COF 18

 Lenneth got little if any sleep that night, finding it difficult to relax next to a nearly naked Lezard. Her heart beat pounded out rapidly, her mind thick with possibilities. She tried to reassure herself that for the most part he had been a gentleman towards her, teasing aside. But there was some part of her that acknowledge he had changed since Hel’s attack, it was as though once he got a taste of her flesh, he wanted more, and found it hard to not touch her. The problem was, Lenneth wasn’t sure she entirely minded! She cursed herself for the weakness of her flesh, for liking his touches. It was as if he awakened something primal in her, urges she had not known she had, or even wanted to explore.

With these thoughts heavy on her mind, Lenneth was quick to awaken from a light sleep that left her more tired than when she had gone to bed. She found herself still on her side, the press of his flesh having trapped her in that position. Already her right arm was growing numb, light tingles traveling up and down her arm, a protest from laying atop of it for too long. She tried to shift over, her free hand touching the arm wrapped around her waist. It tightened, the wizard burying his face in her hair, still deep asleep. Lenneth couldn’t help but frown, jealous that he at least got a good night’s sleep.

Not caring if he awakened, she began turning, tugging at his arm, trying to pull free of it. Even in sleep he clung to her, not wanting to let her go. “Damn it Lezard…” She growled, eager to get up and out of bed. “Let me up…”

He didn’t answer, eyes shut tightly as he dreamed. She sighed, laying back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling. It appeared the wizard could sleep through Ragnarok if need be!

Minutes passed by, the woman resuming her struggles to get free. It was when she accidentally elbowed him in the stomach, that the necromancer awoke with a snorted out groan. “Good morning to you too…” He grumbled sourly, looking at her though half lidded eyes.

She started to apologize, then remembered it was his fault for keeping her prisoner. “I wouldn’t have hit you if you weren’t holding me so tightly!” She wiggled again, hips gyrating against his towel covered lower half. She was surprised when he let out a sharp intake of breath, stiffening against her. “Don’t do that!” He said, voice sounding hoarse.

“Then let go of me!” Lenneth demanded, completely innocent of the effect her rocking movement was having on him. She was surprised when he complied, quick as lightning, releasing his hold on her. She went to sit up, surprised to see him turn his back on her, hunched over on his side. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing…just tired.” Lezard said gruffly, pulling the blanket over himself. “Why don’t you go take a shower or see about breakfast?”

“I think I will…” Lenneth said, still staring at him in puzzlement. Perhaps he is just not a morning person. With an uncaring shrug of her shoulders, she got up out of bed, and headed for the door. She was a bit surprised at the freedom he allowed her, not protesting her leaving the room unescorted by him. Upon exiting, Lenneth turned to the right, entering the bathroom. Making sure to lock the door behind her, she carefully hung up her night gown, and stepped towards the tub.

She quickly pumped the handle, filling the tub up almost to the brim. Once full, she stepped in, sitting down with a happy sound, water splashing over the sides. It always felt good to get clean, the water cool and refreshing against her skin. She ran her hands through her hair, ducking down in the tub to get the top wet. Lenneth spent an inordinate amount of time bathing, having quickly discovered it was one of the things about mortal life she truly enjoyed.

While Lenneth bathed, Lezard lay back in bed, panting slightly. He gave a toss of his head, a weary look on his face as he sat up. He had exerted himself too much the day before, the wound on his back making him slow and sluggish when it came to casting magic. It didn’t help that he had been forced to cast spell after spell as they journeyed, encountering far too many monsters for his liking. “This damn wound is slowing me down…” He said, free to speak his thoughts with the Valkyrie gone from the room. After all he didn’t want her to worry, content to let her think everything was fine with him.

Lezard swung his legs over the side of the bed, adjusting his towel around his waist. He slowly got up, finding his clothing where he had left it, slung over the couch’s back. With a flick of his wrist, the towel fell to the floor, the wizard reaching for his pants. He slid form fitting black leather up over his legs, fingers fumbling with the ties that closed it tight around his waist. He then grabbed his shirt, shaking his head at the wide gashes torn into it’s back. But still it was all he had, so he put it on. He was tying up his boots when the bedroom door opened, Lenneth appearing, once again clad in her night gown. Her long mane was tied up in a spare towel, a complex turban that kept the wet hair off her back, drip free.

