COF 13

 It was good to be back. Odin thought, a smile on his face. His face was serene, happy and relaxed, as he leaned back in his throne, surveying the room. It still looked much like he had left it, the gold pillars sparkling as though brand new, with blood red banners looping between them. Lenneth hadn’t seen the need to change much, preferring instead to work on changing the behavior of the Gods rather than redecorate. He thought her foolish, wasting her time on trying to get the Gods to be more kind towards their dealings with humans.

She was really too soft to rule. He bit back a chuckle. He closed his eyes, letting his aura flare up, tasting his own power. He licked his lips, satisfied it was all there. Not like before when Lenneth had still been a Goddess. Then the power had flowed through her, only bits and pieces remaining to him, teasing him with what he lost, and what she stole each time she exerted her divine energy. By all rights he should have stayed dead, if not for Hel…She had sustained him, in more ways than one, giving him some of her energy…hiding him from those who would see him die again, this time permanently.

Odin thought back to how it all began. Loki’s final blow striking him down, leaving him weak and near death on the battlefield. He could remember feeling Freya’s tears dripping down onto his face, a multitude of them sliding wetly down his skin as she wailed in heartbreak. He hadn’t the strength left to soothe her, couldn’t even muster up the voice to speak, merely laying there with his head on her lap. Lenneth had approached them, her voice cold and almost uncaring as she demanded to know where Loki had gone. He had blacked out soon after, his eyes falling close even as he struggled to listen to the two Goddesses’ conversation.

When he had awakened he was in Nifleheim, an arrogant God no more, just one more soul for the fires of the pit. But Hel had come, recognizing him, even as his power began to fade. She had offered him a deal. Join her or burn for an eternity for his sins against humanity. It wasn’t a hard decision to make.

Hel. She was beautiful in her own way, rivaling that of the lovelies found in Asgard. It hadn’t been a hard task to take her to bed, to make promises to her he had little intention of keeping. She would have to be dealt with once her usefulness was at an end. It was a regrettable move, but he would not share his throne with anyone, not even his cursed savior.

He became aware of shouting, a female’s voice high pitched in anger. Odin cocked his head to the side, looking to the locked doors of his empty throne room. The commotion was coming from the other side of the doors, and he wondered who would dare intrude on his thoughts in such a manner. He rose from his throne, striding towards the doors, the voice becoming louder and more clearer.

“And I’m telling you we have urgent business with your boss!” Odin rolled his eyes at the female’s words. Everyone always thought they had important things to discuss with him. He hadn’t been back for more than a few hours, and already his subjects sought to burden him with their petty squabbles. He was about to turn away from the doors when he heard her mention the name of one who was very much on his mind. “Don’t you understand? We have vital information that could lead to the whereabouts of Lady Lenneth!”

What?! Odin roared to himself, fists clenching tightly. How can that be?! He hastened to open the doors to the throne room, moving backwards to avoid getting hit by the inwardly swinging doors. His thoughts were racing, anger and worry competing for dominance, but to the small crowd in the hall, he presented a calm front. He took in the sight of the blonde haired woman who was stamping her feet in frustration as she glared at the two white clad einherjar who barred her way. He noted with some surprise she was accompanied by the warrior Arngrim, a man he vaguely recalled working with Hrist during her attack on the kingdom of Dipan centuries ago.

“Did I just hear Lenneth’s name be mentioned?” He asked, drawing their attention to him.

“Finally!” The woman said in relief. “Someone who knows how to listen!” She shot a glare at the guards who still held their weapons drawn in front of them.

“Stand down. I would converse with these two.” Odin ordered, waving a lazy hand at the einherjar. They looked unsure, lowering their weapons reluctantly. “Do come in.” He said, gesturing for Arngrim and his companion to enter the throne room. “We can talk without being overheard in here.” The doors slowly closed behind them.

“No offense meant but…just who exactly are you?” demanded the woman. “And where is Freya?!”

Odin blinked, surprised at not being recognized. “You ask me who I am?” He couldn’t help laughing at that.

“That’s Lord Odin!” Arngrim hissed in a whisper to the girl.

“Ah you remember me Sir Arngrim?” asked Odin, pleased.

“No…” He gave the God an odd look, surprised he knew his name. “I’ve just seen pictures of you is all.”

