COF 05

 The training hall was a mess, rubble strewn about the place, the larger pieces of stone not having fallen very far from the wall they had been wrenched from. Where they had been, a huge gaping hole remained, a thick choking dust wafting in the air near the damage. People closest to the damage coughed, waving their hands in front of their faces in a futile gesture to chase away the smoke. Others leaned forward, tentatively touching the wall, wide eyed in shock to see the outside courtyard revealed to them in this most unexpected manner. Not many things could damage any of the edifices attached to the Hall of Valhalla, and those that could would have little reason to act in such a manner.

Already there was a heated murmur among the Einherjar gathered in the hall, and if the ringing in the blonde’s ear would just stop, even for just a second, he would be able to make out just what they were saying. He knew they had to be wildly speculating, about him in particular, since it had been his body that had come crashing through the wall. Not on it’s own merits mind you, but with a little assistance from his attacker. The explosion had been born of divine energy, the attack of an angry Goddess that had sent not merely inanimate objects flying, but people as well. Those closest to the wall were in desperate need of Eir’s divine healing.

Oddly enough, the man who had been the victim of the attack, one swordsman named Lucian wasn’t as badly injured as he could have been. His right shoulder was bleeding, not from the Goddess’ attack, but from a sparring match that occurred just minutes before all Hel broke loose. His back was sore from the impact of slamming into the stone, and without healing his back would be bruised from his neck down to his rump. His handsome face was darkened with soot, and he too had a wracking cough let loose from his throat every few minutes. He had a cut over one eyebrow, dribbling blood over his left eye. But all in all, he was in reasonably good health, considering a divine being was trying to kill him.

Lucian didn’t even have time to lay stunned at his friend’s feet, much as he would have liked to. Not when the cause of the explosion had personally sent him flying into the wall. Freya floated into the room, ignoring the fencing instructor’s questions, her green eyes narrowed into a glare as she focused in on Lucian. But her next attack never fell, instead silence descended on the training hall, all eyes fixed to the raven haired Goddess who had just climbed through the rubble. Her words were an icy threat, promising pain and misery should he be lying.

“What has happened to Lenneth?” demanded Hrist, her walk a confident stride that betrayed none of the inner turmoil she felt. “Where is my sister?!” Lucian was surprised to hear the passion in her voice, shocked to think the Death Goddess actually cared about her middle sister’s fate.

“He knows.” insisted Freya, hovering in midair, just off to the side of Hrist. “He has to!”

“I know nothing!” Lucian said, inwardly wincing as he body protested his standing up so quickly.

“That is debatable.” Hrist said, a brief but sardonic smile on her face.

“Something amuses you Hrist?” asked the God Ull, studying the cold beauty’s face.

“Merely his choice of words, nothing more.” She replied, marching over to Lucian. Eyeing her drawn sword, the two einherjar Jayle and Kashell, bravely went to stand in front of Lucian, drawing their own weapons. You wouldn’t know it by how evenly their blades stayed in the air, but inwardly they were shaking with fright. But they would not abandon their friend to the black clad Valkyrie.

“You dare raise your weapons to me?” Hrist demanded, while Freya let out an aghast cry. “You’re either very brave, or very stupid.”

“Or maybe we’re a little of both.” Kashell said with false bravado.

Hrist laughed. “Both it is!” She striked forward, disarming the two warriors in the blink of an eye, their swords flying through the air to land embedded in the clay floor. She half crouched, lashing out with her left leg, in a sweeping movement that knocked the two of their feet, and onto their backs. Jayle stifled a gasp, as she found a sword tip pressed against her throat, the sharp edge so close, even just breathing too hard would cause blood to be drawn. “Anyone else want to try my patience?”

None dared reply, worriedly watching Hrist’s blade, fearful that she would follow through on drawing the blonde woman’s blood. “Stop!” Lucian cried, throwing down his weapon. “Goddess please! If you must slice someone, choose me!” He held his hands out to his side, fingers splayed wide open, as he held himself still, awaiting the feel of her blade. She did not disappoint, tapping the point of her sword on his Adam’s apple.

