COF 27

 Lenneth was aware of Lucian’s eyes on her, eager and hopeful, but worst of all, full of love for her. It was a true love, pure and simple, but also needy. She could feel the desperation in it, the need to have her return it, and knew it would crush him to know she did not feel the same way. The Valkyrie didn’t know who she loved, still steadfast in her refusal to fall for a defiler of souls, but she did know one thing. She didn’t love Lucian, not in the way he wanted her too. It was a fondness she felt for him, a caring like that of a cherished friend, or dear family member. She just didn’t view him in the romantic sense. Hadn’t long before she had ever been kidnapped by Lezard.

“Lenneth?” It was Lucian, concern in his voice at the loud sigh she had let out. Her thoughts were reflected in that sigh, making the young man nervous. Lenneth gave a reassuring squeeze of his hand, knowing anything she had to say would only distress the man. He didn’t try to address her again, Lucian content to allow her to lead him on, the pair walking past trees and bushes, going deeper into the garden, away from prying eyes and nosy ears. They did not need an audience for this, Lenneth owed Lucian that much at least.

At last she came to a sudden stop, Lucian nearly bumping into her as she paused behind a copse of trees. Lenneth didn’t know what was on his mind as he stepped into place behind her, arms coming forward to pull her into an awkward embrace. “Lucian don’t…” She said sadly, back brushing against his chest as his arms tightened around her front.

“But I…” His voice sounded lost and unsure, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke. He didn’t put up a fight when she turned, pulling out of his hold. “I missed you.” He said simply, holding up a hand to her face, though he made no move to touch her.

Lenneth was quiet, thinking. Had she missed him? Had she even thought of him while in Lezard’s care? She had spent more time thinking of rescue, of thinking of the other Gods than of the man before her. There WAS some small part of her heart that held a place for him, and it had thought of him, even if it was only in the role of savior. She chose to answer with diplomacy, choosing to spare his feelings. “I missed you too.” His face brightened into a smile, one that pained her to look at, and she was quick to add, “I missed you all…Freya, Frei…my einherjar. I’ve spent time wondering what has gone on in Asgard during my absence.”

“Things are falling apart without you.” was his answer. “Hrist and Freya have done their best to keep the peace but…” He shrugged. “It’s not the same without a true ruler there. But…surely you didn’t bring me out here to discuss this…?”

“No…” Lenneth shook her head. “I didn’t.”

“Then?”

This was harder than she ever imagined something could be, to face him, looking at her with those clear blue eyes and earnest expression, and tell him she did not love him. Again she was sighing, as though her breath had a mind of it’s own. Lucian took her sighs as a sign of foreboding, doing his best to keep his expression hopeful and calm. “It’s about our relationship…”

“I knew you didn’t forget…” Lucian interrupted her, clearly thinking if he thought positively everything would turn out for the best. “I knew you still believed in us, in our love! Lenneth I…” But she was shaking her head, slowly back and forth.

“No Lucian…we don’t have a relationship…not in the sense you mean, not anymore.”

“No…” He whispered, shaking his head in protest. “You don’t mean it…Lezard has done something to you, brainwashed you or something.”

“Lezard doesn’t have anything to do with this!” Lenneth replied, but Lucian continued to talk over her. “He’s messed with your head, made you dependent on him for your every need! That sort of thing is bound to play tricks on your mind!”

“No Lucian, no! You have to believe me when I say this is me speaking, not Lezard, not any…any conditioning you think he has done to me!” said Lenneth, hoping her protests would not fall on deaf ears.

“How can you say that?! After all we’ve been through together?!” demanded Lucian, the first real hint of anger in his voice.

“Have we really been through so much?” Lenneth asked, thinking back on their time together. “Most of our experience, most of our time together was when I was in the body of a human…when I was Platina…a brief moment in a lifetime that extends for a millenia.”

“That moment mattered to you…it’s what helped break you free of Odin’s control! Helped you to defeat Loki!” Lucian retorted.

“It gave me strength yes, I won’t deny it! But think Lucian, think! Was I really that girl you fell in love with, or just a slumbering soul within the shell of the human Platina? Valkyries are not conscious during their time as mortals, it wasn’t me…”

“It was you!” Lucian was interrupting her again. “You remembered your life as Platina, the emotions you felt as her, the love you felt for me.”

“Platina and I…are two separate beings. I wish you could understand that!” Her temper was flaring, though she didn’t mean to get angry at him.

