COF 25

 The breeze ruffled the curtains in the window, blowing them back to allow sunlight to fall in a path across the floor to the bed, casting it’s rays on the couple who laid snuggled up on it’s mattress. The man lay propped up against the headboard, pillows under his back, as he snored lightly. In his arms, Lezard held Lenneth who lay with the side of her face pressed against his bare chest. Her eyelids fluttered, the Valkyrie stirring, feeling the warm sun shining on her face. Blue eyes were slowly revealed, blinking against the light, seeming confused at her surroundings. She squinted at the chest before her face, lifting her head up to see who she laid against.

Lenneth was quiet as she looked at Lezard, eyes roaming over the features of his face. His mouth was slightly open, his breath ruffling her bangs as he snored. He still wore his glasses, having never had a chance to remove them the night before. A soft smile crossed Lenneth’s lips as she thought of the past few hours, remembering what they did, and how he had made her feel. It wasn’t just the sensations of the body she thought about, he had made her feel cherished, worshipped…loved. Even in his sleep, emotions played with her heart, the girl finding herself to feel protected in his arms, noticing the tender way he held her. It was nice she realized, finding herself quite happy to wake up in Lezard’s arms.

It was a contented sigh she let out, letting her head fall back against his chest. Lenneth was relieved to note she didn’t experience remorse, nor regret at what had transpired between them. Even the soreness between her legs she couldn’t begrudge him, finding the slight ache to be a small price to pay for the earthly delights of the past evening.

She had to admit it was strange. Never before had Lenneth imagined she could be so happy with Lezard, so content, and at peace. But right in the here and now, in this bed, the evil things he had done to her and for her, to the elves, even their troubled past almost didn’t seem to matter. She shook her head ruefully, wondering how she could have become so besotted with him after just one night.

I don’t love him. She tried to remind herself. But she feared she could. It was a disturbing thought, to be able to love a defiler of souls, no matter how charming and handsome he might be. It would be best to think on his past crimes, ready her heart to be ice and steel against him, keep from falling that one last step into love with him. But try as she might, she couldn’t summon the anger, couldn’t distance herself from him, especially with his eyes suddenly open, purple jewels that shined with happiness as he gazed down at her. Lezard’s lips curled up in a smile, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

“Hmm…morning…” He said, his voice a husky growl. He let out a small cough, trying to clear his throat, and she blinked up at him, answering with a shy good morning in return. Lezard shifted slightly, a kiss gracing the top of her head, arms tightening around her, the squeezing pressure of a hug. “I feared upon awakening you’d be gone…”

“I’m not going anywhere…” answered Lenneth. Not yet at least. She thought, surprised to feel conflicted about the separation that would occur once she regained her Godhood.

“Good…” His fingers were stroking the inside of her arms, lazy patterns that sent tingles along her skin. “This is like a dream…one I’m scared I will wake up from.”

“Shall I pinch you?” Lenneth asked mischievously. That made him laugh, his head thrown back against the pillow, a hearty sound that left him shaking as he held her. The sound was infectious, and soon her giggles joined in, laughter filling the room.

“Ah Lenneth…you truly are a wonder…” He marveled, turning serious. One hand was moving down her arm, smoothing past skin to take hold of her hand. Lacing his fingers with hers, he brought her right hand to his lips, kissing the top of it. His lips brushed over her knuckles, the necromancer staring down soulfully into her eyes. She met his gaze, steady and calm, only the slightest hint of a blush on her cheeks. He was charmed to see it, loving that he could still make her flush even after everything they had done the night before.

“So…” Lezard said almost casually, still holding onto her hand. “Have you fallen for me yet?” He flashed her a wicked grin, exuding confidence. Lenneth let out a little huff of air, trying not to frown at him. “Lezard…I thought I told you…”

“I know…I know, you don’t love me…” His eyes darkened, grin still on his face but he was less sure of himself. He sighed. “Can’t blame a man for hoping…”

“No…I can’t…” She looked away for a second. “You’re persistent…I’ll grant you that.”