That was surprising. He heard from Freya the man had been reincarnated without memories of his past life. It appears no one had bothered to fill in the blanks for him. No matter, it was hardly important. Finding out what they knew about Lenneth was all that mattered. “And you are?” He flashed a charming smile at the woman, and she smiled nervously at him.

“I’m Mystina…a mage from Flenceburg. Pardon me for being so blunt but…didn’t you die?” She asked.

“I got better.”

“Right…I suppose anything is possible with Gods..” Mystina replied, a tad unsettled to be talking to this particular Aesir. Her usual confidence was fleeing before him. “Um…should we be bowing or something?”

“No need to be so formal.” lied Odin, eager for once to dispense with formalities. “Please…what is it you have come to say?”

“I don’t know if we should trouble you with this.” Arngrim said before Mystina could speak. “Perhaps if we could speak to Lady Freya?”

“She is my eyes and ears. Whatever you would say to her you can tell me.” assured Odin. “I would not have my einherjar fear addressing their concerns to me directly.”

“Well…” Mystina shared a look with Arngrim, unsure of what to do. “It’s about Len…Lady Lenneth.”

“Ah yes. Such a shame about the dear girl.” Odin shook his head, making a tsking sound. “I hear Brahms is behind the kidnapping.”

“Well that’s the thing.” Mystina hesitated. “We know of one other who could be responsible.”

“Really?” His grey eyes were mild, the God feigning polite interest. “Whoever could that be?”

“It is a man…a mortal named Lezard Valeth.” She explained. “He…”

“He is of no consequence to us Gods.” Odin interrupted her.

“Why do you say that?” Arngrim was staring closely at Odin, watching his every facial change.

“Do you even have to ask?” Odin shook his head. “A human capturing a God? Don’t be absurd!”

“If anyone could do it, Lezard can! He’s no ordinary human!” Mystina insisted. “He’s a self proclaimed Master of Time and Space.”

“That means nothing to me.” Odin said.

“But he knows the lost magic…He was able to create the Philosopher’s stone!” She exclaimed, desperate to make him understand the urgency of the situation.

“Really now?” Odin raised an eyebrow in surprise. “That is interesting indeed.” He stroked his chin, quiet as he thought about what she said. “From what you tell me, I take it he is quite resourceful for a human.”

“You have no idea how true that statement is.” Mystina proclaimed. “He’s insane, and willing to do whatever he must in order to get what he wants.”

“And that is?” asked Odin.

The mage looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry to say he is obsessed with Lady Lenneth.”

“Obsessed? How?” questioned Odin. “Does he seek to claim her power for his own?”

“Er no…nothing like that.” She shook her head. “If it was power he sought, I’d have little hope for Lady Lenneth’s survival. No…he…well he thinks he’s in love with her. Ha!” It sounded absurd when she said it out loud. “As if that twisted black heart of his even knows the definition of the word!”

“Be that as it may…” interjected Arngrim. “He seeks to claim the Goddess as his own. You can see why we were concerned that upon our return we learned she had been taken.”

“Hmm…yes. He does sound like a very interesting fellow.” Odin’s face was grave. “This is a serious accusation you bring up against him. I do not take lightly to mortals and my Aesir mixing together when it comes to matters of the heart.”

“You make it sound as though she would have gone willing to him!” protested Arngrim.

“Did I?” Odin’s smile was faint.

“Arngrim, don’t be silly. Lord Odin was merely making an observation.” Mystina pointed out.

“Indeed.” Odin shrugged his shoulders. “However…seeing that he is a mortal, and it would take far more than just the knowledge garnered from the Philosopher’s stone, I don’t think he is responsible. It would take great power for one such as he to capture a Goddess, power we would have surely noticed.”

“You didn’t notice when he put Lenneth into her new body.” Arngrim was quick to say, his eyes shooting the God a pointed stare. For just an instance anger appeared on Odin’s face, the elder God annoyed at Arngrim’s insolence. But his face quickly evened out into a smile, leaving them to wonder at what they had seen on his face just seconds before..

“What is this you say about a new body?” Odin asked, his tone mild.

“He knows how to make homunculus” supplied Mystina. “He specifically uses elves to make these bodies because he knows about you and them…” Odin’s head jerked up, and he stared at the woman. Sensing the mood change, Arngrim placed a hand on Mystina’s shoulder, and she fell silent at the signal.