“I won’t…I can’t!” He was grabbing at her, fingers digging into her arms, almost painful was his grip. “Lucian! What are you doing?!” demanded Lenneth as he dragged her against his front. “I’ll make you remember!” came his reply, and then he was kissing her, rough and needy, trying to force open her mouth with his tongue. Lenneth screamed into his mouth, angry at him for doing this, angry at him for making her bite down on his lips. She tasted blood, and it fueled her rage even more, hands shoving roughly at him, a sudden burst of strength that got her free of his grasp.

But Lucian was relentless in his pursuit of her. “Why Lezard and not me?” He demanded, taking a step towards her. Lenneth found herself backing up, almost nervous of his approach. His eyes narrowed, angry that she did not want him to come any closer to him. He advanced on her, until the Valkyrie’s back was against a tree, having nowhere to go. Once again the warrior’s hands were on her, rough and harsh, making her cry out in disgust. This was not the behavior of the gentle boy she had dallied with in Valhalla. He was trying to kiss her again when her knee slammed into his groin, air whooshing out of his mouth in a loud huff. It made him angry that she rebuffed him yet again, and it reflected in the words he spoke out to her.

“I was beginning to think you liked it rough.” It was an ugly thing for him to say, and her hand was moving before she completed the thought, slapping him harshly across the cheek. The imprint of her hand would redden all too soon, but for now he merely glared at her. “Lezard didn’t force himself on me…” She said tersely. “How many times do I have to say that before you’ll believe it?!”

“Honestly?” She nodded. “I’ll never believe it. And I look forward to the day you come to realize it as well!” Lucian laughed humorlessly. “Perhaps when you’ve been restored to divinity, this madness will take leave of the grip it has on your senses.” His eyes locked on to hers, blue on blue, and deadly serious. “I’ll wait for you, you know. I won’t ever give up on you, on us.”

“Then you are a fool!” Lenneth retorted, anger making her not mince words. Lucian’s mouth opened as though to speak, but then he was suddenly moving away from her, an angry scream issuing from his lips that caused nearby birds to take flight in fright from the trees. She jumped in place as he slammed his fist into the trunk of a nearby oak, armored fist making a dent in the wood. He let out a hiss of pain, shaking his hand, Lenneth just watching in silence. Once she would have comforted him, but not anymore, not while he was like this.

“Lenneth…” The anger was gone, replaced by raw pain. “Why…what changed…between us?”

“I did.” She answered softly, still wary of him and his emotions. “I came to realize I didn’t know what love was…hadn’t…” Lenneth shook her head rapidly. “HAVEN’T experienced it yet.”

“You don’t love Lezard?” She knew it was a trap to answer in anything that gave him a false hope, and yet…”I’m…attracted to him, yes. But I don’t love anyone.”

“Then there’s still a chance for us!” It was exactly what she didn’t want to happen. “No…” She shook her head. “I’m sorry Lucian…but our time together is over.”

“But!”

“We were never meant to be.” Lenneth watched as he closed his eyes, desperate to hide their wet sheen from her. His sadness cooled the anger she had felt, and she went to take a step towards him. He heard the rustle of leaves as she approached, opening his eyes in time to see her reaching out to him. He jumped back as though her touch was poison, whirling away from her in a desperate flight. “Lucian!” A plaintive cry echoed out of Lenneth, as she watched him run off deeper into the woods.

——————————————————————————————————————————–

At first Freya had remained fixated on the pairing of Lenneth and Lucian, watching as the Valkyrie led the mortal away from the small crowd gathered in Idunn’s front yard. She knew Lenneth was seeking a private spot, some distance away so that even Freya’s divine ears could not overhear them. It bothered the Goddess to be left out, and yet she knew the two needed some time alone. She only hoped Lucian could make Lenneth see the light, and forget about her infatuation with the accursed necromancer.

He was a dark speck in the corner of her green eyes, leaning against a tree, an unreadable expression on his face as he stared off in the distance. He looked almost harmless, but looks could be deceiving. With a shake of her head, Freya took to the air, floating towards the necromancer. Lezard looked up at her approach, a thin smile bereft of any joy crossing his lips.

“Ah Freya…Goddess of Love and Fertility…come to grant me your blessing?” His words gave her pause, her feet touching down upon the ground as she stared at him, aghast at what she perceived as insolence.

