COF 31

 Blinking against the light, Mystina glanced down at Lucian, his soot covered face resting in her lap. He was squinting, trying to peer into the blazing white light that had appeared in the garden. She lowered her hand over his eyes, doing her best to block out the damaging light, though he let out a murmur of protest at her actions. “Shhh…” Mystina said, trying to hush his cries.

She closed her own eyes, seeing the after image of the light burned into the darkness behind her lids. She heard power humming around her, the remains of the protective shield fading away. A cool wind chilled her to the bone, and she shivered, tightening her hand on Lucian’s body. The sound of light footsteps approached her, and she turned her head in it’s direction, risking a peek through one open eye.

“It’s all right Mysty.” She saw Lezard smiling down at her, looking like some dark savior out of a book, his impressive black wings spread out behind him. They were beautiful and she wanted to touch them, to see if they were as soft as they looked. She stifled that impulse, gazing on his face, noticing he no longer wore his glasses.

“You can close your mouth now.” He teased. “You’re letting in all the flies.”

Feeling a grimace of annoyance on her face, she did just that, narrowing her eyes in a glare at him. He laughed, and reached forward to ruffle her hair fondly. “Still the same as ever, eh Lezard?” She asked, jerking away from that too friendly touch.

“Well…not quite..” He smiled happily.

“Lucian…” Lenneth came forward, concern on her face. “Oh…what happened to you…”

“Le…Lenneth?” He asked, disbelieving it was her voice he heard. Mystina moved her hand, allowing the young man to gaze up at his love. A beatific smile crossed his face, his white teeth a startling contrast to the dirt on his face. “Are you really here? Am I dreaming this?”

“No…I’m here.” She pushed past Lezard, going to bent knee next to Mystina. She reached down to caress Lucian’s face, and he sighed happily at her touch. It must have pained him to be touched on his burnt skin, and yet he was happy, seeming grateful for her attention. Lenneth’s hand slid down to his chin, tilting his head up. Eyes shining with great compassion, she leaned in to kiss him on the forehead, white light transferring from her lips to his skin.

Lucian let out a moan, feeling a soothing wind ease throughout his body. It traveled down from his head, healing over his skin, washing away the dirt, removing the blisters. It reached his chest, clearing his lungs of the smoke he had inhaled, cleansing him inside as well as outside. It traveled further down, reaching his hand, the bones mending together. His fingers twitched, even as her power sank down into his lower half, splitting apart to travel into his legs.

Lenneth pulled away, smiling at Lucian, stroking the back of her hand against his cheek. Lezard stood silent behind her, watching the scene without comment. Mystina was surprised at his composure, unable to detect even a hint of jealousy in the man’s eyes. He felt her staring, and turned to her, something very much like mischief appearing on his face.

Mystina tried to pull back as his hand caught at her face, nose scrunching up as he bent over her. Her eyes widened as he touched his nose to hers’, still wearing that odd smile. “To return the power I stole from you.” He said simply, and brushed his lips against hers, a brief chaste kiss that left her blushing bright red. Lezard pulled back, satisfied by her reaction, watching as she lifted a hand to her lips.

Mystina let out a gasp as she felt liquid warmth fill her, her body tingling as her magic came flooding back into her. She felt Lucian raise his head, her lap suddenly empty as he went to sit up. The two mortals gazed at the Gods, wonder and amazement in their eyes. “Lenneth…you got your immortality back…” Lucian said happily. “How?”

She turned to smile at Lezard, the necromancer placing a hand on her shoulder. Lenneth touched it briefly, a small smile on her face. “It is a long story, but suffice it to say we owe Idunn a debt of gratitude.” She lowered her eyes. “One I pray we will be able to pay back.”

Holding her hand, Lezard helped Lenneth rise to her feet. They looked towards Odin, determination mirrored on both their faces. They started to move forward, and Lucian blocked the way. “Let us help.” He begged.

“No…” Lenneth shook her head. “It is not your fight.”

“But surely there is something we can do…” He said, desperate to lend his aid to the Valkyrie.