“What is this about elves? What do you think you know?” Odin demanded, a smile on his face. It was reminiscent of a cobra poised to strike, deadly and vicious was that flashing of his teeth.

“Just that…” She stumbled over her words, trying to find the right ones. “That the elves are the caretakers of the World Tree…” She finished lamely.

“You seek to hide something from me…what?” Odin stepped closer to her, hands reaching out. He harshly took hold of her chin, forcing her to meet his cold eyes. “What is it, my dear?” Mystina trembled as he touched her, fear twisting in her stomach.

“I…” Arngrim was pulling on her, a pillar of strength that allowed her to slip free of the hypnotic gaze Odin sought to ensnare her with. He released her, frowning in displeasure as the warrior placed himself in front of the mage. “This was a mistake to come here.” Arngrim said. “I’m sorry we bothered you.”

“Not at all.” Odin was still wearing that unpleasant smile of his. “I thank you for this information.” He stroked his chin, eyeing the two mortals speculatively. “Have you mentioned this abduction theory to anyone else?”

Mystina was surprised when Arngrim answered yes. “Really?” Odin seemed disappointed. “How…fortunate…”

“Does that mean you’ll look into things?” asked Mystina hopefully. “See about getting Lenneth back from that madman?”

“Why of course.” agreed Odin. “I would be remiss if I didn’t see to the rescue of one of my most valuable servants. Fear not, young lady. If he does have her, I will see them taken care of immediately.”

“That’s all we can ask for…” Arngrim said, taking Mystina by the arm. He began to step backwards, keeping a wary eye on the God, as he ushered the mage to the exit. Odin nodded, his eyes narrowed as he watched the two einherjar hurry out of the room. He couldn’t help but laugh to himself when he heard the woman exclaim in a nervous whisper, “That was scary!”

Odin went to sit back on his throne, steepling his fingers together before his face. “This is not good.” He said out loud, his voice echoing in the empty room. “I did not know there would be others who knew about that man.”

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Lezard was laying on Lenneth’s bed, idly reading a book as he waited for her to finish bathing. His mind barely concentrated on the words, his eyes kept drifting towards the locked door, and the sounds that came from it’s direction. The splish of water being splashed about, the sound of soap being dropped to the floor, Lenneth’s mild curses following as she flailed about to catch the slippery item. He peered at the wooden door, as though he could see through it, imagining the delightful sight that lay just within reach of him. It was enough to make his glasses fog up, as he imagined her body wet and shining, soap duds sliding down her flesh.

He was running a handkerchief over his glasses’ lens when the door opened, and she emerged, a large towel wrapped about her body. She stopped up short upon seeing him, her face turning stormy. Before he could even say anything, she was turning around, dashing back into the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind her, loud and rattling on it’s hinges from the force of her throw. Lezard blinked, stifling a laugh when moments later, the door opened a crack, and her hand emerged.

“Could you please hand me my clothing?” Her voice was strained as she made her request, trying not to sound angry.

“But of course.” He took his time getting up, marking his place in the unread book, replacing his glasses on his nose. He did not hurry as he strode to where the outfit he picked out for her lay, neatly folded atop the dresser. At last he handed it to her, trying to get a glimpse of her as he passed the clothing to her. All he saw was flashing blue eyes, and a whirl of wet hair as she quickly grabbed the dress from him. This time she shut the door more gently, it barely even creaked on the hinges. She took care to lock the door behind her, not trusting him to try and come in.

“So untrusting.” He said to her, this time giving in to the laugh.

A few minutes later she emerged, fully dressed this time. He looked her over with approval, noting how the sapphire blue dress clung to her curves, tight and form fitting where it counted the most. The bodice was low cut with thin spaghetti straps holding it up, leaving her shoulders almost bare. As always it fell down to her ankles, her feet bare as she padded across the floor past him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, following her closely.

Lenneth was silent thinking it over. The bath combined with the hangover remedy had done much to improve her mood. She had almost been feeling good about herself, until the unexpectedness of seeing him in her bed had startled away any good mood she had gained. At least she still felt clean and refreshed she thought, sitting down in front of the mirrored vanity. “I’m better now.” She answered, fingers running through her wet hair.