“That you would take this one’s place under my blade speaks much of your character.” Hrist gave him a considering look, forcing his chin up with the flat of her blade. “Very well, I will listen to what you have to say.” She glanced at the Fertility Goddess, to see if she agreed to hearing him out. Freya gave a grudging nod of acceptance.

“I…”

“But not here.” Hrist said, cutting him off before he could say more than one word. “We’ve had far too many secrets and speculations slip in front of prying ears.” She swept the room with a dark gaze, quelling the few whispers of conversation. “We shall retire to a more private area…” It was a surprisingly level headed move, one that would help them keep a reign on any further rumors about Lenneth’s situation from formulating.

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

Having eaten her fill of the food before her, Lenneth set down her knife and fork, calmly folding her hands in her lap. She continued to ignore the wizard who sat next to her, focusing her gaze on the wall. He almost got her to look at him, when he surprised her with a low, throaty chuckle. “Ah Valkyrie…” Lezard sighed, his voice taking on a wistful tone. “You think to punish me by denying me the pleasure of hearing your dulcet tones.” His left hand reached up, catching hold of some of her hair. He played with it, watching it shine in the light before continuing. “But I’ve been alone for far too long…I am used to silence…it doesn’t really bother me you see.”

Still she said nothing, only a tightening around her eyes betraying how much it bothered her to have him touching any part of her. “Oh well…” continued Lezard, with a grin. “I hadn’t brought you here for your conversation skills!”

“Beast!” Lenneth hissed, leaping to her feet, her chair overturning to the floor. “You would dare…!”

He stood up when she had, holding his hands before him in a placating manner. “Now, now my dear.” Lezard said, trying to sound soothing. “I haven’t dared do anything to you, beyond inviting you into my home.”

“If it had truly been an invitation I would have declined!” She told him with a heated glare.

He ignored her interruption. “I have done nothing towards you except behave as a gentleman would. If anything it is you who are far too suspicious, and eager to jump to conclusions.” Another grin from him. “Why Lady Valkyrie, I had no idea you were so dirty minded.”

She flushed bright red at this. “I…what am I to expect?!” She nervously played with her hair. “What did you bring me here for, if not that?”

“That?” He arched an eyebrow, stifling a smirk. “You mean sex.” He clarified. “Ah yes…there is that…” He pushed up his glassed, which had slid down his nose. “I do indeed desire you…more than any man has lusted after a woman, be they mortal, God, or demon.” Uncomfortable with his proclamation, she crossed her arms over her chest, turning her back to him. “But lust is fleeting and easily satisfied. I don’t just want you for your body, for I am in love with you, Lady Valkyrie!”

She scoffed at this. “You know nothing of love!”

“Don’t I?” He asked. “I know what I feel, deep down in my heart, black though it may be. It pounds for you, it’s tempo beating faster and faster the nearer you are. The mere thought of you has consumed me…my every waking thought has been about you since last we met, and even in my dreams I get no respite from you…nor do I want it!”

“That is not love, that is obsession.” Lenneth told the wizard, still not facing him.

“Obsession?! Ha ha ha!” He laughed, tears welling up in his eyes, though they did not fall. “Ah yes…tis a fitting name for this madness of the heart. Love and obsession go hand in hand, dear Valkyrie. Perhaps…” his hands took hold of her shoulders, gently turning her around. “…you could teach me what your version of love is? Hmm?” Lezard leaned in close to Lenneth, his eyes locked on her blue ones. “We could learn together…” His mouth hovered over hers, his breath hot and heavy against her face.

“What are you…?” She managed to get out, before he locked his mouth on top of hers. She gasped against his lips, her mouth opening in shock. He took advantage of this to plunge his tongue into hers, exploring it’s wetness. She stiffened in shock, trying to draw her tongue away from his, but he followed, pressing his lips even harder and more insistent against hers.