“It’s one of my more endearing qualities.” He said, only half kidding. Once she would have accused him of having none, now she merely gave a quiet nod of her head. “How are you feeling?” Lezard asked, concern in his eyes as he let go of her hand.

“I’m fine…a little sore…” she admitted, before letting out a startled eep. Lezard was suddenly moving, quickly turning them over so that his body hovered atop of her’s. He kept his weight off of her, just staring down at her. Hair wild and loose, it spread all around her as she stared up at him in nervous surprise. Her heart rate quickened, the Valkyrie still finding it an alien sensation to have a man on top of her. “Wh…what?!” She breathed out, confused.

“I hurt you…” He said with real regret, staring down at her body. His hands were skirting along her waist, finding the bruises on her hips where his fingers had dug into her.

“Just a little…” She replied, catching at his hands. “But it was a good kind of hurt…”

“Are you sure?” The worry in his voice made her smile, the Valkyrie pulling him down to hug him to her. “Yes! Lezard…” She kissed behind his ear, moved by his concern. “I wouldn’t change anything about last night.” She was quick to reassure him.

“Lenneth…I so want to please you…” He murmured, lips in her hair.

“You did…you have…” She assured him, arms still wrapped around him, fingers stroking his back. His skin there felt rough, dry patches of burnt skin from Hel’s magical attack, the only flaw on his body. “And still can…” Lezard said, her gentle touches and kind words stirring something deep inside him. He wondered if Lenneth realized the effect she had on him, how she could arouse him with just a simple touch. Normally the women he amused himself with on occasion, had to go straight to his erogenous zones, but his Goddess could get him hard with just a sweet kiss.

“Lezard what?” She felt him kissing down the side of her face, growing surprised at his eagerness, feeling him hard and thick against her belly. His member was a fevered warmth against her skin, twitching in greeting. She was surprised by his body’s reaction, having figured he would be too drained from the night before to have much interest in seducing her so soon. How wrong she was, the evidence right against her!

“Hmm…” He was winding his hands in her hair, capturing her lips with his mouth. Lenneth didn’t have much to judge by, but she did think him to be a good kisser, and she found herself eagerly responding to his lips. The room fell silent except for the sound of their lips smacking together, murmured endearments in-between kisses. Minutes passed, the pair giving into desire, hands running over each other’s body, exploring and caressing when a knock came at the door.

“Lady Valkyrie…?” came the hesitant voice of Andais, the polite knock sounding once again. “Are you up? Upon hearing her voice Lenneth immediately stiffened, turning her face to the direction of the door. Lezard let out a muffled groan against the side of her neck, angry at the interruption. “Don’t answer…” he murmured, hoping to distract her with kisses. “Not when we’re about to…” He knew he sounded like he was whining, but he didn’t care.

Lenneth seemed torn by indecision, eyes falling half close at the sweet sucking sensation of his lips. Andais tried again. “I have breakfast ready…you should eat something before our journey. It’s half a days walk to Lady Idunn’s house…” On the other side of the door, the elf was wringing her hands nervously, sharp ears picking up the sound of whispered conversation and muted giggles.

“Uh…” Lenneth bit back her laughter, Lezard’s tongue tickling her as he licked up to her ear. She tried to focus on what Andais was saying, but Lezard was proving too distracting.

“Tell her to go away…” Lezard commanded, nuzzling her ear. Lenneth squirmed underneath him, feeling him begin to nibble at her earlobe.

“But that would be rude…” Her eyelids fluttered, lashes dark against her skin as he began sucking on her ear. “No…” He purred. “Rude would be me answering the door and telling her off.”

“Valkyrie?” She had dropped the honorific, hand hovering on the knob of the door.

