COF 21

 The sun was low in the sky, bringing on the dark orange and reds of sunset, even as the moon showed it’s impatient face, half a crescent of white light, as it waited to usher in the twilight of night. The air had grown colder with the dimming of the sun, a chill wind blowing back Lenneth’s hair, as she stepped down from the carriage. She heard the driver whispering to the horse, the stallion letting out a snort of air in response. He was running his hands over the horse’s back, encouraging the beast to take a break. When the horse’s head lowered, it’s lips searching out the grass at it’s feet, only then did the man turn towards Lenneth.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked, clasping his hands before him. It was a nervous gesture, his fingers playing along the skin of his palms, twiddling against each other.

“Yes…this is where we get off.” Lezard answered for her, emerging from the carriage.

“But…there’s nothing here…” The man looked around, gesturing emptily at the open field. There was nothing to be seen for miles all around, no sign of civilization, just dirt and grass, the occasional tree sprouting up amidst the flowers. There wasn’t even a road for the carriage to travel on, to go any further would mean it’s wheels would get damaged on the unevenness of the ground, possibly get bogged down in the muck. To put it bluntly, it was the middle of nowhere, and he couldn’t see why they wanted to come out here.

“I can see that.” Lezard said, sparing a cursory glance around the area.

“And you just want me to leave you here?” The man demanded wretchedly. “I can’t in good conscience do that!”

“Is it more money you’re after?” asked Lezard, appearing bored by the man’s concern. The driver shook his head, the thought never having even crossed his mind. It was the principle of the thing that worried him. “Miss…” He said, hoping to appeal to Lenneth. “Please get back in the carriage. I’ll take you as far as the nearest town.”

Lenneth shook her head, causing the driver to let out a sigh of exasperation. “I think you’re both fools!” He announced in disgust. “Off to get yourselves killed on some damned quest!”

“That’s our business.” Lezard said, reaching into his pocket to hand over the rest of the fare. The man spat on the ground, lips curling in disgust. He did however, eagerly snatch the coins from the wizard’s hands, reckoning a dead man wouldn’t have need of money in the afterlife. “Tch!” He spared one last look at Lenneth, seeing her watching the exchange, but not commenting. With a rueful shake of his head, he reached out with an arm, pulling himself up onto the side of the coach. Clambering up higher, he disappeared from sight as he shifted onto the roof. He was done trying to persuade them to listen to reason.

And yet…as he untied the reins to the horse, he suffered a moment of doubt. His head reappeared, the man leaning over the side of the roof. “At least take the first aid kit with you.” He begged.

“Thank you.” Lenneth said, and turned towards the inside of the carriage. She climbed inside, while Lezard kept a watchful eye outside. “Are you sure you want that girl’s death on your conscience?” The driver murmured down to Lezard.

Lezard whipped his head around to look at the man, eyes narrowing in a glare. The driver shuddered at the anger in those amethyst orbs, the ice in Lezard’s voice making him wish he had never spoken up in the first place. “Do not speak on that which you do not know of, you ignorant fool! It is for her continued well being that we have undertaken this journey.”

“Right…” Doubt was still evident in his voice, but the man knew not to press his luck by asking anymore questions. Out came Lenneth, oblivious to the exchange, kit held in her arms. Lezard’s expression quickly changed, back to placid warmth at her reappearance. “I wish you a safe journey home.” She said, bestowing a soft smile to the driver.

“Thanks miss. The same to you.” He nodded one last time, and with a tug on the reins, alerting the horse to the fact his break was over. As the carriage began to move, the couple stepped away, giving it a wide berth. It made a U-turn, wheeling around to face the direction they had traveled from. The driver kept his pace slow, hoping that a voice would call out, beg him to stop. But they just watched in silence, standing there staring until they became tiny specks in the distance. When at last they were gone from sight, he let out a curse, cracking the reins. The horse began running, and if luck was on their side, they would reach the next town before nightfall.

“It was nice that he was so concerned.” commented Lenneth. Lezard let out a derisive snort of laughter. “Really? I found him to be quite irksome in his persistence.” He adjusted his glasses. “It’s no wonder I prefer to teleport everywhere.”

“You shouldn’t rely on magic so much…Especially now.”

Lezard sighed. “But need necessitates I use it again my sweet. It’s the only…expedient way to reach the island.”

“I know…But I don’t have to like it!” Lenneth exclaimed, a pout on her lips. “What are you going to do? The land has a barrier on it to prevent mortals from teleporting to it.”

“Yes…I know…” He shrugged his shoulders. “We’ll just have to travel in style.”

“What do you mean?” She asked, eyes curious.