At last with a stifled shriek she broke free, and with a resounding whack, her hand connected with his face. “So much for being the gentleman!” cried out Lenneth, eyes furious.

“I…forgive me…” He shook his head no. “It was merely a kiss.” He fingered where her hand had struck him. “Even the most well behaved of men could not resist trying to steal a kiss from you…from touching you..” His fingers caressed the reddening skin of his face.

“…” She merely fixed him with an angry stare.

“Perhaps next time you won’t be so quick to anger when we kiss…” Lezard murmured, more to himself than her. But even with her now mortal hearing range, she heard him. “Necromancer, there will be no next time! If you persist I will find a way to kill you, even though I am stuck in this human shell!” Lenneth promised.

“And then what Valkyrie?” He asked. “How would you survive without me? You won’t be able to leave this tower…not in your current condition…”

She clenched her fists in helpless rage. “Take me back to my room.” She ordered.

“As my lady wishes.” Lezard said, with a grand bow.

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

Lucian was surprised when Hrist took them to her apartment. The black clad Valkyrie had a suite of rooms all to herself in the east wing of Vahalla, consisting of a bedroom, a sitting room, and a sparring room. Not that she allowed Lucian past the sitting room. It was sparsely decorated, the main colors being black and blue. The carpet was plush and thick, a rich royal blue color, and on the black walls were shields and swords of various lengths and designs. In the westernmost corner, a suit of armor hung on a rack, it a deep purple color, gleaming in the light from having been polished recently. Golden highlights adorned the purple, while a knee length white skirt hung down from it’s waist. Pointed gold pinions reminiscent of sheathed daggers hug off the bottom of the dress. Matching gauntlets and greaves completed the look, while hanging above the armor, was a helmet, purple and gold, with black feathers on the sides. “I haven’t worn that armor since Silmeria was lost…” Hrist said, having noticed what held Lucian’s attention. It was a surprisingly personal thing for her to say.

“Have a seat…” She said gruffly, gesturing at the couch and chairs in the center of the room. “I believe you will find my chambers an…adequate place for this discussion.” Adequate was an understatement thought Lucian. It was more than suitably private, not many would dare intrude on the former Executioner of the Gods without just cause. Even less would try to eavesdrop on her.

Seeing that Lucian and Freya were glaring at each other from opposite sides of the sitting room, Hrist sighed and sat down on the couch. “You’re acting like children.” She stated with a roll of her eyes.

“Hmph.” Freya stuck up her nose. “I hardly think my concern for Lenneth is childish.”

“It’s not.” assured Hrist. “However, jumping to conclusions, and refusing to talk things out ARE.”

HA! thought Lucian, but wisely held his tongue. Although he was tempted to stick it out at Freya.

“Mortals are naturally beings of ill repute, and foolish whims.” continued Hrist. “We can’t fault the einherjar for HIS behavior.”

“HEY!!”

“Now…” She continued, ignoring Lucian’s cry. “What exactly do we know? Aside from Lenneth having vanished from Valhalla.” She added when she saw both of them open their mouths to speak at the same time.

“I don’t know why I get blamed for Platina’s disappearance.” Lucian spoke up, loud and quick. “This half crazed Goddess…” He pointed an accusing finger at Freya. “…is the one who somehow lost my Platina!”

“Your Platina? You fool!” scoffed Freya, rising to her feet. “You’re still clinging to that foolish notion that the Goddess and the mortal she slept within are the same being?!”

“They look the same…” Lucian said gruffly. “No they are the same…she has her memories…”

“Of course she does…she has become the Lord Creator, she’s all knowing now!” retorted Freya, hands on her hips.

“Fascinating as this discussion is…” Hrist interrupted dryly. “It is not going to help us find my sister. Now, will you two behave yourselves, or do I have to separate you two?”