“Just a second!” Lenneth called out, jerking against Lezard as his tongue slipped into her ear. “Give us a few minutes to…to get dressed…”

“Better make that an hour…at least…” Lezard laughed, rubbing his erection meaningfully against her. “We’ll be out in a bit!” amended Lenneth, voice calling out to the elf. Nodding in approval, Lezard kissed her cheek, hands stroking along her body, making her let out pleased little squeals. The sound was not lost on Andais, her lips pursed in disapproval as she thought on what the two were doing. She glared at the door, hating what a bad influence the sorcerer was on the Valkyrie, and couldn’t help but feel relieved that the visit to Lady Idunn would get the Valkyrie far, far away from Lezard.

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Morning was finding it’s way onto Asgard as well, though not everyone had the leisure to lounge in bed on this fine day. As the Goddess Hel discovered, opening her eyes to an empty bed. She let out a shrug, not bothering to stifle a yawn as she stretched, spreading her arms up over her head. She luxuriated in the feel of the cool silk against her naked back, staring up at the ceiling. A fresco of half dressed Goddesses and naked nymphs lounged atop the ceiling. The Goddess frowned, thinking how one of her first moves as Odin’s queen would be to paint over that offending mural. He should have no other women on his mind when he was in bed with her, she thought possessively.

She went to sit up, thick blankets sliding down to settle around her waist, Hel looking curiously around the room. It was the first time she had been in Odin’s bed chambers, the Elder God usually too paranoid to have them meet here. It was a lavish affair, room done up in soft bronze colors with white plaster pillars, and dark red carpets. It noticeably lacked windows, Odin valuing his privacy far more than a nice view. Instead he settled for having paintings of scenic outdoor scenes, a magical mural that changed with the outside, to reflect the different times of day. It made an effective time piece, the Goddess knowing it was a few hours past dawn by the sun’s positioning.

Hel slid to the edge of the big bed, swinging her legs off the mattress. She found her dress, discarded on the floor, and pulled it on. She was laboring to do up the buttons in the back, when Odin appeared, large hands touching her waist, spinning her around. “You’re up early.” She noted, as he leaned in to kiss her on the lips. His hands were touching her back, caressing the skin that was revealed to him through her open dress.

“There’s lot to do, and not a minute to waste.” One last stroke down her spine, a pinch on her ass before he began brusquely working the buttons of her dress closed. “I have to see the troops off…and then…”

“Then what?” She asked, curious.

“I have to see about getting my mirror fixed.” He replied, and now his hands came around to her front, smoothing out the wrinkles of her green dress. It was just an excuse to touch her, hands caressing her hips. “We’ve got to locate Lenneth before Hrist confronts Brahms.”

“I don’t know why you bother.” Hel shook her head. “At this late stage of the game, does it really matter if her body is not found in Brahms’ castle? My forces will be entrenched in Valhalla…if anyone dares question your rule…we will be able to handle them with ease.”

“I’d rather not lose all my Valkyries if you don’t mind.” He said wryly, noting the pout on her face. She still considered them all but obsolete, eager to be rid of them all. He sighed. “So tedious…Having to go down to Midgard myself. If only Freya were here…she could handle this task for me.”

“Are you implying I should make myself be of some use?” She arched an eyebrow, watching his face carefully. His eyes widened in surprised. “Heavens no! I would not ask this task of you…the elves would not even assist you in restoring a sacred treasure.”

“Yes…” An angry hiss from her. “They would not lift a finger to help Nifleheim.”

“That will all change soon enough…” He reassured her, hugging her, arms loose around her shoulders.

“Yes…as your Queen I will get the respect I rightfully deserve…” Her eyes shined with greed for the power and prestige the title of Asgardian Ruler came with. “I will be vindicated.”

“Yes…” He was fast to agree with her. “They will learn to accept you…”

“They will do more than just accept me.” Hel laughed. “All will rue the day they looked down upon me!” Odin hid a smile. It was too easy to manipulate her, to get her riled up. She was like putty in his hands, waiting to be molded into whatever shape he demanded she take.