“Watch and see!” Lezard told her, moving away from her side. She couldn’t keep the frown off her lips, immensely disliking the fact that he was going to use magic once again. Turning so that she could view his profile, he thrust out his hand. The effects were immediate, the wind picking up, whipping hair and clothing in a frenzy of speed, though the land around them remained untouched. His eyes closed, the man swaying in place as he thought about the words he needed to speak.

“Harken ye to me, as I invoke the rites of Alfheim!” His eyes flew open, purple eyes glittering like stars. He gestured with his hand, energy pulsating all the way down to his wrist, the power translucence in the dimming sky. “Let the winds still and the clouds part…” His cape settled down around him as the wind stopped. “I will grant sustenance to you, and in turn ye shall do my bidding!” The power in his hand flared up, forming a sharp blade of crystal. He raised the knife over the palm of his left hand, slicing into the skin.

Gasping, Lenneth took a step forward, and Lezard rapidly shook his head no, wincing as blood poured out of the cut. The red drops hit the ground, taking on a life of it’s own. Moving like a snake it stretched out, growing longer as more blood was added to it’s form. It drew around the wizard, enclosing him in a tight knit circle of power. “Let my name be engraved on thy soul…ye shall know me as master! Lezard Valeth!”

A whoosh of air sounded from over their heads, the sound of wings laboring to guide something heavy towards them. Lenneth gazed up into the sky, seeing a shape emerged through a bank of clouds, white dust clinging to it’s body. The creature let out a screech, circling round them, yet not daring to come closer. “Come feast my pet!” coaxed Lezard.

With a roar of acknowledgment, the beast suddenly dived towards Lezard, moving lightning fast. It was a golden blur, leaving streaks of cloud in it’s wake as it moved towards the wizard. Lezard lifted up his hand, reaching up to the sky, towards the creature. Closer it came, and now Lenneth was able to make out it’s features. It was a gryphon, with a white eagle head that sported equine shaped ears, that twitched as it listened to Lezard speak. Feathers trailed down it’s neck, shifting from white to a tawny golden color, as feathers became fur. It’s body was that of some great feline, with razor sharp talons on the ends of it’s paws, and gigantic wings protruding from it’s rib cage.

Cautiously the gryphon sniffed at the wizard’s hand, it’s great big tongue darting out shyly to lick at the blood. Lezard wanted to hiss at the pain, feeling the barbed bristles of it’s tongue stabbing into his skin, making the wound deeper. But he knew it would be folly to speak out of turn, to even let out a noise, and risk breaking the spell. Gathering his breath, he forced out the next lines, feeling invisible chains binding him to the creature. “With this feast of blood I bind you to me!” The blood surged upwards, a spray of red energy that evaporated before it could touch the pair.

With one final lick, the gryphon pulled away from the proffered hand, going to nuzzle Lezard’s cheek with it’s beak. It took care not to hurt the wizard, seeming to fawn over him like a puppy. Lezard let out a slow intake of breath, reaching up to stroke the feathers with his uninjured hand. “It is done.” He said, looking at Lenneth.

“You tamed a gryphon?” She said, amazement in her voice. He laughed at that, pleased with her reaction. “You’ll find there is little I can’t do, my dear.”

She gave a shake of her head, approaching him with the first aid kit. “Let me see your hand…” She ordered, reaching out to take hold of his injury. The yellow eyes of the gryphon watched her curiously, aggression held in check by Lezard’s calm touch on it’s feathery mane. Already she had the case open, removing a yard’s length of bandage. “This will staunch the bleeding…” She explained, winding the material over and around Lezard’s wound, making it tight as can be.

“Thank you Lenneth…” He told her, managing a smile. “You always take such good care of me.”

“It’s only cause you’re so accident prone.” She said, smiling back at him. “Do try to be more careful in the future…”

“My well being is second only in priority to your own health.” Lezard informed her, watching as she tied off the bandage. “Now, shall we be off?”

“Yes…” She agreed, though she looked at the gryphon with some apprehension. Feeling her eyes on him, it snorted, giving a toss of it’s head. “Settle down.” ordered Lezard, and it’s head lowered meekly. He turned to Lenneth, putting his hands on her waist. He easily lifted the girl up into the air, placing her on the back of the gryphon. He paused to pick up the kit, handing it to her. Lezard then swung up onto the back of the beast, legs straddling the creature’s sides. “Hang on tightly.” He advised, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Lenneth looked around, reaching forward to grasp at the creature’s neck. She felt Lezard shift behind her, squeezing the gryphon with his legs. With a piercing shriek, it spread it’s wings. It gave a cautious flap, legs bunching up, before it took a running leap into the air. The jump took them about six feet off the ground, wings pumping furiously to keep them aloft. With another roar, it flapped harder, and they slowly rose into the air, higher and higher with each stroke of it’s wings. ——————————————————————————————————————————

Making sure to knock on the door, the vampire paused in the archway of the throne room. He took in the sight of Brahms seated on his throne, the dark haired vampire Lord looking less stoic than usual, as he fingered the pale blonde hair of the girl sitting at his feet. The Valkyrie stared straight ahead, blue eyes angry as she ignored his caress, fists clenched tightly in her lap.