“…” Freya pursed her lips and glanced at Lucian. He reluctantly met her eyes and nodded his agreement. “We will cooperate.”

“For now…” added Lucian under his breath.

“Thank you.” But Hrist did not smile, or show any other emotion on her face. She kept it blank, devoid of feeling. “Freya…you start. What makes you think something has happened to Lenneth? I know you said her energy signature has disappeared.”

“Can you not feel it?” asked Freya. “The emptiness in the air where she should be…that pulsating warmth that feeds into life, giving way to new miracles everyday.” The miracles she referred to were the small things humans take for granted, such as the grass growing, flowers blooming, the rain falling, even the song of the birds.

“I am not as attuned to my sister as you are.” Hrist told her. “Lenneth and I have never been close. However…” She paused, seeming to vibrate with energy as she tested the air. “I do sense a void…a hole where her presence should be. But…”

“But…?” Prompted Lucian and Freya as one.

“There is something else there…a coldness…the chill of an early winter’s frost…” Hrist frowned. “It feels almost demonic in it’s essence.”

Freya looked troubled. “Demonic…what could that mean?”

“I think a better question is why you didn’t notice this, before you went flying off the handle and attacked me!” burst out Lucian. “I couldn’t possible make a demonic energy signature.”

“I…” Freya flushed, not wanting to admit her mistake.

“Freya is a fertility Goddess. Their very nature is tied with life and rebirth.” explained Hrist. “The essence that has filled the void reeks of something closer to death. I would not be surprised that she couldn’t sense it.”

“Hmph.” Lucian was not satisfied with this answer. “Why did you think I would do anything to harm Platina…” Freya let out a sound of objection. “Fine, Lenneth. I love her, I would do anything to protect her.”

“Be that as it may, you were the last person to be seen with the All Mother.” pointed out Freya. “I find that to be highly suspicious.”

“Lucian, how about you fill us in on your side of the story.” Hrist suggested.

“Fine.” He said, back stiff from anger. “Lenneth and I had a date. We went to the meadow near Yggdrasil to have a picnic. I thought she could use a break from her duties…she seemed on edge from all the work she had to do. Tired and stressed out, you know.”

“Gods do not suffer from stress, and we never get tired. We are not weak like you mortals and einherjar are.” Freya boasted.

“Right…” Lucian rolled his eyes. “Whatever. We hadn’t seen each other in a while…Overseeing the affairs of Midgard and Asgard has kept her busy…too busy for even me it seems…” That last was said softly, a look of pain in the blonde’s eyes. “Our date was going well…at least…it was at first.”

“You quarreled.” Hrist stated.

“Y…yes…”

“About what…?” The black haired valkyrie asked.

“I…I don’t wish to say…” Lucian glanced down at his hands, nervous and unsure.

“But you will.” ordered Hrist. “You do not want to know what I do to those who withhold information from me.”

“I…we…damn it all!” Lucian punched his fist into the wall. “We fought about her name, all right! You happy now?! She doesn’t like me calling her Platina anymore than you do!”

“Oh my.” Freya didn’t bother to hide her smirk.

“Oh my indeed.” Lucian snidely mimicked. “I stormed off in the middle of the argument.” He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “That was the last I saw of her. If I had known something would happen to her, I would never have left Lenneth alone! I’d have stayed by her side, protected her, or died trying!” His blue eyes shined with pain. “I can’t bear to lose her again…you must believe me.”

“I…I believe you.” Freya said softly.

“You do?” Both man and valkyrie said in surprise.

“I do not believe he could fake such pain…” Freya replied. “I may not like him, but hearing him speak…I believe him.”

“Hmph. I am not so easily swayed by tears and passionate proclamations. I seek the truth in words and actions.” She tapped her sword’s sheathe meaningfully. “If I find anyone lying to me about what has happened to my sister, they won’t live to say another traitorous word.”

Lucian swallowed nervously. Hrist was scary when she said things like that! He knew if Hrist had chosen to go after him the way Freya had, he would never have survived the encounter.