“But first I must see Hrist off…” He kissed her, silencing her words. “A tedious formality, but one that cannot be avoided.” It was with real regret that he pulled away from her, Odin wanting nothing more than to dally with Hel on his bed. She looked like she wanted to protest, her full lips quivering into a pout. He didn’t allow her the chance to distract him, stepping away from her reaching arms. Hel shimmered before him, the room blurring as he teleported away. He had to stifle a smile, thinking he heard her let out an infuriated cry at his abrupt dismissal of her.

In her place appeared Hrist, her armor covered back presented to him, long hair wound into a thick braid that would keep her hair from whipping madly about as she fought. At the sound of his footsteps on the stairs, she turned, dark eyes unsurprised at his appearance. “My Lord.” She bowed her head slightly, face expressionless.

“Hrist…” He nodded at her, and continued his journey, walking past her without stopping. She turned to follow him, and down they went, descending to a large platform that had been set up at the foot of Valhalla’s main building. Gathered on the stone platform were many Gods and Goddesses, the crowd of them turning to acknowledge their ruler. He smiled amicably, raising a hand in half a wave.

He could hear the clanking of armor, a sound that was magnified thunderously by the thousands upon thousands of loyal soldiers who stood before the dais, waiting. It was a sea of colors, armor in every shape and style imaginable, not all practical for the coming battle. Some of the brighter colors would never be suited for camouflage work, making their wearers stand out as targets.

Many of the einherjar were on foot, but there were some on horses, generals and commanders. Lesser Gods were spread out among them, ready to command their factions. Song Maidens were gathered, sitting sedately in horse drawn chariots, a spearsman next to them for their protection. Even the most popular of the songstress was out on the field, Shiho being guarded by Suo, many faces turned in her direction as she let her voice ring out, motivating them with her song. The blind woman fell quiet at Suo’s touch, the red clad warrior having noticed Odin on the dais.

An excited murmur drifted through the crowd as they all turned to look at their leader. Odin tried to keep his face impassive as he surveyed the troops, trying not to laugh as he open his mouth to give them an encouraging speech. What a farce. He thought to himself. He didn’t care if they did well at all, just so long as he got the army out of Valhalla. If Brahms was killed, it was an added bonus, saving him future time and energy.

“People of Asgard!” Odin’s voice bellowed out, feigning enthusiasm. “Gods…Goddesses…” He gave a curt nod at the gathered deities. “Einherjar…it is a brave new day…an exciting new endeavor you embark on. For too long the vampires have been a thorn in not only our side, but Midgard’s as well. Preying on the humans, bringing destruction to whole households, leaving devastation in their wakes. Many of you have been preyed on yourselves, or know of those who suffered the vampire’s kiss…” He saw people in the crowd nodding, grim expressions on their faces. Next to Hel’s forces, the vampires had been responsible for much of the misery humans suffered on a daily basis.

“Now at long last you will have your chance at revenge. Vengeance will be ours!” A cheer broke out from the warriors, a few even going so far as to break out in ecstatic applause. “Go my children…be strong…be swift…do not let your confidence waver…the threat of the vampires, the reign of Brahms is at an end!” The cheers grew even louder, more wild, someone starting up a chant of his name.

“Odin! Odin! Odin!”

He couldn’t help but beam, eagerly eating up the adulation they bestowed on him. Hrist came to stand besides him, raising her voice to be heard over the cries. “We leave for Midgard at once!” She announced, turning to flash a coy look at Odin. “Will you be accompanying us, my Lord?”

“Not yet.” He replied, grin still secure on his face. “You know how these battles are…long and lasting weeks…even months…I’ll put in an occasional appearance…and of course I will be there for your victory.”

“Of course.” She nodded.

“I would not miss seeing the final blow against Brahms for all the ambrosia in Valhalla.” Odin assured her. “It will be a spectacular sight…do make his last moments painful.”