“I would not give you my blessing, even were it not Lenneth who you sought to court.” came Freya’s curt reply. Lezard let out a laugh, amused by her words. “Ah yes, I did not think any of the divine beings would sanction my union with your leader.” He glanced at her, eyes carefully running up and down her body, leaving the Goddess to feel dirty and defiled. His lips twisted into a smirk at her apparent discomfort, and Freya clenched her fists angrily.

“Luckily it’s not up to you.” He continued, still wearing that damnable smirk of his. “Only Lenneth’s wants and desires matter in this regard.”

“Necromancer!” Freya hissed, sounding a lot like Lenneth had in her earlier days among his care. “I don’t know what you did to bring about this…this change in her, but it will not go unchallenged!”

“So suspicious.” Lezard tried for an innocent look, though his best attempt failed at pulling off such an expression. “I have done nothing to Lenneth.” Freya loudly scoffed. “Except…” he continued, eyes narrowing at her. “Allow her to get to know me, and see that I am not that bad of a person.”

His words caused the Goddess to erupt into peals of laughter, a harsh, mocking sound that grated on his ears. “Done nothing to her? Has the kidnapping and subsequent turning into a mortal slipped your crazed mind?!” She demanded, hands on her hips. “You and she both try to make excuses for your actions…excuses that will not buy you redemption, nor save your soul from the pits of Hel.” She was gratified to see him shift, uncomfortable with her proclamation. “You better hope for your sake, that this..” Here her nose wrinkled up as she sneered, “Humanity isn’t what has caused Lenneth to sympathize with you.”

“What ever do you mean?” Lezard asked, truly curious as to what Freya was hinting at.

“Let us just say…mortals have a limited view on things.” Now it was Freya’s turn to smirk. “You may find Lenneth not so…compliant once her divinity is returned to her.”

His silence at her words was all too brief, the wizard speaking slowly and carefully. “If Lenneth’s feelings truly do change…then I am prepared to accept my punishment.”

“Even if she chooses to strike you down?” Freya watched as he hesitated, before nodding. A slow grin spread across her face. “I’ll hold you to that!”

“I see your reputation as a blood thirsty Goddess is well earned.” Lezard muttered, recalling that sexuality was only the nicer things she was a Goddess of. Freya was opening her mouth to let out an angry retort, when a sound caught their attention. It was the ringing of bells, a sound that accompanied many a God who had perfected the art of teleportation, and the air shimmered before them, as though from an intense heat.

“Stand back.” Freya advised, and Lezard let out a short burst of laughter. “Why my dear Goddess, I didn’t know you cared!”

“I don’t.” She snapped, annoyed at the wizard. “I was speaking to Andais.” Lezard spared a brief glance at the elf, the sage all but forgotten in his verbal sparring with Freya. The elf was backing away from the shimmering area, seeing the grass wither from the heat, as a white light formed in the sky. It stretched on for miles, as far as the eyes could see, in fact coming down from the heavens themselves.

The beam touched the grass, and a form appeared in the center of the light. It was clearly female, but hidden in shadows. Freya did not relax, not recognizing the build of this mystery woman, and seeing her tension, Lezard readied a spell, fearing a minion of Hel had finally found them. Golden balls of light formed in Freya’s hands, twin orbs of ether, ready to be lobbed at the intruder at a moment’s notice.

“Whoah! Hold on a minute!” A frantic, and surprisingly familiar voice greeted Lezard’s ears. “Don’t shoot!” The woman’s hands rose to show she was harmless, the female taking a nervous step forward, coming out of the shadows. Lezard’s jaw dropped open in shock, the spell words slipping from his mind as he stared at the woman before him. “Mystina?!”

“Friend of yours?” asked Freya, not lowering her hands. Any friend of Lezard was bound to be an enemy of the Gods!

“Um…sort of…” Lezard said, clearly uncomfortable.

“Ha! Me? A friend of his?!” A smirk was on the pretty blonde’s face. “You must be joking. Not after he killed me!”

“You’re mortal!” Freya said surprised. She took a closer look at the girl, realizing she had seen her before somewhere. “Aren’t you the one who usually hangs out with the einherjar Arngrim?”

“Got it in one.” Mystina smiled at Freya, but was all angry scowls for Lezard.

“Mysty, what are you doing here?!” demanded Lezard, recovering from his surprise at seeing a dead acquaintance alive and healthy before him.

“You don’t really have the right to ask me anything.” chided Mystina. “You killed me, remember?!” Her eyes narrowed into a glare, hatred deep within them.