“You can help by staying out of the way.” Lezard said bluntly. Lenneth gave him a chiding look, and Mystina was astonished to see an apologetic look in his eyes. “Lucian…” said the female mage, rising to her feet. “They’re right…let us return to the house. Perhaps Andais has found a clue to Idunn’s whereabouts.”

“Andais still lives?” A relieved smile crossed Lenneth’s lips.

“Yes.” nodded the mage. “I got to her in time. She would have been no use in the battle, so I made her leave. Much…” She smirked. “Like you are trying to do to us!”

Lenneth nodded. “Glad you at least, understand.”

“I understand…I just don’t have to like it…” Lucian said, fighting a pout. He reached forward to give Lenneth a quick squeeze, and Mystina stifled a laugh at the startled look on Lezard’s face. “Come on!” Lucian said, turning to take hold of her hand. “Let’s go see what Andais has discovered!”

The two Gods didn’t watch their flight from the scene, instead looking towards the others on the battlefield. Odin was hunched over in a corner panting heavily, once again feeling the drain of his powers. He knew now that every time Lenneth exerted herself, he too felt the effects, as some of her power seeped away at his. There was once again an imbalance in the force, nature itself crying out against two Creators coexisting.

“Freya…” Lenneth teleported to the Vanir maiden’s side, and Odin bit back a moan.

“Lenneth…” Freya weakly smiled. “I’m glad to see you have been restored to your former glory.”

“Yes…now it’s your turn…” The Valkyrie Goddess was raising her hand to her cheek, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on her skin. The light transferred to the Fertility Goddess’ body, and Freya slowly felt the weariness leave her body, felt her strength returning.

Odin glanced up, seeing Lezard step in front of him. The mage glowered down at the Elder God, disdain in his eyes. “Pathetic.” He murmured, already in the process of sketching out a rune in the air before him. “Now die…Celestial Star!”

“Gu…Gungnir!” Odin muttered weakly, bringing up his spear. Stardust rained down on him, being absorbed by the weapon. It let out a whine of protest, and Odin’s eyes widened in shock. Is it at it’s limit? So soon?!

Lezard was scowling at the absorption of his spell. Odin thrust up his hand, shooting lightning at the Mage God. Lezard teleported away, disappearing from the battlefield, even as Lenneth let out a startled cry.

“Lenneth, what is the matter?” demanded Freya, catching the swooning Goddess in her arms.

Lenneth gritted her teeth. “Odin…his use of power drained me…”

“Will you be all right?” fretted Freya.

“It’s nothing…” She assured her. “It just took me by surprise.”

Lezard reappeared by the two Goddesses’ side, feathers looking ruffled. He still did not have the hang of teleportation, and had briefly ended up in Alfeim. “We have to do something about that blade.” He muttered, glaring at Odin.

“Agreed.” said Freya.

“Move…now!” ordered Lenneth, and the trio scattered, as Odin threw down his spear. It crashed into the center of the gazebo, the shock waves cracking the very floor. One of the columns broke in half, it’s end tilting into the pool.

“Ether Blast!” Freya cried out, somewhere to the northeast of him.

“To my side Gungnir!” The spear hurried towards Odin, ready to absorb the attack. It let out another whine of protest, the sound more drawn out this time.

“Cosmic Spear!” shouted Lezard, and the golden spear shot down from the heavens to clash against Odin’s weapon. Odin gritted his teeth, fighting to remain standing. His arm slowly moved back as Lezard’s spear pressed down into Gungnir. The corner of his eyes noticed the air wavering to the left of him, and he turned his head in time to see Freya rematerializing before him. She raised up her hand, shouting out, “Ariel Burst!”

Again that whine from Gungnir as it tried to absorb this latest attack. It failed, causing much of the energy to slam into the side of Odin’s body. He staggered, and flexed his arm, causing the cosmic spear to go flying away from him. “Lightning Bolt!”

It was a weak spell, but his use of it caused Lenneth to cry out. Odin smirked, shouting out another spell, watching as the necromancer danced about, trying to avoid the lightning at his feet.