Brahms looked up, seeming annoyed at the intrusion. His eyes bored into the magenta haired vampire, promising pain should he seek to bother him with trivial matters. “Ah Vestigan…” He said, giving name to the undead. “What news do you bring me?”

“Hel has been spotted on Midgard.” replied Vestigan. “She appears to be looking for someone. It’s someone…powerful…” continued the vampire. “Whoever it is, took out Garm.”

“Hmm…interesting…but of no concern to me.” Brahms gave an uncaring shurg of his shoulders. “What else can you tell me?”

“Our spies in Valhalla tell me Odin has returned.”

Brahms head jerked up at that, interest shining in his eyes. “Really?” He said, a grumble of laughter emerging from his lips. “That must be causing all sorts of problems for the All Mother…”

The vampire shook his head. “No…she has been strangely quiet on the subject of Odin’s return. In fact…some say she is missing.”

“Missing?!” SIlmeria spoke up, at last giving a sign that she had been following this discussion. Vestigan spared a glance at her, looking with disdain at the girl. He didn’t like the Valkyrie, didn’t like her continued association with his master.

“She hasn’t been seen for weeks now…” continued Vestigan. “And it’s a highly pivotal time in Asgard. Training has picked up, they are preparing for war.”

“Has their target been confirmed?” asked Brahms.

“Not yet…but again there are whispers that trickle back to our ears…” He said. “I would advise you to start augmenting our own troops.”

“Yes…a wise idea…” nodded Brahms. “Send out the vampires…tell them to feast and make more of our brethren”

“At once sire.” Vestigan bowed.

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

They had been flying for hours, the gryphon easily gliding through the air. It’s feathered wings minimized wind resistance, so that they sped through the night sky at break necking speeds, seeing the land blur underneath them. Soon they reached the coast, water eventually opening up into sea, the scent of salt in the air. Dolphins played along in the water, flipping out in tumbles, keeping pace with them.

Responding to their cries, the gryphon flew lower, it’s feet brushing across the top of the waves, sending salty sprays of water in it’s wake. Lenneth let out a cry, feeling her legs grow wet, but she didn’t mind, enjoying the enchanting sight of the dolphins at play. Lezard pressed in against her back, his body a reassuring warmth against her, hands snug and secure around her waist.

“At this speed, we should be there soon.” He said, breath tickling against her ear. She turned to glance over her shoulder at him, cheek brushing against his lips. “How are you feeling?” She asked.

“Fine…never better…” Lezard replied. “I think the sea air is good for me!”

The gryphon let out a caw, the dolphins chittering in response. Slowly, one by one, they fell back, disappearing under the water. In the distance, obscured by mist, they could just barely make out the hint of a large land mass. With an unspoken command, Lezard urged the gryphon faster, the fog growing thick enough that it was almost touchable.

“I can barely see anything!” Lenneth exclaimed in alarm, risking letting go of the gryphon’s mane to wave at the mist in front of her face. Her hand came away wet with moisture, her clothes beginning to stick to her wetly.

“Don’t worry.” Lezard said, trying to reassure her. “This is all part of the island’s natural defenses. It’s how it stays hidden to most mortals.” Lenneth just let out a moan in response, feeling her stomach move in a queasy manner, as the gryphon dipped up and down, seemingly flying in a random pattern of nonsense. She lost track of time, unsure of how long they spent in the mist, her eyes blinking at the moonlight, when they suddenly emerged into clear sky.

The gryphon let out a happy cry, the island looming up near. Except for a small sandy beach, it was thick with trees, the surface of the land obscured by the thick canopy of the forest. “Where to now?” asked Lezard, the beast hovering uncertainly in the air.

“We should head to the center of the forest.” Lenneth was saying, when suddenly an arrow shot out at them. The gryphon spotted the threat, rolling to the side, almost dumping it’s riders into the water. Another arrow soon followed, the creature roaring in pained confusion when it’s front paw was struck. “What is that?!” Lenneth exclaimed in fear, and she heard Lezard let out a growl that rivaled that of the creature. “Elves!”