“Now now…” This time Lezard was holding his hands up, trying to placate the blonde mage. “Let’s not think of it as murder so much as…granting you your dreams and ambitions.”

“You twist everything around don’t you?” asked Freya. “Murder, kidnapping. Is there anything you can’t paint to not sound like a crime?”

“He’s a silver tongue devil, I’ll grant him that.” muttered Mystina, crossing her arms over her chest. “The only thing he was never able to wiggle his way out of was when he got expelled from the collegium!”

Lezard coughed, clearly embarrassed at their discussing his aptitude for lies and deceit. “Mystina, surely you were not sent down to Midgard to be a character witness on my behalf…?”

“You have no character!” She muttered darkly, turning to look at Freya. She pointedly made sure not to turn her back on the necromancer as a sign of open distrust. “Lady Freya…forgive me, I bring you urgent tidings of the war in Asgard.”

“There’s a war going on?” questioned Lezard. This was news to him.

“Quiet!” Both blondes snapped at him, the necromancer falling silent at their admonishment. “Go on.” urged Freya.

“I regret to inform you, but Lady Hrist can no longer delay the battle. Odin has ordered the troops out of Asgard…they move on Brahms as we speak.”

“Odin?!” Lezard was clearly confused. “I thought he was dead?”

“It’s…complicated.” Freya pursed her lips closed, clearly displeased to have to share information with the wizard.

“So he’s alive?”

“Yes.” Freya sighed. “It’s imperative we restore Lenneth to her Godhood immediately!”

“Too bad for you Lezard.” smirked Mystina, watching him with greedy satisfaction. “Guess you won’t have a Goddess to play with after today!”

“Mystina, watch your tongue! That Goddess you speak on is Lady Lenneth!” snapped Freya.

“Sorry.” But the mage was clearly unrepentant.

“I…” Freya shook her head, changing her mind mid sentence. “There are many questions, and not enough answers. We must hurry and make haste to the apples.”

“Ah yes…the fabled apples…” mused Lezard out loud. “I’ve not yet seen these golden wonders, nor the Goddess who grows them.”

“You would do well to keep away from both of them!” snapped Freya. “Do not think to worm your way into Godhood necromancer! It is not for the likes of you!” Lezard was opening his mouth to protest, when Freya jerked away from him. Her sharp ears had picked up the sound of feet approaching, and she scanned the trees, surprised to hear only one set of foot prints. Lezard and Mystina turned to follow her gaze, and together, the trio watched as a figure emerged from the trees.

It was Lenneth, her steps slow and reluctant, the Valkyrie needing time to compose herself, before she rejoined the rest of her companions. “She walks alone.” noted Andais.

“Where is Lucian?” murmured Freya, her eyes troubled as she stared at her fellow Goddess.

“Lezard what have you done now?” asked Mystina, not knowing what was going on, but sure Lezard was at fault for the somber mood the two Goddesses were in.

“Me?! Why does it always have to be me at fault?” He demanded gruffly.

“Cause you usually are!” She retorted smartly.

Freya clicked her tongue, worried when Lucian did not appear, even at a distance behind Lenneth. She lifted up into the air, ignoring the squabbling of the two mages, and hurtled towards Lenneth. She reached the Valkyrie’s side in mere seconds, and paused, a questioning look in her eyes.

“Freya I…” Lenneth paused, lowering her eyes to the ground. She let out a sigh, then met the green gaze of the Goddess. “Go after him, please!” Freya gave her one last look, hard and unforgiving, before she took off without a word. Lenneth’s braid whipped out behind her, stirred up by the breeze of the Goddess’ passing.

“I can’t believe you have nothing to say for yourself!” snapped Mystina, her hands once again on her hips.

“What are you talking about now Mysty?” Lezard asked, his eyes boring into Lenneth’s approaching form.

“Don’t call me that!” ordered the mage. “And I’m talking about killing me! You’re not at all sorry are you!” She wagged a finger at him, growing angry at his ignoring of her. “You could at least be impressed…” She added. “I am an einherjar after all…a warrior spirit of Valhalla!” Still no reaction from him. “I could bring unholy retribution on you, you know!”

Now he spoke. “Mysty…” Lezard made sure to use the abbreviation that seemed to so infuriate the girl. “If a Goddess threatening me with eternal damnation didn’t phase me, surely seeing a spook like you would have little effect. After all…” A sardonic smile was on his face. “Necromancers are those who deal with the dead all the time.”