“Feeling better?” Lenneth asked.

“Oh yes much.” Lezard nodded his head. “Thank you for your concern.”

She was eyeing him carefully, seeming to doubt his words. “How’s your back?”

“It’s better now, all due to your tender ministrations.” He was quick to assure her. “How about we see to breakfast?” Lenneth nodded her head. Breakfast sounded good to her. “And after that we can see about getting you some real clothes.”

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

The black haired Valkyrie walked through the halls of Valhalla, setting a brisk pace that would leave many on foot winded. Fortunately for her pursuer, she had the gift of flight, an advantges the golden haired Goddess used to easily keep up with her. Hrist never slowed down, she did not even spare a glance behind her as she spoke, “What do you want, Freya?”

It was gruff, disinterest that she spoke with, causing Freya to frown. “So you are angry with me.” She sighed, head bowed low.

“Am I?” Hrist shook her head. “Whatever could you mean?”

“Don’t act coy.” Freya said. “It doesn’t suit you.”

“Fine then…” Hrist suddenly stopped, the Goddess nearly banging into her back. She turned to face Freya, dark eyes flashing. “I WAS mad. Angry that I was apparently the last to learn of Odin’s return…angry that my so called friend, you, had not come to inform me of this development as soon as it happened.”

“I…” Freya looked away from her piercing gaze.

“But it doesn’t matter now.” Hrist shook her head no. “Not at all.” She almost smiled then. “Odin himself has sanctioned my lifelong ambition.”

“War with Brahms…” Freya said, green eyes worried. “But don’t you find it strange?”

“How so?”

“Odin has always been loathe to face him in battle…always quick to offer up excuses why this reckoning cannot happen. Why change his mind now?” Freya wondered out loud.

“Maybe he’s finally realized just what a threat Brams is with the taking of Lenneth.” suggested Hrist.

“Or perhaps it’s just a distraction.” A new voice, a man’s entered the conversation. The two Goddesses both turned to look, surprise evident on their faces at having been snuck up on. “Lucian.” murmured Freya, seeing the red clad einherjar step out from behind a pillar.

“You dare eavesdrop on us?” demanded Hrist, hands on her hips.

“Calm down.” Lucian held up his hands on a placating manner. “I merely sought an audience with Freya…I did not mean to listen in on a private conversation.”

“It’s our fault.” Freya said. “We were too caught up to even notice your presence.”

“Yes…” Hrist said, a sneer on her face. “Mortals can be so beneath notice at times.”

“Excuse me for being mortal…” Lucian muttered under his breath. Hrist sent him a pointed look, mouth opening to say something sharp. Freya’s hand came up, gesturing for the Valkyrie to let his words pass. Hrist’s eyes showed surprise at this. Once Freya herself would have been quick to punish such insolence.

“Lucian…you had something you wanted to tell me?” Freya asked, eyes moving away from Hrist to look at the young mortal.

“Is that my cue to excuse myself?”

“No, you should hear this too. It may prove of interest.” Lucian said to Hrist. The Valkyrie arched an eyebrow, wondering what if anything could the einherjar have to say that she would care to hear.

“What is it?” urged Freya.

“I…I don’t know where to begin…” Lucian ran a hand through his blonde hair, a nervous gesture. “It’s a messed up story.” He let out a shuddery breath. “Tell me Freya, have you ever heard of a man called Lezard Valeth?”

Freya’s brow furrowed. “Lezard? I can’t say that I have. But then…” And she actually flushed, cheeks slightly turning pink. “I’ve never kept track of mortals. That’s the Valkyrie’s job.”

“And only of those worthy of becoming warriors in Valhalla, or those particular deserving of the fires of Nifleheim” added Hrist.

“Well, from what I’ve learned, he sounds like a candidate for Hel’s fire all right.” He let out a nervous chuckle. “The man is sick…”

“Disturbed humans is nothing new.” Hrist was growing impatient. “Get to the point, or leave us be.”

“I’m trying to!” Lucian said, sounding harried.

“It’s all right, Lucian…settle down…” Freya shot Hrist an annoyed look. “Please…what’s on your mind.”