Lenneth put out a hand against a tree to steady herself, grim determination in her eyes. She concentrated, holding out her right hand. Light glimmered all around her closed fist, traveling outward in a line. In it’s wake a thin blade appeared, her hand holding onto the golden handle of her Radiance Blade. She teleported to Odin’s side, sword raised above her head. “Yah!” She cried out, bringing down the blade.

Odin turned, her blade screeching across the metal of Gungnir. Seeing his back left wide open, Lezard couldn’t resist, a grin on his face as he placed one booted foot in Odin’s posterior. Odin’s mouth dropped open in wounded shock as he felt the kick in his rear, and he nearly tumbled into Lenneth from the force of Lezard’s kick.

Lenneth was pulling back her arm, turning to swing her sword around to his undefended side. Clumsily he brought down Gungnir, parrying at the last second. “Ether Blast!” Freya cried, shooting at his back.

Lezard added his voice to hers. “Prismatic Missile!”

Gungnir practically screamed, humming with power, the twanging not stopping this time. With a mighty yell, Odin swung Gungnir, hitting Lenneth across her chest. She stumbled backwards, shocked, and Odin teleported away.

“Unn!” Lenneth bit her lip, glaring at the Elder God. He floated in the sky, and with a disdainful look at the Divine Treasure, tossed it to the ground. It slammed into the sand, still making that annoying noise, thrumming with power.

“Odin! Give up!” Lenneth ordered.

He merely laughed in response. “I think not! You and I both know two Creators cannot exist at the same time! One of us will simply have to die!” He thrust out his hand, silver ether pouring down from the clouds. “And it will not be me!” He hurled ether ball after ether ball, the energy exploding all around his enemies. Lenneth bent over with a cry, feeling the drain on her energies, and Lezard rushed to her side. “Guard Reinforce!” He said, desperate to help out his love.

She tried to smile at him, but the pain made her falter. “I’ll be okay…” She glanced up at the sky, glaring at Odin. “Come down and face me, coward!”

Odin snarled at the insult. “Coward am I?! When you are the one who approaches this battle surrounded with allies?!”

“Come down, and I will face you alone!” promised Lenneth.

“Lenneth no!” protested Freya.

“I have to agree.” said Lezard. “He needs to die…by any means necessary.”

The platinum haired woman ignored them, locking eyes with Odin. “I give you my word no interference from my allies.”

“Heh…” Odin began the descent back to the ground. “Then I accept your challenge.” The tattered, burnt ends of his cape flapped in the wind. He crossed his arms over his chest, watching as Lenneth stepped forward. “What shall it be? A contest of magic or…”

“You know I have no magic.” Lenneth said annoyed.

“Then it shall be blade against blade.” stated Odin. “But my Gungnir is tired…”

“Then create your sword…” A slow smirked crossed the Valkyrie’s face. “Or shall I do it for you?”

“No need!” He said hastily, and clenched his fist. A breathy gasp issued from Lenneth’s mouth as the light formed in his hands. Glowing, it spread out, twisting and curving to form a wicked looking scimitar. A boastful smile on his face, Odin held up the curved blade, seeing his reflection on it’s surface. The two Aesir walked towards each other, touching their blades in acknowledgment. The thin sword the Valkyrie held, looked pitiful next to the monstrous blade of Odin’s weapon.

“Overcompensating much…” muttered Lezard, forcing Freya to stifle a smile.

They watched as Odin and Lenneth pulled apart, beginning to circle around each other, looking for an opening. Odin soon grew impatient, lunging towards Lenneth. She ducked, sliding across the ground to his right. “Vertical Raid!” Pushing up off her knees, she jumped upwards, slicing open the front of Odin’s shirt. He narrowed his eyes at her, and brought down his sword, clashing into hers. She used the momentum to rebound off his blow, twisting and attempting to thrust her sword at his head.

He leaned to the side, feeling the breeze of the passage of her sword on his neck. She went to pull back her sword, and he grabbed at her wrist, holding her still. Smiling wickedly, he moved his other arm, swinging it towards her head. She struggled to get free, and settled for raising up both legs, kicking outwards, slamming her heels into his stomach. A whoosh of air escaped his lips, a disgruntled moan as he dropped his hold on her.