Mystina let out an outraged sound, trying to think of a suitable rebuttal. “Laugh now Lezard!” She jabbed her finger hard into his shoulder. “But mark my words, I’ll have the last laugh. I did agree to come down here just so I could watch you fail with your dream girl!” She let out a haughty laugh, thinking she saw Lezard flinch at her words.

“Lenneth!” He chose again to ignore Mystina, calling out to the nearing Valkyrie. He took a step forward, but Mystina jumped in front of him, waving an arm enthusiastically at the woman. “Lady Lenneth! I am so glad to see you!”

“Mystina?” Lenneth shook her head. “It seems today is one of many reunions.” The blonde was coming forward to take hold of Lenneth’s hand, clasping it to her, a warm smile on her face. She was truly heartened to see Lenneth hale and healthy, and her piercing gaze did not miss a thing, from the love bites on the Valkyrie’s neck, to the ring on her finger. “Lenneth!” She gasped, truly shocked. “Why are you wearing an engagement ring?!”

“A what?” Lenneth’s eyes slid from the mage to the necromancer, the man studiously ignoring her gaze. Blinking, she looked back at Mystina, the Valkyrie recovering well from the surprise. “It’s nothing…just a pretty bauble…” She said at last, not wishing to make a big deal of it.

“Hmm…I see…” Mystina had a sly look on her face. “He didn’t tell you what the significance of that ring finger was.”

“Ahem…” Lezard faked a cough, to draw attention away from the ring. “You’re alone…I take it Lucian didn’t like what you had to say to him?”

“No…” Lenneth lowered her eyes, truly sad at the scene that had taken place. “He did not.” Lezard and Mystina were both clearly impatient for details, but the Valkyrie offered none.

“Come…” She said, drawing her hand free of Mystina’s. “We’ve dallied enough. It’s time we meet with Idunn.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” grinned Lezard, ignoring the looks Mystina and Andais shot him.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

They had reached the eternal flowing River Iving, that which waters never froze over, even though one side of Iving bordered Jotunheim, the realm of the frost giants. That frozen wasteland was once home to the fallen race of Vanir, which now lay empty, and almost forgotten if not for it’s close proximity to Asgard. Even now, the gathered Aesir only spared a passing glance at the land that lay on the other side of the river, their interest lay solely on this side of Iving.

Spread along it’s shores, trailing back further than even divine eyes could see, were soldiers. Their ranks stretched all the way back to Valhalla itself, the army of Asgard a vast thing, full of numerous souls, all ready to die for the cause of Odin. The Gods and their steeds, paused in the sky above the soldiers, gathering their strength for the upcoming task. Power hummed in the air, chokingly thick and oppressive, raining down on the mortals below.

Divine blasts of energy were emitted from the Aesir, using the river of Iving as a focal point. Their power showed up in different colors, purple for the Valkyrie Hrist, blood red for the War God Tyr, gold for the Storm Lord Thor. Other colors were soon added, the dark green of Vidar, the God of Revenge, a pale brown for the Goddess of Earth, and light blue for the Healing Goddess Eir. Together they combined, sucking up the very waters of the river, a large ring forming in it’s place. Golden light formed a path into it, a walkway of sunbeams that looked whisper thin, but held the strength of iron.

In the center of the ring, a picture formed, of a forest that looked foreboding even in the sunlight. It was Brahms’ woods, the accursed land off the coast of Lassan, where even the trees sought to ensnare mortals into the vampire’s grasp. This was their final destination, and it was taking an inordinate amount of the Aesir’s power to transport the einherjar there.

Footsteps marched in unison, stamping up the ramp into the ring. As they passed into the image of the forest, a whooshing sound was heard, the soldiers disappearing one by one, to reappear on Midgard. It was a slow procession, one that would take hours to finish. It had only just begun, but already the Gods were getting tired from the power drain.

“Freya should be here!” hissed out Erda, the Earth Goddess’ face showing signs of the strain as she channeled more of her energy into the ring. “Odin is mad to think we should take upon this burden all by ourselves!”

“Quiet Erda!” commanded Thor. “It is your duty to see the einherjar safely teleported to Midgard.” There was sweat on the Storm Lord’s face, his brow furrowed with the intense concentration it took to maintain the ring.

“But…”

“We’re all tired…” Eir, reasonable as ever, the Goddess trying to keep the peace. “We will have time to rest and recover before night falls.”

