yet again. Instead he managed to sound quite calm as he asked, “What now Lenneth?”

“It’s just…you only asked for a kiss…” Lenneth said, blushing.

“Can I ask for more?” Lezard asked mischievously. She was quiet, her cheeks turning pinker. “I suppose that was too much to hope for…” He let out a wistful sigh, rising to stand. “Lezard…” This time she was the one grabbing at his hand, her touch causing him to pause. “I…” She licked her lips nervously, his amethyst eyes drawn to the movement. “I want you…” He nearly fell over, the look on his face was absolutely comical.

“Can you repeat that?!” He asked, not daring to believe he heard her correctly.

“I want you…” She looked up at him, blue eyes meeting his boldly.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes…no…” Lenneth gave a helpless shrug of her shoulders. “I want to understand…” She said at last, rising to her feet to stand before him.

“Understand what?” Lezard asked cautiously.

“What you feel. Love…lust…the difference between them…” She closed her eyes. “It might be my last chance to experience it before I become a God again.”

“Is there no one in Valhalla for you?” He wondered out loud, not daring to risk a smile at this crucial moment. Lenneth shook her head, opening her eyes once again. “No…no one who makes me feel the way you do…”

Lezard smiled then, eyes shining as he stepped forward to embrace her. “Then it would be my most esteemed honor to show you…” He told her, kissing her possessively on the mouth.