He flashed her a grateful smile, glad that she was so willing to hear him out. “This Lezard, as I unfortunately learned today, has a great many reasons to be considered a likely kidnapper of Lenneth.” He held up his hands, even as Hrist was scoffing in disbelief. “I know…a human taking a Goddess, it sounds ridiculous…but what if it’s true?!” He looked at Freya. “Two einherjar have already brought this up to Odin. He said he would look into it…has he?”

Freya shook her head. “No…this is the first I’ve heard mention of this theory.” She frowned. “But why would Odin keep this a secret from me…?”

“You would dare suspect Lord Odin on only the words of a mortal? Have you gone mad Freya?” demanded Hrist.

“I don’t mean to cause trouble…I just want to find your sister.” Lucian interjected before Freya could speak. “Please…check the water mirror…see for yourself what this man is capable of…”

“We don’t take orders from you!”

“Hrist, that’s enough.” Freya placed a hand on her shoulder, causing the Valkyrie to scowl. “I must admit I grow curious. Very well Lucian…we shall go to the mirror…it’s reflection will settle the matter quick enough.”

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

It was a quaint little dress shop, it’s wares being more tailored to the practical, rather than fanciful. No, the people of this town did not have much need for expensive gowns, preferring comfortable dresses that they wouldn’t mind getting dirty while they worked farming the fields. They didn’t seem to have much sense of style either, Lezard thought with a frown, fingering a simple gingham frock. He would have to wait until they got to Flenceburg to find something more suitable for his Lenneth to wear.

Lenneth on the other hand, didn’t mind the simplicity of the store’s fashions, feeling almost overwhelmed as she looked around. “I can have ANYTHING in the store?” She asked, trying to make sure she understood him right.

“Yes, whatever your heart desires.” Lezard said with a haughty sniff, thinking it unfortunate that she did not have much of a selection. He didn’t seem to notice her childlike wonderment, how she shyly touched a dress as though it was made of the frailest of materials.

A tall blonde woman, the nervous proprietress of the store approached Lenneth, fully aware of Lezard’s disapproval of her clothing selection. She was also keenly aware of the fact, that disheveled though they were, their clothing was made of far finer materials than almost anything in her store. Still she pressed on, eager for a sale, leading the young lady away from her bored companion.

She piled clothing after clothing into the girl’s arms, whatever Lenneth stopped to look at, was added to the pile. All too soon they were in the small dressing room, the woman helping Lenneth to undress. “You have such lovely skin.” She commented, noting how flawless it was. She took hold of Lenneth’s hand, envying the girl her lack of hard callouses, thinking the Valkyrie had never had to work a day in her life. “And such beautiful hair…” She added, unable to resist touching it.

“Thank you.” Lenneth said, unused to being paid compliments by anyone but Lezard and Lucian.

The time seemed to fly by, minutes melting into hours as Lenneth tried on outfit after outfit, looking for the perfect one. At last she found what she was looking for, and it was with a happy smile that she announced, “I’ll take it!”

Lezard looked up, hearing the sound of the curtain being pushed to the side. His eyes widened in appreciation as Lenneth emerged, radiating happiness with her new outfit. It was dark tan cotton pants on her legs, with a matching vest over a tight fitting long sleeved white shirt. Light brown boots up to her knees completed the look, making Lenneth seem fit for some grand adventure out in the woods.

“What do you think?” She asked, coming near him.

“Very nice.” He nodded his approval, though he couldn’t help feeling disappointed she wasn’t in a dress. “How much?” He asked the proprietress.

She hesitated before answering. “Twelve gold pieces…” It seemed word had gotten around about his generosity with his coins. Lezard raised an eyebrow at the price, and she hastened to explain. “It’s made of our finest leather…a gryphon’s claws would be hard pressed to slash open the material.”

“Well…if it’s really as you say…” He pulled out his money, tipping it over into her eager hands. “Then my Lenneth should be safe from all manners of beasts.”

“Yes.” The woman nodded in agreement, eyes wide as she double checked the amount he had paid her. “Thank you!” added Lenneth, nodding at the dress maker.

“Do come back!” She said, having little hope of ever seeing the couple again. Lezard merely offered her a back handed wave, ushering Lenneth out of the shop to where their carriage awaited them.