“I don’t like this.” Vidar was speaking up. “Odin himself should have come to lend his power in Freya’s absence. We shouldn’t be expected to pick up the burden her void leaves.”

“You would dare question Lord Odin?” asked Tyr, aghast.

“Perhaps someone should…” Vidar responded, finding he could be silent no more. “Why is it he chose not to accompany us this far? For someone not due on the battlefield for some time to come, he could have lent us his aid in the transportation of the einherjar. Instead he just sits back, and relaxes on his throne!”

“I’m…sure he has his reasons.” Tyr said. “He must conserve his power to protect Asgard in our absence.”

“That’s another thing I find strange.” Vidar continued, all the while pouring out his power into the ring. “Why empty Asgard of all our forces? Why not leave a skeleton force at least? Just in case…”

“With the Vanir gone, we have nothing to fear.” boasted Tyr, and Thor nodded his head in agreement. “Vidar, why so vocal…why so suspicious?”

“I just find Lord Odin’s actions questionable.” He replied. “Hrist, you have been oddly silent on the matter. What do you think?”

“My thoughts on this?” She asked, and at his nod, she lowered her hands, cutting of the addition of divine energy to the ring. “I think this is a fool’s errand.”

“Hrist! What are you doing?!” demanded Erda, a moan issuing from her lips as more of her energy went to maintain the ring. Below them, the einherjar continued to march into the ring, the God’s power sending them off to Midgard. “Resume at once!”

“I must insist Hrist.” agreed Thor. “We can’t spare any more power to pick up your slack. Not unless we want to fully drain ourselves!”

“Stop this and listen to me.” Hrist commanded, and she waved her arm. A scout down below caught the motion, and blew his horn, halting the progression of einherjar. The Gods were left with no choice but to cease forming the ring, lest they waste unneeded energy. The einherjar milled down below, confused at the God’s actions.

“You better have a good explanation for this!” advised Tyr. “Odin won’t like this!”

“Odin need not know!” She replied, ignoring the gasps that sounded around her.

“You would seek to hide something from Lord Odin?” Erda was aghast. “And here I thought you were the most loyal of his Valkyries!”

“I am loyal to Asgard itself, and it’s Creator.” Hrist conveniently left out that the Creator she pledged herself to was her sister Lenneth. “I would not harm either one of them, nor would I let devastation fall upon them.”

“Expertly phrased.” noted Thor. “And yet you offer no reason for ordering us to stop.”

“Lord Thor, if you would kindly allow me but a moment, I shall explain.” Hrist retorted, a hand smoothing down Volsung’s mane, calming the stallion. “I have reason to believe there is a traitor in our midst…one who would see Valhalla fall to the forces of Nifleheim.”

“What?!” roared Thor, his booming voice making the horses frighten and shy away from the Storm Lord. “Who would dare align themselves with Nifleheim!!”

“I would not say…not without concrete proof…” replied the Dark Valkyrie. “But if you would allow me to take a contingent of our forces…say half back to Valhalla, even for just a day…I would be most obliged.”

“Half is too much!” protested Thor, and the other Gods murmured in agreement. “We need them for the upcoming battle with Brahms!” added Tyr.

“Surely a day would not make much of a difference?” The God of Revenge asked.

“Vidar not you too!” snapped Thor.

“This is folly!” added Erda. “Sheer madness!”

“It is madness to leave the realm of Asgard unprotected! Odin would leave us without even a border patrol!” snarled Hrist, and Volsung snorted, picking up on his mistress’ anger. “If Nifleheim were to attack, we would expend all our energy just teleporting back the einherjar!”

“But…”

“But nothing! I am just asking for the day…this day, to see to the safeguarding of our home.” Hrist was not above pleading with her fellow Aesir, though she was unused to having to beg for anything.

“What of your revenge with Brahms?” asked Eir, speaking at last. “Would you put aside the chance to save Silmeria for this whim?”

“Yes…” Hrist sighed. “I cannot in good conscience leave Asgard unprotected…even if it’s to save my sister!”

“I would go with her.” announced Vidar. “Surely you can spare the troops that Hrist and I are in command of? That’s just a quarter of the infantry, and ten percent of the charioteers.”

“I suppose…” Thor said slowly. “If you think this is a wise course of action.”

“I do.” nodded Vidar.

“Then you will be the one explaining to Odin, should he discover this change of plan!” The bearded God said.