Lenneth backflipped off of Odin, but not before his scimitar sliced off half of her braid. She landed on the ground, seeing her hair spread out in tatters. She calmly stood up, feeling her hair loose, blowing around her, as it started to grow out, magically returning to it’s previous length. “I almost had you.” boasted Odin.

“Almost doesn’t count.” retorted Lenneth.

“I’ll be sure not to miss next time!” He was flying forward, feet literally leaving the ground as he came out her, swinging his blade wildly. She was forced to defend, being driven back bit by bit, sword arm a flurry of movement as she parried his attacks.

“I can’t stand to watch this anymore!” cried out Lezard, taking a step forward. Freya’s hand on his arm stopped him. “No necromancer. It is Lenneth’s fight…to win or to fail…”

“How can you say that?!” Lezard stared at the blonde Goddess as though she had gone mad.

“I…don’t have to like it but…my liege has given her sworn word that we would not interfere. I obey her..at the cost of her life if necessary.” Freya replied.

“But…” Lezard shook his head. “Can you really just stand by and do nothing should she start to lose?”

Freya was silent, not answering him. He gave up on waiting for an answer, turning back to the fight. He wasn’t sure how long they watched Lenneth and Odin duel, watching them move in time, a deadly dance with the highest of stakes. They were both Gods, and did not tire easily, their amazing stamina forcing them onwards.

Unnoticed in the crater, Hel stirred, feeling her life energy ebb. Fertility Bitch! She thought, wincing as she struggled up to her knees. That last attack had proven too much for the Nifleheim Goddess, leaving her drained and near death. It’s time I take my leave of this battle. Hel thought, wanting to live another day. She stood up, placing her hands at the top of the crater, exerting more energy as she lifted herself up to peer at the battlefield. She stifled a gasp, seeing Gungnir laying unattended in the distance.

A crafty smile crossed her face, and slowly she pulled herself out of the pit. She coughed up blood, dismayed to see the red flakes on the ground before her. I’ll have my revenge. She thought, and began crawling towards Gungnir.

Metal scrapped against metal, hot sparks falling to the side as the two swords clashed together again and again. It appeared Odin and Lenneth were far too evenly matched, locked in an eternal struggle, a stalemate that would have no conclusion. They took turns, one attacking, the other defending, only to in the next minute switch positions. It made little difference, the fight continuing, neither one being able to do more than surface damage to their opponent.

With a fierce yell, Odin brought his sword over his head, kicking out with his leg to sweep Lenneth off her feet. She roughly fell to the ground, landing on her rump as he brought down his sword fast and furious. She quickly brought up her blade, holding it over her head in a frantic attempt to block the blow. Grinning maliciously, Odin pressed down his advantage seeing Lenneth struggle to hold him off.

“It’s over!” He said, pushing a foot into her chest, trying to kick her down so she lay flat on the ground. Lenneth let out a muted curse, and rolled to the side, the scimitar scratching the sand, just missing stabbing her in the face. She kicked out, bringing him down, even as she leapt to her feet. She let out a cry as Odin grabbed hold of one of her ankles, attempting to hold her in place. Her boot ended up in his face, crunching against his nose.

With an angry cry he released his hold on her, bringing his hand up to his face. “My nose!” His voice was distorted, the words sounding hollow and strange. “You broke my nose!” But his divine body was already healing it, the Elder God more upset due to vanity’s sake than any permanent harm she had done. “You’ll pay for that!” He swore, and he flexed his body, shooting power off of him.

Lenneth stumbled back as the ether struck her, out of the corner of her eye seeing Odin rise to his feet. “That’s cheating!” She heard Lezard cry out. “They said no magic!”

“Yes…” Freya was grim. “It is a gross form of battle etiquette.”

“Is that all you’re going to say?” Lezard said disgusted.