“Now come.” Hrist said, heading for the door that lead out into the halls of Valhalla. “We go to search the area where Lenneth was last seen.”

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

Lenneth followed behind Lezard, looking here and there, eyeing the many doors along the path to her bedroom. She wondered if any of them were locked. She knew one of them had to lead out of the tower…but which one. She had no idea what she would do when she escaped from the madman infatuated with her, but anything was better than staying here with him.

“Have care, Lady Valkyrie…” Lezard said, noticing her staring longingly at a locked door. “There are things hidden behind these doors that you would not want to encounter in your…delicate condition.” But he could tell by the look in her eyes, she did not believe him. He sighed, and thought to himself, How soon she forgets. Surely she remembered what it was like when she had first come to his tower, all those months ago.

Still she did not move, and he was forced to grasp her arm, drawing her away from the door she eyed. How he wished she would look at him with such yearning, rather than waste such glances on wood and iron!

It did not take them long to reach the room he had designated as her bedroom. Afterall it was a much shorter distance to it from the room they had dined it, then the trip from the lab had been the night before. “Well…I shall see you for dinner in a few hours.” Lezard said, ushering her into the bedroom. His hand lingered on her arm a moment longer than necessary, before sliding away.

“Eating again so soon?” asked Lenneth, sounding puzzled.

Lezard laughed. “Ah Valkyrie, you are mortal now. We humans must eat several times a day, lest we go weak.”

“Hmm…” Lenneth already knew that. but she feigned ignorance in order to get Lezard to stay longer and talk to her. “Is there anything else I should know that could weaken or endanger my body?”

He smiled. “Fear not Lady Valkyrie, I won’t allow any harm to befall you. You will be well taken care of so long as you are under my protection.”

“Really? And is there anything that could get you to take away that protection?” She asked.

“My lady! You wound me!” He dramatically pressed his hand against his heart, and staggered backwards as though wounded. The theatrics made her smile slightly. “I tell you that I love you, and yet you still doubt my incentive to keep you safe and healthy.”

“I…I’m sorry…” She looked away then. “I find myself growing uncertain and…and fearful the more I think about what it means to be a mortal.” It was no lie she spoke then.

“Fearful? Of what?” Lezard asked. Of me… Was his unspoken thought, which ordinary would have amused him to voice out loud. Now he kept silent, knowing she was more apt to react angrily, and claim he was making insinuations again. And he didn’t want to anger his Goddess. Not when she was opening up to him, talking without him having to goad her into reacting.

“Well…” She went and sat down on the bed, smoothing her skirt underneath her legs. “I can grow old and die now yes? Mortality is such a brief thing…could I not become sick and die?”

He looked troubled. “Yes…I suppose you could…all things mortal do eventually die…”

“Oh!” Her eyes were tearing up, trailing out and down her face. “I don’t want to die…”

“Oh beloved Valkyrie…” He was at her side in an instant, kneeling before her on the floor. He reached up to wipe away her tears, caressing her wet face with his hands. “Do not think of such things…you are young and have a healthy body…Death is a long way off!”

“Maybe to you…” She whispered. “But a mortal’s life is but a mere instant to a God.”

“For that I am truly sorry…” Lezard said, burying his face in her lap. And he was. In his mad quest to claim her, he hadn’t given much thought to matters beyond finding a way to keep her with him. In truth some part of him believed he’d never succeed in his endeavors, never have to face some of the harsh realities he would inflict on his beloved Goddess. It was enough to make him weep in her lap, and beg for forgiveness from her.