“You have my word.” Hrist said, and she turned away from him. With a loud cry, she leapt down from the dais, skirt moving about to show off glimpses of her thighs as she fell to the ground. Like a cat, she landed on her feet, skirt settling to cover her legs. An einherjar was hurrying to her, a petite redhead, with her long hair wrapped up in braided buns. She was tugging on the reins of a bridle, a magnificent stallion snorting and pawing at the ground, it’s eyes malevolent and blood red. It’s skin was coal black, with matching mane, and silver saddle, armored helm over the front of it’s face, with a wicked looking horn of steel protruding between it’s ears.

It didn’t like being close to so many human souls without it’s Mistress’ hand to steady and guide him. An einherjar stepped too close to the beast, the horse rearing up on hind legs. It’s sides quivered, and unfurled, wicked looking wings with dagger sharp feathers spread out. A few nervous yells rang out as those wings began to flap, mini tornados of air flying free, and wreaking havoc on the field.

Hrist coolly assessed the situation, giving a terse jerk of her head as she strode forward. “Calm yourself Volsung!” The reins were ripped out of the einherjar’s hands, Hrist winding the leather straps around her arm. She gave a hard tug, the stallion struggling to not be brought back down to the ground. It was only due to her divine strength that Hrist kept from being pulled off her feet, the Valkyrie grinding her teeth hard, using more force than she wanted to. A pained whimper issued from the horse’s lips, the beast unwillingly being drawn to his Mistress.

“There there…” She said, reaching forward to stroke the sides of his face, avoiding the spikes of the silver head gear. A snort issued from Volsung, the horse’s nostrils flaring wide open as it inhaled Hrist’s scent. The rage in his eyes seemed to calm, he at last recognizing his mistress. The red headed handler nervously approached, dropping to both her knees before the Valkyrie and her war steed. “I’m sorry m’lady. I don’t know what happened I…”

“Calm yourself Herja…” Hrist said, her eyes all for Volsung. “I bear you no ill will.” Herja, who was a shield maiden and personal attendant for the Valkyrie was clearly relieved. “It won’t happen again!”

“See that it doesn’t.” Hrist handed her the reigns, bidding her hold Volsung still as she stepped to the stallion’s sides. She ducked under the pegasus’ wings, getting in close to the barrel of his body. Gripping hold of the saddle, the battle maiden easily swung herself up onto the horse’s back. She then took back the reins, her knees a squeeze in the horses’ side, urging the horse to turn around.

Volsung gave a toss of his head, and with a wild cry of “Yah!” a slap on his rear flank from Hrist, he broke into a run, barreling through the crowd of einherjar. She saw startled faces jumping out of the way, hitting the dirt in an effort to avoid being run over. Others were watching in wide eye wonderment as the stallion’s feet began to leave the ground, leaving showers of sparkles underneath his hooves. His wings opened up, flapping, causing the air to stir Hrist’s braid. Up they went into the air, horse still running as though on the ground.

Other Gods were joining them up in the sky, Tyr riding a white stallion who’s mane and furred body was dotted with rusted over blood stains. The God oversaw too many wars, participating in too many battles to bother with washing the bloodshed off his steed. Tyr nodded at Hrist, a broad grin on his face. She nodded grimly back, spotting Thor riding forward on a storm cloud. Erda was there as well, atop a brown mare, glaring daggers at Hrist. Vidar soon appeared, driving a magnificent bronze chariot pulled by a giant boar. Eir was besides him, looking around in concern.

“Where is Freya?” She asked. “She should be here…”

“Freya has been sent on an errand by Lord Odin himself.” Hrist said, the lie easily slipping off her tongue. “She will be here soon enough…” They seemed to accept this as the truth, none doubting her words. For if Lord Odin himself willed it, who were they to object?