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

The throne room had been surprisingly empty, Odin nowhere in sight. With him gone, it meant access to the Water Mirror was unrestricted, the three easily slipping into the vault where the sacred treasures was housed. They walked past the altar that once held the Dragon Orb, past the closet that hid Gungnir, climbing the many stairs to reach the base of the Water Mirror. It loomed larger than life, towering over them all, a large rotating disk, that hummed as it spun.

Lucian felt goosebumps on his arms, felt the energy radiating off the giant mirror. The power pulsated against his skin, made him want to vomit, and drop down to his knees. Freya noticed his discomfort, and place a comforting hand on the small of his back, rubbing encouragingly. “I’m okay…” He said, trying not to lean into her touch.

“You coddle him like a child.” Hrist was disgusted at the display, turning to study the mirror.

“Let’s get this over with.” Freya said, choosing to ignore what Hrist had said. She raised her free hand, waving it at the mirror. It rippled, though her skin came nowhere near it’s surface. “Show me Lucian…show me what you have learned…”

He nodded, and reached up to clasp her hand. More divine energy hit him, causing his knees to weaken. He staggered forward, only Freya’s grip keeping him upright as he approached the mirror. A fleeting thought crossed his mind…This is where I died. And for a second, an image appeared…of a man with darkly tanned skin, and long black hair, muscles immense as he used the dragon orb to slash out at Lucian, the killing blow striking open his chest. Blood splattered the screen as the boy fell off the platform, a corpse even before his body touched the ground.

The real Lucian winced at the sight, even as Hrist smirked at the memory. He gritted his teeth, blocking out her laughter, concentrating some more. His new friends, Arngrim and Mystina appeared in the mirror, sitting at the table with him and Aeila, recounting the story. Words drifted by, thick and black, as the mirror began searching in the past, looking for the truth behind their words.

A forest scene appeared…a man, tall, dark and handsome running, his cape sprawled out behind him. Lumbering close behind came a hulking green brute, it’s species seemingly that of an ogre, but something was off about it. Over it’s shoulder was an unconscious woman with long green hair. Several women with similar coloring to the elf chased after them, and Hrist gasped. “I know that place! That’s the Ancient Forest of Sprits!. What’s a human doing in there?!”

“Shhhh!” Freya snapped, still concentrating her power on the mirror. The kidnappers were soon outnumbered, the warrior women slowly advancing forward. They watched as the human sent the ogre off with the woman, the mirror then focusing in on a close up of the man. Slowly he smirked, flinging out a hand in the direction of the advancing amazons. “I am he who has entrusted his soul to the eternal vortex of time! Ye know me!” A green light circled around him, pulsating in all shades of the color, the wind fiercely whipping his clothing around him. “And if ye do not, ye shall be made to know me! It shall be engraved on thy very soul! Lezard Valeth!” Lucian stared fascinated, at long last he had a face to go with the name.

“If ye shall accept the brand of Hel upon thee, thy sanctions shall in turn be lowered!” Lucian heard Freya gasp, the Goddess wanting to take a step back from the mirror. “The forbidden magic!” She breathed out. “But how is this possible?!”

“…I shall grant thee the deliverance of thy soul and ye shall come now before me!!” Before Lezard, the earth rumbled, dirt kicking up into the air, as blue and green light pounded into the rock. Before their eyes the ground split apart, a red dragon warrior rising up from volcanic ash. The amazons stopped before the beast, weapons drawn and at the ready. Lezard laughed mockingly at them, before jumping backwards, landing onto the back of a green harpy woman. “I’m afraid this mad little interlude has come to an end!”

As he flew off on his harpy, the screen blurred, searching out another scene…Lezard spoke again, although no picture accompanied the words. “If I use an elf as a catalyst, I will be able to create the ultimate vessel…”

“Vessel? What is he talking about?” questioned Lucian. He saw the two Goddesses exchange glances. “It is knowledge forbidden to humans.” Hrist said at last.

“Clearly not forbidden enough if he learned about it!” Lucian exclaimed.

“That is…an oversight that shall soon be corrected.” Hrist said, hand hovering over the pommel of her sword. “He is the worst kind of human, a defiler of souls. I do not understand why he has been allowed to live all this time.”