More arrows shot out from the forest, heading straight for the trio. With a mighty flex of it’s wings, the gryphon flew up higher, dodging them all. Wave after wave came out, arrow heads flying ten, twenty at a time. It rained down all around them, the arrows coming closer and closer, forcing the beast back. “At this rate we won’t be able to get near the heart of the forest!” Lenneth let out a scream, an arrow just missing the creature’s face.

“They’re adjusting their aim…they don’t want us to land…” Lezard said grimly. “Not alive at any rate!”

“We’ve come so far…why are they attacking us?!” demanded Lenneth.

“I could hazard a few guesses…” muttered Lezard, surprised at how organized the elves had become since his last raid on their village. He squeezed hard with his legs, nudging to the left. The gryphon responded, changing direction, trying to reach the beach. “Fire storm!” He shouted, raising one hand up to gesture at the hail of arrows. They caught on fire, disintegrating before they could reach the pair and their steed.

Seeing the desperation of their situation, Lenneth bit back her protests, realizing his magic might be the only way to survive this attack. “What’s that?!” She cried out, hearing a low, drawn out note of a hunting horn.

“They’re calling for reinforcements…we have to land, and we have to land now…Fire storm!” commanded Lezard, blowing away more arrows. Even as he used his magic to defend them, the attackers were learning, changing their tatics…arrows began flying from several different directions, forcing the wizard to choose where to direct his spells. The gryphon screeched out in pain, the metal heads burying themselves into it’s right wing.

Lenneth let out another scream, and even Lezard came close to loosing his composure, as the beast zig zagged wildly in the air, tipping over to the side, it’s good wing trying in vain to keep them in the air. Even as it’s paws skirted the water, the relentless storm of arrows pursued them, Lezard screaming out, “Fire Lance!” He gestured, sending out the flaming spears past the arrows, alighting deep in the forest. A tree caught on fire, and faintly screams could be heard. “Fire…” He found himself unexpectedly dumped into the water, Lenneth slamming into him as she too fell from the gryphon’s back. The wind was knocked out of him, the wizard opening his mouth, getting a throatful of water. He choked, bubbles emerging from his mouth, even as his eyes closed.

“With a cry, Lenneth broke through to the surface of the water, hair flipping backwards as she glanced around. “Lezard?!” Treading water, she spun around, trying to catch some sign of the necromancer. “Lezard?” She repeated fearfully, when no sign of him was apparent. She took a deep breath of air, and pushed herself under the surface of the water.

Hair floating around her, she turned her head this way and that, trying to keep her wild mane from slapping her across the eyes. She parted water before her, doing the breast stroke as she looked for Lezard. She had to come up for air two more times before she found him, the girl quickly swimming to his side. She touched his face, seeing how pale he was. NO! She thought, sliding an arm across his chest. With her free arm, she began paddling the water, heading towards the moonlit top of the sea.

Breaking through the surface of the water, Lenneth pulled Lezard up as best she could, keeping his head just above the surface. Kicking out with her legs, she began towing him towards the beach, thankfully it was only a short distance away. At least we didn’t land on the side with the cliffs… She thought, knowing there would be no way for her to get up on that slippery surface.

Reaching the shallows, she was relieved to put her feet on the ground. Lenneth held onto his shoulders, the incoming waves helping to push him along towards the beach. Once there she began dragging him by the arms, leaving deep furrows in the sand. Once out of reach of the water, she dropped down to her knees, shaking him. His eyes remained shut, his lips slightly blue. “Don’t die on me…” She whispered, leaning over him. Pinching his nose shut, she placed her mouth over his, covering it fully and breathed out deeply. His chest stayed unmoving, and she inhaled, breathing her life into him.

She paused in her ministrations to pound on his chest, pushing with all her might to get the water out. He let out a gurgling sound, water erupting from his mouth. He coughed it all up, but still he did not wake, his chest barely moving. Lenneth returned to his mouth, trying to push more air into him. She continued like this for several minutes, alternating between working on his chest and mouth, when suddenly his hand came up, grabbing the back of her head. It was with a surprised sound that Lezard kissed her, lips suddenly hard and firm against hers.

Now Lenneth was the one in need of air, gasping against his mouth as he eagerly kissed her, pulling her down flat against him. His fingers began massaging her scalp, entwining in her hair, soft circular motions that left her sighing into him. He kissed the side of her mouth, a light, feathery touch, working his way down her jaw, going to her neck. She was able to breathe a bit better, taking in shuddery breaths of air. “Lezard…” she began, but just then he bit against her throat, and her words became incoherent.