“That’s good.” She could see Lezard’s reflection in the mirror, standing close to her, watching her every move. She frowned not liking his inspection of her. Looking away, she picked up a brush and began combing out her long hair, working on the tangles. When she began the process of working her hair into it’s familiar braid, he suddenly came forward. Catching hold of the hand that held the brush, he leaned forward to speak against her ear. “Leave it down for me.”

Lenneth stared at him via the mirror, locking eyes with his reflection. His other hand moved forward, fingers diving into what little progress she had made, unwinding her thick hair free. She sighed then, replying with a soft, “As you wish.” He smiled then, liking her compliance, his hand caught up in her hair. His fingers massaged her scalp, his face still pressed against her side. “You smell good.” He said, inhaling deeply.

“It’s only soap and water.” Lenneth replied, still watching him in the mirror. His eyes were closed, a soft smile on his face as he caressed her head. She didn’t know why she let him do it, watching without reacting as his hand slipped down from her hair to her neck, stroking the skin there. She certainly had ample warning, being able to see his hands, but she just sat there, letting him stroke up to her face. His fingers splayed wide on her neck, the thumb on her cheek, and with a gentle push, she turned her face towards his. They were nose to nose, his purple eyes glittering as he moved, pressing his lips against hers. She didn’t react with outraged gasps or screams, but she did keep her mouth closed. He didn’t seem to care, planting tiny butterfly kisses on her pink lips.

When his tongue licked across her lips, wet and sure, she did gasp, the brush falling from her hand. The clatter of it hitting the floor almost went unnoticed, and Lezard was the one to break the kiss for once. “Gotcha.” He said, his tone teasing. Blinking rapidly, Lenneth stared at him confused. “To repeat what I said earlier, a woman doesn’t kiss a man like that unless she feels something for him!” The look he flashed her was triumphant.

Her mouth fell open in shock, and she began pulling on her hand, trying to get it free of his grip. “You…”

“You what?” He asked, a tad mockingly. She went to turn her face away and Lezard let her, hands going to rest on her shoulders. She let out a wordless scoff, horrified to see her face turning red. “It’s all right.” He said to her, giving her shoulders a squeeze. “You don’t have to answer.” Lenneth noted his smile had turned into his usual smirk, the wizard feeling he had won some small victory over her.

He was still bending over her, too close for comfort, his eyes wandering across the table top. Spotting her necklace, he reached forward, his arm brushing against the side of her breast. She held herself still, not saying anything, pretending not to notice the uninvited touch. He held the jewel up before her face, the lapis lazuli twinkling as the sunlight hit it. “Don’t forget to put on your necklace.” Lezard told her.

Lenneth reached up to take it from him, but the necromancer shook his head. “Allow me.” The necklace was cold as it slid around her neck, and again she felt a dab of electricity pulsate against her skin where the jewel lie. Her hand went up to her neck, fingering the jewel. “Is that the protection spell I feel?” She was pleased to note her voice sounded even and calm, not betraying her feelings to him.

Lezard reached out to touch the necklace, his hand covering hers, even as his arm pressed against the front of her body. “What do you feel?” He asked, truly curious.

Lenneth was hesitant in her answer, staring at the reflection of him wrapped around her. “A warmth…almost like static electricity, but not quite as jarring.”

“Then yes Lenneth. That is the protection spell.” He slowly slid his hand down her body, coming to rest the palm of it against her belly. “I shouldn’t be surprised you can feel it. After all you’re no ordinary human. You were a Goddess…perhaps some of that still lingers in you.” At the word human she tried to stand up, but he held her down, resting his chin atop her head. Her azure eyes were angry, and her reflection glared at him. “Does it anger you, my sweet Lenneth?” He asked. “Hearing your former glory spoken of in the past tense?”

“You know it does.” Her answer came out in infuriated hiss.

“But perhaps not as much as it once did…” He mused out loud. He wondered why he always felt the need to test her, to see how far he could push her before making her angry. It was perhaps the scientist in him, curious to see just how well she was adjusting to life as mortal. To see how close she was growing to accepting her fate, and her eventual life with him.

“My anger—no my hatred knows no limit.” She told him. “It’s as strong as it was the day I woke up in your laboratory.”