Lenneth frowned, tuning them out. It would do no good for them to distract her at this critical moment. She began circling Odin, looking for a weak spot, striving for an opening to take advantage of. He didn’t wait for her to make her move, sliding forward to jab his sword in her stomach. Lenneth caught the blade with her free hand, fist gripping it tightly, the sharp edges slicing open her palm. Blood dribbled freely onto the ground, and flowers spurted up in it’s place.

Odin leaned on his sword, trying to press it in. He could see the wicked tip almost grazing her belly, just a little further and it would be in her. He didn’t see Lenneth haul back her arm, noticing too late as she drove her sword into the hollow of his throat. The God choked around a mouthful of blood, stunned and weakened, falling away from her, his weapon falling out of his weakening grip.

His knees hit the ground with a loud thud, his mouth working open and close as he gagged. Lenneth looked down on him with pity, and it made him angry to see that compassion on his hated foe’s face. “Won’t end…not like this…” He wheezed, trying to get the words out. Lenneth frowned, wishing his struggles would cease.

Hel’s progress had been slow, the Goddess crawling forward inch by inch, a trail of blood left in the wake of her travels. Her eyes were alight with greed, desperation for the Divine Treasure driving her on. At last she reached her goal, letting out a relieved sigh, placing a shaking hand on the handle of the double edged lance. She could feel it’s power, and it comforted her even as she foolishly ignored the loud noise it was making.

Holding onto the lance, she awkwardly rose to her feet. She leaned against it, Gungnir being as large as her body, easily able to support her weight. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, seeing Odin fall before the Valkyrie. Her lips parted, and she screamed out a spell, “Muspelheim Maelstrom!”

Wind whipped around Lenneth and Odin, tugging at their clothing and hair, the sand at their feet being blown away. It was sucked up into a dark funnel of air, mini tornados flying towards Lenneth, striking at her body. She staggered away from Odin, sword still embedded in his throat. She held her hands over her head, trying not to scream as ether zapped at her in the heart of the tornado.

Lezard and Freya whirled around in the direction of Hel, faces shocked. Freya was chagrined, how could she have forgotten to keep an eye on the Nifleheim Goddess?! Lezard’s expression was grim, he was sketching a rune in the air, intent on zapping the Goddess. “Meteor Swarm!” He bellowed, pointing at Hel.

Hel laughed, holding up the blade. It absorbed the spell, and the annoying buzz of it’s protest grew louder yet. It was awful in it’s intensity, making the Goddess want to clap her hands over her ears. But still she fought on, shouting out her spell again. “Muspelheim Maelstrom!”

“Reflect Sorcery!” retorted Lezard, making a shield of ether around him and Freya. The tornados bounced off it, whirling back towards Hel. She smiled confidently, and held up Gungnir. It let out one last whine, as it took in the tornados, then fell silent much to Hel’s relief. She was about to cast another spell, when she became aware of how warm the metal was against her hand. Hotter and hotter it grew, till her flesh singed, and try as she might she could not pull away, her very skin having melted and melded to the handle.

Gungnir throbbed with power, pulsating as though it had it’s own heartbeat. “What…What’s happening?” Hel asked fearfully, moments before the sacred lance exploded. She started to scream, the cry dying down before it began, her body being eaten away by all the ether Gungnir had released as it exploded. Gungnir dropped to the ground, powerless, just a lifeless husk of metal. All that remained of Hel were her shoes, pretty dark green high heels that looked forlorn and out of place next to the blade.

“Hel…” whispered Odin. “No…you bloody fool…” He choked on the blood, and brought up his hand, fingers sprayed wide. Lenneth distracted by the demise of Hel, was an open target, the lightning slamming into her back. She screamed out in pain, falling down to her knees as Odin applied more and more energy to his attack. She writhed on the ground, face paling from the pain, made doubly worse by the drain on her energy.

Lezard could stand no more. “Seraphic Law!” He looked at Freya, daring her to object. She merely shook her head, feeling Odin had broken one too many rules with his constant use of magic.

Odin cried out as the magic struck him, dropping his attack on Lenneth. He spared a glare in Lezard’s direction, reaching up to pull the sword out of his throat. He concentrated, intending on using his powers to heal himself. Lenneth saw his intent, and used her power of creationism first, conjuring up a divine lance. Odin staggered, a curse on his bloodied lips, watching as Lenneth leapt into the air. “Divine Assault!”