Lenneth could feel him sucking at the side of her neck, tongue licking against her pulse point, knowing he could feel how fast her heart was racing in this moment. One hand still in her hair, the other dropped to her back, teasing along her spine. Ever downwards that hand went, until it reached her rear, his palm cupping one of her cheeks. “Lezard…” She tried again, even as he was squeezing, fingers resting against her cleft. “No…don’t…” But it was a half hearted protest she made, the girl finding her hands reaching up to his head, stroking the wet strands on his neck.

Lezard was still holding her head, turning her so he had better access to the side of her neck. He sucked and worried the skin there with his mouth, putting his mark on her throat. He was aware of Lenneth touching him, and he hoped this wasn’t a dream. His teeth nipped at her skin, a light grazing that caused her to dig her nails into his scalp. It was slightly painful, her fingers imprinting deep furrows into his skin. He was gratified for the pain, it meant it wasn’t a dream, it was really happening.

Some part of him wanted to pull away, to stop and ask her what was going on, why she wasn’t fighting him. But other parts, the one he was doing the most thinking with, didn’t care, didn’t want it to end with heated debate as so many of their encounters were want to do. Still squeezing her rear, he rolled them over, so that he lay on top of her, pinning her into the soft sand.

The sand clung to her back, both their clothing soaked to the bone. She could feel the lines of his body, feel his weight on her, and found she did not mind it. I’m tired of fighting him. Lenneth realized with some surprise. Of denying myself this. It made her want to kiss him, and she clenched the back of his hair, pulling his face up off her throat. His eyes turned wary, thinking she was about to rebuff him. She gave him a shy smile, rising up as best she could to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

“Lenneth?” She could hear the surprise in his voice, and she kissed him again. She felt him quiver against her mouth, a laugh caught between them, even as he was opening his mouth, plunging his tongue into hers. His hands skirted up to her back, pushing her as tight as she could go against him, nipples rubbing through the thin fabric of their wet shirts.

“What changed?!” He asked her, in between kisses.

“Nothing…” She sighed into his mouth, timidly licking at his lower lip. “Everything…” She corrected, taking hold of his hands. Lenneth enveloped his fingers with her, and allowed him to push her arms back against the sand, tossing her head back, as he buried his lips in the crook of her shoulder, kissing next to the material of her vest. She closed her eyes, opening her mouth to cry out his name. But the sound died down before she could give voice to it, the Valkyrie hearing a twig snap. Her eyes flew open, peering over his shoulder into the forest.

“Lezard…” She started trying to pull her hands free, wishing for the freedom to move. His grip tightened, his hips rocking slowly into hers, as he licked his way up to her ear. “Now is not the time…” Her eyes widened as shadows emerged from the trees, tall and lanky, walking towards them cautiously.

“When Lenneth, when is is the time?” Lezard was asking, kissing her ear. She didn’t answer, too busy watching as the shadows stepped out into the light, revealing a group of women, all beautiful and curvaceous, and highly identical in their looks. Lenneth supposed it was the green hair, waist length, and all manners of shades, from dark green to pale peppermint, that made the elven amazons look the same. It didn’t help that they were dressed alike, in short brown tunics of chainmail, the uniform of the elite guards of the village. None of them were smiling, and they looked quite deadly armed to the teeth with weapons.

One woman emerged from the crowd, cautiously approaching. She was flanked by two archers, their bows trained on Lezard’s back. “So craven dog, you dare return to our island!” The apparent leader said, sword in hand. She did a double take, noticing Lenneth pinned underneath the wizard’s body. “And you assault one of our women while you’re at it?!” She rushed forward, placing her sword against the side of Lezard’s neck. Stiffening, he slowly raised his head up off of Lenneth, his eyes wide with shock.

“Move off of her…slowly…” The blade pressed against his throat, the elf’s almost wishing Lezard would make a sudden move, give her an excuse to end his life right here and now. “Place your hands where I can see them.” She added. Lezard complied, placing his hands a top his head. Slowly he rolled to the side, away from the deadly weapon, his body sliding off of Lenneth’s. The woman gave him a vicious kick, the momentum causing him to turn over so he was on his back. Again her weapon was trained on his neck, the archers straining the strings of their bows, keeping him in their sights.

“Are you all right?!” The leader asked Lenneth, not taking her eyes away from Lezard.

“Um…yes…” She replied, slowly sitting up. “But I think there’s been a mistake…”

“The only mistake is his!” The woman hissed out, eyes boring malevolently into Lezard’s. “You should have never returned sorcerer! At last you will pay for your crimes against my people!”