“I do not envy you that task!” Eir said, a shudder wracking her petite frame.

“He will not do it alone.” Hrist said, bestowing a thin smile at Vidar.

“Erda…if you would allow me the use of your mare?” He asked, holding out the reigns of his chariot to the Earth Goddess. “I would not leave Eir without some mode of transportation, nor would I ask her to accompany me back to Valhalla.”

Erda’s lips were set in a thin line of disapproval, but she agreed to his request. The brown horse cantered to a stop next to the boar drawn chariot, the Goddess slipping off the side, into the steel carriage. “A blessing to you…” Eir said, touching Vidar’s arm. He smiled at this, catching at her hand, and with a low bow raised it to his lips. “I thank you, my lady.”

With one smooth vault over the side of the chariot, he was on the mare’s back, pulling back on the reins. “Let us be off!” Hrist cried out, and with a squeeze of her knees, Volsung took off running, his strong, lean legs putting him ahead of the mare in speed.

“I hope they know what they are doing…” murmured Eir, worry on her lovely face as she gazed after them.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Lezard was surprised but pleased that Lenneth did not want to wait for the return of Lucian and Freya. He did not care for either one of the blondes’ company, finding them annoying and far too confrontational for their own good. Although there was still one annoying blonde to be rid of, his gaze falling on Mystina, who seemed intent on sticking by his side. To keep him out of trouble she claimed, though so far her antics had only served to further irritate the wizard.

Up ahead by several steps walked his beloved Lenneth, with Andais at her side. The elf was talking softly, far too low for Lezard to pick up more than a few words here and there. Whenever he tried to close the distance between them, one of two things happened. Either Mystina began talking loudly, or Andais fell silent at his approach. Either way it was frustrating, the mage sure the two women were discussing him.

He sighed, and contented himself with looking around Idunn’s home as they walked. They were currently traversing through a long hall, having passed through a small anteroom just moments before. The hall they were in now had large oval windows on one side, showing off the stunning view of the forest. It wasn’t just the outside that had been blessed by Idunn’s green thumb. Touches of Idunn’s handy work were everywhere, from garlands of flowers growing along the walls, to potted plants that almost seemed to thrive better in their claymore prisons than if they had been planted outside!

It was Lezard’s first time in the home of a God, and he was fascinated by the things he saw. His eyes roamed greedily across the bookcases, longing for the knowledge their shelves contained, to turning an appreciative eye to the artwork that hung on the walls. He was dazzled by an ivory carving of Lenneth, the Goddess in full Valkyrie armor, posing with her sisters, her delicate features captured perfectly in the white bone material. His hand was reaching out, almost of it’s own accord, when Mystina’s voice tartly rang out.

“Looking for something to steal?” She asked, not failing to notice his interest in the miniature.

Lezard blinked, slow to come free of the spell the statue cast on him. “Ah no…” He said at last. “Just wanted to take a closer look.”

“I’ll bet.” murmured Mystina, rolling her eyes. Their exchange went unnoticed by Lenneth, the girl only half listening to the things Andais had to say. She was more concerned with reaching the apples, thoughts of how Lucian was doing, and wondering just what she would do now that her separation from Lezard was about to occur. She almost walked in a daze, her heart hurting at the thought. It was a strange feeling, a melancholy mood that caused an aching pain that left her feeling as though there was a hole in her heart.

I’m not in love with him! She told herself sternly, forcing herself not to turn and look at Lezard. This shouldn’t be happening, she shouldn’t be consumed with thoughts about a man, not after what Mystina had told her. There was a war going on, a war she could stop, Nifleheim set to invade Valhalla, and Odin returned as a betrayer. She had to put her duty before her heart, before her selfish desires…and it pained her to do so.

“Lenneth?” Andais raised her voice, staring at her. “Are you listening to me?”

“Hmm…yes?” Lenneth shook her head, realizing she had no idea what Andais had been saying for the last few minutes. “I’m sorry, what?”

Andais let out a deep sigh. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” There was no need to ask who the him was, they both knew she meant Lezard. The elf tsked, wondering if Lenneth even knew what she was doing at this point. The Valkyrie seemed to be walking in a daze, seeing without truly knowing what was before her eyes. She had tried to advise Lenneth on what to do, but clearly her words had fallen on deaf ears.

Lezard would have been glad to know of the inner turmoil Lenneth was experiencing. He was facing his own doubts, wondering if what Freya had told him was true. Could Lenneth truly change, her whole personality become something else once she re-obtained her Godhood? If she didn’t love him now, as a mortal, what hope did he have of getting her when she was a divine being?