“Sometimes we like to lie to ourselves most of all.” Lezard replied. “If it was really the same would I be able to hold you in my arms? Once you would have threatened to tear me limb from limb. Now you merely accept it, perhaps…come to enjoy it even?”

“Don’t delude yourself!” She snapped, giving a little twist of her body. He kept her down on the seat, just watching and judging her answers. “If I had my powers I would inflict suffering on you the likes of which you could never even imagine!”

“You claim it is the lack of your powers that hold you back, but I think different.” He abruptly let her go. “Come now Lady Valkyrie, have at me. You still have your skills, your knowledge of fighting. There are plenty of women warriors in this day and age who do not have God granted strength. Surely you’ve collected a few such souls in your quest for Einherjar.”

She turned to watch him back across the room, his arms swung wide open, fingers gesturing her towards him. “I would not risk going up against your magic.”

“And I would never use my powers against you…” She laughed at this, forcing Lezard to speak over her. “In a way that would permanently harm you.”

“You and I have vastly different ideas of what harm constitutes.” Lenneth frowned, crossing her arms over her chest, her nails digging into her skin. “Humanity.” The word was heavy with disdain.

“Then take out your anger on me!” Lezard tapped his chest with a fist, urging her to strike him. Lenneth looked away, whispering, “I won’t.”

“Won’t? Or can’t?” He asked, wanting her to realize the distinction between the two words. She didn’t answer, choosing to bend down and pick up the discarded brush. She held it in her hands, staring at it as though it was the most fascinating thing in the world. And perhaps it was, if it meant avoiding looking at Lezard. She heard him let out a sigh, the necromancer dropping his arms to his side.

“Very well Lenneth.” Lezard said. “I shan’t press the issue any more.” He approached her, bending down to remove the brush from her hands. “Come my dear…we have work to do…”

“Work?” At this she raised her head, shy eyes meeting his.

“Yes work.” He smiled, tossing the brush atop the vanity. “You may not remember this after your night of drunken revelry, but I did promise to work a spell for you.”

“Wait…I remember…” She said slowly, once again touching her necklace. “A spell to…let me have access to some of your tower.”

“That’s right!” Lezard took her by the hand, pulling Lenneth up to her feet. “I thought you might like helping me prepare the spell. It’s better than sitting in your room all day.”

“That it is.” She said, dismayed when he didn’t let go of her hand. Instead he walked her towards the door, an unhurried pace, as she trailed behind him. Her steps were slow and reluctant, and rather than drag her along behind him, he modified his walk so as to keep up with her.

“However…” He continued, opening the door. “You’ll have to promise me something.”

“What?” Lenneth’s tone was suspicious.

“You can’t start tearing apart my library like you did my lab.” Lezard let out a laugh. “Afterall, I know how much you like throwing things!”

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The summoning came as a surprise to the Goddess Hel. It had not been that long since last she had parted with Odin. And already he was missing her. She smiled to herself flattered, and thought to let him wait. Let him truly feel her absence and long for her presence before she gave in and went to him. She leaned back on the chaise lounge, sipping at her cocktail. She supposed it was petty to make him wait, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was ascending to Asgard, making it her new home.

She was tired of living in Nifleheim, of living among the damned and undead. Why must her beauty be wasted in such a place, with only grotesque creatures and pitiable human souls around to admire her? She felt she belong up there in the realm of the Gods, up there in the light, and shining palaces, where there was beauty and perfection all around. And she would be there soon, and not just as a visitor, but as Asgard’s Queen.

Garm, her faithful watch dog, lifted his massive head, scenting the air. A growl issued from his throat, and he displayed his teeth, three rows of sharp jagged edges, saliva glistening off the canines. “Calm down my beloved pet.” She said, placing a hand on his head. His tiny tail began wagging back and forth, even as his ears pricked forward. Lesser dogs would have whimpered at the high pitched ringing, the sound of a God teleporting into the room. Garm merely growled again, jaws snapping at the air.

“Confound it all Hel! Call your beast off!” Odin demanded, tugging at his cape, it’s end caught it the hell beast’s jaws.

“Garm is just jealous.” Hel said, eyes dancing with laughter. “He doesn’t like me paying anyone else attention.” She stroked down the dog’s throat, and with a huff, he opened his mouth, releasing his grip on Odin. The God made a face at the slobber on his cape, turning angry eyes at the Hel Goddess. “Why are you just sitting here?!” He demanded. “I called for you over an hour ago!”