She tucked her knees in close to her body, curving around them in a fetal position. White light flowed from her back, twin beams that grew out of her shoulder blades. They formed into her wings, stray feathers drifting serenely to the ground. With a loud whoosh of air, the wings spread, and she straightened out, arching her back. Her wings flapped, keeping her aloft in the air, driving her higher and higher into the night sky.

The lance in her hand grew in size, becoming three times the length of her body. She gripped it two handed, pulling back in preparation to throw it. “Nibelung…” She began, screaming in rage. A ghostly aura formed about the lance, white and green smoke trailing around it’s tip. “Valesti!” The spear flew from her hands, gaining momentum as it barreled towards Odin. The smoke formed the head of a dragon, it’s mouth opening to roar angrily, pointed teeth snapping at Odin as it crashed into his body.

Odin let out a scream as the attack slammed into his body, leaving a sizable hole in his chest. His eyes stared up at Lenneth, unseeing and his lips moved as he tried to say something. The aura of the dragon enveloped his body, setting him aflame, and with one last gasp, he fell backwards. He was dead before he hit the ground, his body burning, turning to ash in a matter of minutes.

Lenneth flew to the ground, face lowered in sadness. “Odin…” She sighed, knowing not even his soul existed now, having granted him the sweet freedom of oblivion. She could feel power returning to her, bathing over her, completing her. The balance had been restored, Lenneth having proved victorious. “Lenneth!” She looked up, seeing Freya and Lezard rushing towards her. They were both laughing, relief evident in their eyes.

Lezard came to sweep Lenneth into his arms, joyfully spinning around with her. She hugged him briefly before pulling away, looking at the devastation of Idunn’s once beautiful greenhouse. Freya guessed her intent, and tugged on Lezard’s hand, pulling him away from the Valkyrie.

Holding her hands before her chest, Lenneth concentrated, white ether glowing around her fingers. She pulled her hands apart, holding a small ball of ether, looking as though she held moonlight in her palm. Her wings flapped, and she lifted up into the air, unbound hair spreading out around from the breeze her wings stirred. Lenneth flew to the center of the greenhouse, and it was there that she let go of the ether. It started to spread apart, coating over the roof of the greenhouse, restoring the glass ceiling.

Down it traveled in a shower of sparkles, even as Lenneth hurried to fly back to the ground, watching her handiwork restore more and more of the garden. The broken columns of the gazebo lifted, returning to their shattered trunks, ether sealing them back together, smooth and perfect once more. The ground healed over, the crater filling up with sand, and the plants mended, coming back to life, beautiful once more.

Ether pooled into the center of the gazebo, concentrating it’s might. The light grew blinding, and when it pulled away, a tiny seed lay where the sacred tree had been. Lenneth’s feet padded silently forward, her wings brushing against shrubbery as she walked. The flowers seemed to sigh, and the tree saplings seemed to bow in reverence as she walked past, nature acknowledging the one true creator before them.

She knelt down, and her wings disappeared in a shower of sparkles. Her fingertips reached toward the seed, carefully picking up the delicate item. It was small, only about the size of her fingernail, a golden sheen to it’s surface. She closed her fist around it, feeling grateful tears well up in her eyes. The sacred tree would blossom once more.

She rose, bringing a hand to her face, brushing back at her hair. Lenneth looked at Freya and Lezard, the man looking awestruck at her display of power. “Magnificent…” He breathed out, taking a step towards her. Her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at Lezard, the Valkyrie moving to meet him halfway. But before they could touch, a voice rang out, eager and excited. “We’ve found Lady Idunn!”

It was Mystina, standing in the doorway of the main house. Her eyes widened as she looked around the Greenhouse, seeing it restored to it’s former glory. “Whoah…” She murmured, impressed.

“Idunn is alive?” questioned Freya, relief rattling it’s way through her body.

“Yes.” The female mage nodded.