“Wow…” breathed out Mystina. “Look at that!”

Lezard jerked his head up, glancing where the mage pointed. The hall opened up into a green house, translucent shingles making up the roof, large panes of glass for the walls. Bronze sand scattered across the marble floor, thickening in volume until at last marble gave way to dirty sand, packed thick into the ground. Of course there was greenery lining up on the sides of the opaque room, rare specimens that delighted in Idunn’s attention. Further on, past an enclosed pool, that had white steps leading down into it, water lilies floating peacefully on the surface, a gazebo was constructed.

And in the center of that gazebo was a tree, it’s large roots trailing down into the water of the pool, soaking in nourishment from it’s protein rich waters. Before the tree stood a woman, and even from this distance Lezard could see she was petite in size. She was beautiful, as all Goddesses are, with sunkissed locks of yellow hair, that trailed down her back, their length reaching past her knees. It was a wild mane, thick and uncombed, and a crown of ivy decorated her forehead. She wore a sleeveless dress of white, with green piping along the corset, dots of brown and gold on the skirt which flowed down to cover her dainty feet.

She was softly singing to the tree, caressing it’s branches, smiling as fruit ripened on the limb. She hadn’t noticed her visitors yet, and Lenneth paused when she saw her. “Idunn…” She whispered softly, and the Goddess’ sharp hearing picked up her name. The woman turned, and a smile lit up her whole face, pleased to see the Valkyrie. “Lenneth…” She said warmly. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Lenneth bowed her head briefly, and took a step forward. Then another. Her stride was slow and hesitant, allowing Lezard to pass her by. Mystina frowned, then hurried after the necromancer, intent on stopping any of his foul play. Noticing her hesitation, Andais caught at her arm. “Are you sure about this?” Her eyes looked towards Lezard meaningfully.

“I…” Lenneth frowned.

“I mean is it wise to let him get that close to the apples?” Andais clarified. “He might try to steal a taste for himself.”

“It’ll be fine…” Lenneth pulled her arm free. “Idunn is capable of defending her wares against those she deems unworthy.”

Lezard had reached Idunn’s side, and upon closer inspection he could see her eyes. They were brown with tiny flecks of gold in them, wisdom shone in them, although the warmth died down when she looked upon the necromancer. He wondered why, could the Goddess have found something detestable in him just by looking upon his face? Mystina was grabbing at his arm, roughly pulling on it, attempting him to jerk him down to his knees.

“You’re being rude!” She hissed, going down on bended leg. “You should bow when meeting a Goddess for the first time!”

The thought that Lezard Valeth did not bow to anyone was on his face, the man being slow to kneel. But he chose to humor Mystina, behave himself for Lenneth’s sake. The Valkyrie was approaching, and Idunn held out her hand to her. “Come Lenneth…” She beseeched sweetly. “Come get your just reward…”

Lezard watched with calm eyes as Lenneth took her hand, all the while his mind racing madly as he thought of a way to get his own apple. His thoughts were turning greedy, the ambition of becoming a God not forgotten to the necromancer. And now it was so close he could taste it—literally! He was not prepared to give it up, or Lenneth. It was his own avarice thoughts that kept him from paying as close attention as he normally would, the warning coming to late as Lenneth let out a startled cry.

His head jerked up at the gasping choke of pain his beloved let out, seeing her feet dangle off the floor. His eyes traveled upwards, shock on his face as he saw Idunn effortlessly lifting Lenneth up off the ground, hand clenched tightly around her throat. Lenneth was desperately clawing at the hand, trying to get free, trying to force air back into her lungs, even as that hand began to mercilessly squeeze.

“Idunn, what is the meaning of this?!” Andais demanded, and went flying backwards as the Goddess raised her other hand. With a loud piercing scream, the sound being enough to shatter glass and force the two mages to clamp hands over their ears to block it out, Andais slammed into the wall, slumping weakly down to the ground. Her head landed in the pool of water, and her body did not move, bubbles of air coming up as the elf slowly began to drown.

“I thought to find Freya here…” The sweet feminine voice was no more, it was now a harsh male voice, triumphant in it’s sarcastic glee. “Imagine my delight and surprise to discover the thorn in my side instead!”

“O…Odin!” Lenneth managed to gasp out, gagging on the bile in her throat.