“I was busy.” She shrugged her shoulders, appearing bored.

“Busy doing what?! Your nails?!”

Hel glanced at her fingers, inspecting her blood red nails. “No, but that is a good idea. They could use a filing.”

“Hel!” Odin exclaimed exasperated.

“Calm down Odin. It was merely a joke.” She smiled at him, but his face remained angry.

“While you joke and dilly dally, things are about to fall apart all around us!” He said scowling.

“Whatever do you mean?” She didn’t seem to sense the urgency in his voice.

“I’ve been visited by meddling mortals!” Odin said, watching as she cuddled with the Hell beast.

“So just kill them.” She replied, thinking the death of a mortal was of no consequence.

“I can’t take that risk when they’ve talked to other people. It would look suspicious.”

“I doubt they could have anything to say that would be of importance.” Hel said, still unconcerned.

“Ordinarely I would agree with you, but not this time!” Odin wrung his hands nervously. “They know about Lezard!”

Hel looked up from her fawning over Garm. “What?”

“They know about the necromancer!” Odin snarled. “The one you told me no one knew about!” He added accusingly.

“It’s not as though Lenneth went about advertising that she had a stalker.” Hel replied, frown lines appearing on her face. “I only learned about him because his soul is slated to come into my domain when he dies. How could two humans know about him?!”

“That’s what I want to know!” exclaimed Odin, aggrieved. “They seemed far too knowledgeable for mere mortals.”

“Well…something will have to be done about this.” Hel stood up, Garm bumping his head against her legs.

“Yes, I’ve already thought of a task for you.” Odin said. This time the woman scowled, not liking being ordered around. “I would do it myself, but my presence will be noticed if I am gone too long from Valhalla.”

“And yet you found the time to sneak away down here?” She didn’t sound like she believed him.

“I set up a proxy of my energy in the throne room.” Odin explained. “It won’t last long, but should anyone probe for my energy, they will taste it, and think I am still on Asgard.” The Hel Goddess seemed to accept his reasoning. “I would have you go to Midgard in my place. Find the tower of this Lezard.”

“And then what?”

Odin smiled, cruel and vindictive. “Then kill him.”

“What of Lenneth?” She asked, licking her lips in anticipation. “What would you have me do with her?”

“Well, we can’t leave her around for just anyone to find. Not after you went through all that trouble to frame Brahms.” Odin laughed. “You’ll have to kill her as well.”

“With pleasure.” Hel grinned. “The little bitch Goddess has destroyed far too many of my loyal minions over the centuries.” She pouted then, an almost accusing look in her eyes. “All under your orders, if I recall.”

“Yes…” For a brief second there was real regret in his eyes. “Lenneth has served me well over the years. It’s a pity it must come to this.” Hel looked questioningly at him. “She was like a daughter to me.” He confided. “I had wished to allow her to live out her life as a mortal. Call it a reward for all her faithful years of service to me as a Valkyrie.” He sighed then. “Such a pity.”

“Pity is for the weak.” Hel told him. “To show her mercy is to risk our involvement being brought out to the light.”

“Fear not my dear.” Odin smirked. “I don’t let my emotions affect my decisions. Lenneth will die. But her death will not be in vain.” He began to laugh. “The vampires will be wiped out in her name, for her sake. It will be a fitting tribute for one such as she.”

“What would you have me do with the bodies?” asked Hel, always one for gruesome details.

“The bodies?” Odin stroked his chin. “I don’t care how you dispose of Lezard’s, but Lenneth? Lenneth’s must be brought back here. I would not pass up on this chance to further indicate Brahms.”

“An excellent strategy.” Hel leaned forward to kiss him. Odin broke away, wagging a finger in her face. “Now there is no time for that my saucy beauty. We both have things to do. Now go.”

“At once, my love.” Hel said, and with a flash she was gone. Odin glanced down at her dog, locking eyes with it. It flattened it’s ears back and began to growl, seconds away from launching a vicious attack on Odin’s ankles. With a malevolent smirk, Odin pulled back his leg, kicking the dog hard in it’s side. Garm let out a surprised yelp, and fell over, silent except for one pained whimper. “Good doggie.”

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To Be Continued.

Picking on dogs, what won’t Odin do?! ;-p