“Take us to her.” Lenneth requested, thinking of the seed in her hand.

“At once my lady…” Mytina said, bowing to the Goddess.

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Hrist never felt as alive as she did when she was in the midst of a battle. Her blood boiled, her nerves tingled, a wicked smile on her face as she cut down foe after foe. Her heart sang with the simple joy of wielding a sword, of seeing blood splatter and knowing she was the cause of it’s spillage. She danced and she weaved throughout the ranks of monsters, lopping off limbs and stabbing through midsections.

Tentacles fell in her path, and heads rolled. She let out a joyous laugh, sword always on the move, the silver of it’s metal lost to blood and grime. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Volsung, her steed just as bloodthirsty as she. The stallion bucked and kicked, raising hooves up on top of an eyeball stalk, battering it into bloody pieces. Purple ichor colored his body, the blood of the imps the horse had killed decorating his fine coat.

She looked and watched her einherjar do battle, though none could match her in ferociousness. A few came close, such as the beserker Arngrim, his mind being lost to battle lust, screaming out “You will die!” over and over again. His sword, the length of his body was always busy, able to hit several foes at once, sweeping them away from him.

“Dreaded Dragon!” Hrist saw the spear maiden Aelia begin her transformation, the gem around her throat pulsating with a red light. She turned into a large dark red dragon, weapons rebounding harmlessly off her scales. She turned and roared a challenge, even as her tail angrily lashed about, knocking over skeletons. One of the few remaining dragons of Nifleheim came forward, eager to test it’s strength against Aelia’s.

Her prized pupil Belenus was to the left her, neatly defending against foe. He counterattacked a zombie with a rising slash, lifting up his feet to cleave the monster’s face in half. “These are formidable adversaries.” He called out to Hrist, grave concern in his voice.

The Dark Valkyrie merely nodded, parrying a blow from a wraith. She knew that though her einherjar were strong, they were still vastly outnumbered. They needed those reinforcements, and they needed them now!

“Vidar!” She called out, spotting him nearby. “What news do you bring?”

“Still no word!” Vidar replied, gripping a spear. “Lorenta has been gone for more than three hours!”

“It’s hopeless!” cried out an unknown einherjar, just moments before she was skewered on the pitchfork of an imp. Hrist shook her head, intensyfying her attack. For every soul lost, their hopes at victory diminished. Hrist had little time to pray for a miracle, and yet…she found herself whispering one anyway. “Oh Lenneth…give us your strength!”

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

Lucian glanced up at the sound of footsteps approaching. “You’re here!” He said relieved. Idunn lay asleep at his feet, body bound with chains made of ether, glowing faintly with the remains of Odin’s power. “We tried to remove them but couldn’t…”

“Stand aside…” said Lenneth, moving towards the prone Goddess. She knelt down, fingering the chains, hands testing their strength as she tried to pull them apart. “Odin’s magic holds fast.”

“But what can we do?” asked Lucian. “We can’t leave her trapped like this.”

“We won’t.” promised Lenneth. “Freya!”

“Yes…” The Fertility Goddess stepped forward, Gungnir held loosely in her grip. Lenneth held out her hand to her. “I want to try something.” She gestured for Gungnir to be handed over, and Freya obliged her.

“What are you going to do?” Lucian asked nervously.

“Shhh…” Lenneth murmured, holding the blade over Idunn’s body. “This weapon was attuned to Odin’s magic like no other. It may hold the power to slice through her bonds.” Gungnir hummed slightly, recognizing the power signature of it’s former master. It started to glow as Lenneth passed it over Idunn’s body, up and down she moved it, letting the blade come move alive, let it absorb some of the energy off of Idunn’s body.

She then carefully placed one pointed tip against one of the loops of chain, and began sawing downwards. The chain slowly but surely snapped apart. Confidence grew in those gathered around the two Goddesses, and Lenneth set her attention to another of the chains. Clinking to the floor, Idunn’s arms free, Lenneth turned her attention to her bound feet. The Valkyrie made quick work of the chains there, and upon freeing the chain around her neck, Idunn’s eyes suddenly flew open.