“Clearly his magic has given pause for concern…” Freya murmured, pouring more energy at the mirror. “We must learn more about him!” The image flickered, showing Lenneth clad in full Valkyrie armor confronting the man known as Lezard Valeth inside a dark laboratory. It was built of gray bricks and stone floors, crowded with wooden bookcases, and tables, even a few slabs of stone lay haphazardly across the floor. And next to them was the oddest sight of all, two human sized tubes filled with green liquid, a naked silver-blue haired woman suspended within one.

“Lenneth?!” All three cried in confusion. They listened as the mage made pronouncements of love to Lenneth, his eyes wild, his mouth twisted in a wide grin. Lucian felt his fists clenching up as Lezard referred to her as his lady love. Lenneth chose to ignore this, demanding he tell her how he came to command the lost magic. Lezard talked as though she hadn’t even spoken to him, going on about how he had been studying the Gods, wandering why they existed on the same plain as the souls of dead humans. He backed away from the platinum haired Goddess, coming closer to the body of the woman in the container.

“I have concluded that Gods are very much like souls…and so I have created this vessel!” He caressed the glass container, longing on his face. “I have shall we say, reverse engineered an elf–the vessel of the Gods, to fashion this homunculus!” He turned, looking almost shy as he met the Valkryie’s blue eyes. “There are no other souls worthy of such an exquisite construct.”

“Fair Valkyrie…” His voice was soft, seductive as he took a step near her, one hand still lingering on the container. “I have crafted it for you…”

Lenneth blanched, her shocked face growing angry. “For the sole purpose of luring me here…” She began slowly. “You slaughtered the couple on the roof?”

“That’s right…” He purred, mistaking her words for approval.

“And you sacrificed countless lives, both elf and human…” She continued. “…in order to create a vessel for a single being?”

“Why yes, actually…” Here Lezard sounded uncertain, as though he was just realizing the extent of his crimes. “It is not the Goddess within you that I lust for, Valkyrie.” He hastened to explain. “I wish to make of you a human! It is for that that my heart burns.”

“Sacrilege!” Hrist hissed out, clenching her firsts by her side.

“Can he do that?!” Lucian asked, watching with disbelieving eyes as Lenneth stepped forward, swinging her blade at Lezard. He was sorely disappointed to see the wizard teleport to safely, the sacred blade slicing through the glass container, destroying the homunculus inside.

“I…I do not know…” Freya said, managing to keep her jaw from dropping open in shock. “I have never heard of such a thing happening before…” The screen was changing again, fast forwarding through scenes of Lenneth, Arngrim and Lorenta doing battle with Lezard and two Dragon Tooth Warriors. “Show me something more recent…” demanded Lucian. “Show me Lezard when Lenneth was taken!”

The images froze, the mirror seeming to struggle with itself. In a series of stills, they saw Lezard working in his lab, saw the body of a homunculus hooked up to wires of blood. Another image flashed on the screen, of the body coming to life, the purple aura of a God around it. Lucian swallowed nervously, never before had he seen his beloved Goddess naked, and it chilled him to the bone to think she had awakened in such a vulnerable state around that lecherous wizard.

Clearly such thoughts bothered her sister as well, a low growl issuing from Hrist’s throat. “If he so much as laid a finger on her, he will pay with his eternal soul.” She vowed. Lucian nodded in approval at the grim look in her eyes, it promised pain of an unimaginable sort to be inflicted on the one who dared to defile her younger sister. If it was anyone else, for any other crime, why Lucian would almost feel sorry for them to be left at the mercy of Hrist. But not for this, not for what Lezard dared to do to his cherished Platina.

“But how did he get the power to do this?” asked Freya, releasing her grip on Lucian’s hand. The mirror responded to her question, struggling to answer. More still images, of Lezard waking up from a dream, of angrily confronting someone. “Yes…show us who helped him…show us who gave him the power to do this.” But the mirror let out a loud groan, creaking as it turned, coming to a stop. A sound like nails across chalk board rang out, all three clapping hands over their ears to drown out the sound. It was with shocked eyes that watched as the mirror cracked down the center, falling silent at long last.