A forgiveness he realized, she was not willing to bestow upon him, seconds before he blacked out. Lenneth sat there, with his slumped body against her legs, hand trembling as she held the remains of the broken flower vase over his head. With a grimace she pushed him off of her, and onto the floor. “Bastard.” She muttered, kneeling over the wizard. She rummaged through his pockets, finding a set of keys on a heavy iron ring. A triumphant smile lit up her face, all signs of the tears gone now. She rushed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

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

The meadow by Yggdrasil was a huge expanse of land, as far as the eye could see in either directions long white flowers bloomed, tiny purple flowers dotted among the green and white land. Currently apple blossoms were floating in the air, bringing a sickly sweet smell to the nose, causing Lucian to sneeze, though the two Goddesses remained unaffected. The brown bark of Yggdrasil stood imposing in the center of the meadow, it’s base larger than any tree ever seen on Midgard. It’s round base was 150 feet in diameter, it’s height reaching up high into the sky, it’s top obscured by the mist from clouds. To say it dwarfed the tiny trees in the meadow would be an overstatement.

“If only Silmeria was here…” Hrist sighed, her hand flat against the coarse bark of an apple tree. “She could do a spiritual reading off of Yggdrasil.”

“A reading?” questioned Lucian. “Is there anyone else who could do that?”

“No, it was a gift only my youngest sister possessed.” replied Hrist. “She would have been able to garner a recreation of events from Yggdrasil, the reading would have been accurate enough to tell us who or what has happened to our sister, Lenneth.”

“But she is lost to the vampire lord, so we must use what resources are at our disposal today.” Freya clapped a hand on Hrist’s shoulder, and gave her a soft squeeze. “We will get her back…we will get both of them back, someday.”

“Yes…yes we will.” stated Hrist, intending to keep that promise with all her heart.

“Sooooo…” Lucian said, uncomfortable at witnessing the private moment between the two Goddesses. “What powers do we have available to us?”

“Our eyes for one.” Hrist said. “Scan the area for anything suspicious.”

“That’s it!” He exclaimed in disappointment.

“For now, yes…” She reluctantly admitted. “Freya has always been the most closely attuned with the Lord Creator, be it Odin or Lenneth. If she cannot sense her through the normal fashion, we will have to rely on clues. I might be able to track the new energy signature from it’s point of origin…if we can locate it that is.”

“All right…” Lucian headed towards where he and Lenneth had had their picnic. It was easy to find because the blanket and food was still spread out, untouched, not even by bugs, for such things did not exist on Asgard. “She left everything behind…” He muttered to himself. That wasn’t like her, but then the immaculate state of the food showed whatever had happened had not occurred here. If she had been attacked here, the food would be trampled on, over turned and smashed. But in it’s pristine state, untouched aside from a bit of a pastry, it would seem Lenneth had merely got up and walked away.

He continued to search, traversing around the area, in an ever widening circle. His eyes on the ground as he walked, not really expecting to find anything. It was only a few steps away from the abandoned picnic that he found a break in the picture perfect setting. The dirt was upturned, a hole about the size of a fist implanted in the ground. The significance of it was lost on him. “What in the world…” Lucian frowned, and looked for the two Goddesses, eager to report this odd occurrence.

Freya had taken to the air, circling about the area, trying to spot anything amiss. Hrist was among the flowers, her sword out and cutting down any flower or branch that got in her way. Which happened to be quite a few, as the tall white flowers came up to her waist, obscuring the ground and whatever may lay within them. Freya gave a shudder at the thought of Lenneth’s body being hidden among those flowers. No I musn’t think like that! She told herself. We will find Lenneth, and she will be fine!

Suddenly she came to a halt, floating in space in midair. “I found something!” She shouted. It was impossible to miss. Where they should have been flowers there was a blackness…the land charred black as though by an intense flame…and there was something else. She touched down on the ground, being careful to avoid walking on the ruined land. Her feet made a crackling sound as she stepped on uprooted flowers that had partially survived the fire, only to turn to fine powder under her booted heels. She didn’t even notice, so intent on the items scattered in a pile at the center of the blackened ground. A white dress, like the one Lenneth wore underneath her blue armor, lay crumpled on the ground, as though it had slipped free of the body it had been on. “Oh Lenneth…” Freya said softly. “What has become of you?!”