“OH!! What happened?!” She exclaimed, a dainty hand going to her forehead. She frowned, looking through half lidded eyes at the people she founded crowded into her bedroom. “Lady Lenneth, you’re here!” Her brown eyes took in the glow of purple around the Valkyrie. “And you’re immortal!” She turned to look at Freya in confusion.

“It’s a long story.” Freya said wearily. “Can you tell us what happened?”

“I don’t really remember…I was tending to the tree, when suddenly I passed out…” Her eyes widened in alarm. “The tree! Is it safe?!”

“Sorta…” answered Lenneth, taking hold of her hands. Idunn’s eyes widened as she felt a seed pushed into her hands. “This is all that remains…one tiny seedling…” Lenneth trailed off at Idunn’s relieved sigh. “It is enough.” She told her, smiling warmly. “As long as I have this, I can replant my apple tree…” Her eyes turned hesitant. “That is…if you will allow me the right to do that All Mother.”

Lenneth blinked, shaking her head. “No need to ask for my permission, I give it to you gladly, and with a measure of blessing added to it.”

“Thank you All Mother…” Idunn said gratefully.

“It is I who should thank you…” She smiled. “And please…call me Lenneth!” She laughed, finding it strange to have a dear friend speak to her with such reverence.

“Lenneth…” nodded Idunn, mirroring her smile. Fingers gripping Lenneth’s hands, the two Goddess rose to their feet. “Oh!” Idunn exclaimed, getting a good look at Lezard for the first time. “What manner of God are you?!”

“A perverted one.” supplied Mystina, and Andais stifled a snort of laughter. All eyes turned to the sage, and the elf merely shook her head, trying not to give in to the laugh building up in her. She quite agreed with the blonde female’s assessment of the necromancer.

Idunn was still curious about Lezard, never having seen him before. “I thought I knew all of the Gods, both Aesir and Vanir, but you I have never seen before.” She said.

“That’s because he’s neither Vanir nor Aesir.” Freya answered, grateful Lezard wasn’t one of her race. She gestured in his direction. “This is the handy work of one of your apples.”

“Oh.” Idunn looked over Lezard, a tiny smile on her face. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pride at her handiwork. “Will you be staying a while?” She asked of her guests, the Goddess lonely for Divine company.

“I’m sorry no…” Lenneth bowed her head. “We still have much work to do…but afterwards who knows!” She gave a reassuring squeeze of Idunn’s hands, a soft smile on her face. “You are welcome in Valhalla.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Idunn, her eyes taking on a wet sheen. “Thank you…I will think about returning.”

“What’s to think about?” asked Freya confused. “Would you really choose to stay among the mortals?”

“This has been my home for thousands of years…” explained Idunn. “I’m not sure if I am ready to give it up…grateful though I am for the chance to see the shining realm once more.”

“I…I see…” Freya said, desperate to understand.

“Besides…” Idunn let out a musical sounding laugh. “I’m not sure I have the patience to be around the squabbling pantheon for longer than a brief visit.”

“Yes…we Gods do like to fight.” agreed Freya, with a quirking of her lips.

“Speaking of which…” Lenneth sighed. “I am sorry for my impatience, but we must be off. Asgard is in danger of falling to Nifleheim.”

“Yes. I understand.” Idunn came forward to hug the Valkyrie. “It was good to see you again.” Her lips brushed against the platinum haired woman’s ear, her voice dropping so low that even the Gods could not hear. Lenneth strained to make out her words, a blush appearing on her cheeks. “What…how did you…?” Her eyes shifted to Lezard, wondering if he had heard.

Idunn merely smiled mysteriously, shaking her head ruefully. “It’s obvious to anyone who knows how to look.” That was all the explanation she offered.

“Shall we be off?” asked Freya, curious about their exchange.

“Yes…” nodded Lenneth, the blush still not fading from her cheeks.

Lezard grinned. “May I handle the teleportation duties this time?”

“NO!!” The two Goddesses frantically yelled out, causing the wizard to pout. “I was only trying to be of help.” He muttered under his breath.