“Come! We ride!” Hrist pulled on her reins, horse dashing forward. Tyr pulled out a curved horn, blowing into it. In response drumbeats sounded, the song maiden’s beginning their battle hymns. Banners unfurled, young heralds holding them up high, displaying Odin’s crest. The warriors were lined up in rows, and they began moving forward, feet stamping down in perfect unison to the beat of the drums. Their eyes were on the sky, watching to see the direction their leader, Hrist traveled to. Odin was also watching, and it was with a smirk that he moved, turning to disappear from the dais.

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Tension was high at breakfast, a palpable thing that crowded in around them. The women seemed especially susceptible to it, nerves grating and few words being spoken. It had started out innocently enough, sounds of Lezard whistling a merry tune as he bathed drifting out into the kitchen, intruding on their conversation. Lenneth’s eyes had taken on a soft look, a smile crossing her face as she sat listening to him. A cup of warm tea in her hands, paused at her lips.

Andais let out a muffled curse in elvish, her hands shaking as she slammed pots and pans around, angrily slamming utensils down onto the counter top. Occasionally she would turn, giving Lenneth sharp looks, and at first the pointed glances had gone unnoticed. The Valkyrie had a far away look in her eyes, lifting fingers to her mouth, touching, caressing her lips in wonderment.

She was letting out soft, wistful sighs even as the elf approached her, tray in hand. Andais golden eyes narrowed as she stared at Lenneth, her face stern disapproval of the girl being dressed in Lezard’s wrinkled shirt, the ends of it trailing just above her knees. It was just one of many things that bothered her, the elf worried by the signs she saw clearly displayed in Lenneth. The Valkyrie had the look to her, skin flushed with happiness, eyes sparkling and far more alive than they had been last night. She was smiling at nothing in particular, and seemed to have little appetite, ignoring the food laid out before her. Andais had seen this before, with young elves firmly in the grasp of love. Love! It sickened her to even think of someone loving the sorcerer. Bad enough he had flaunted taking the Valkyrie to bed, the two of them being shameless in expressing their loud, vocal appreciation of each other. But to think he could claim Lenneth’s heart as well as her body, that was unforgivable.

Lenneth’s thoughts were disturbed as Andais viciously slammed the tray onto the table, the steaming hot broth shaking in it’s bowl, droplets splattering out to splash against her bare legs. “Andais what?!” Her eyes focused on the elf’s face, truly seeing her expression for the first time. “How could you?” Andais hissed out to Lenneth. It left her good mood stripped away, a brief moment of shame coloring her face before she defiantly met Andais’ eyes. Golden orbs glared into hers, the two locked in a heated stare.

This was how Lezard found them, anger crackling between the two as he strode into the kitchen, pants hanging low on his waist, bare chest gleaming, still wet from his bath. The look Andais flashed him was pure venom, and Lenneth shyed away from him as he bent down to kiss her cheek. A quick graze of his lips against her skin, the necromancer pulling a chair over to seat himself next to his beloved. “I’m starving.” He announced, eagerly diving into the food.

Andais turned away from the table with a scoff, going back to her sink. Her hands gripped plates tightly, white knuckled as she listened to Lezard enjoying the meal she had prepared. The sorcerer tried to engage Lenneth in conversation, but her replies were few and far in between each other. Lezard had soon grown frustrated with Lenneth’s disinterest in talking to him, his eyes falling on Andais’ back. The elf seemed to sense him looking for she turned, and another angry look was shot his way. He rolled his eyes in annoyance, angry at the woman for bringing storm clouds into what should have been a joyous day for he and Lenneth.

With a scoffing sound, she approached the Valkyrie. “I’ve some clothes I laid out for you.” She told her. “Your shirt was just too ruined to bother with fixing it.” Lenneth eased back her chair, rising to her feet. “Thank you.” Her own voice was gruff as she spoke to Andais. “I’ll get dressed now.”

“Do you need any help?” The elf asked, clearly wanting to get away from Lezard’s presence.

“No…” Lenneth looked away. She didn’t want to be alone with Andais, didn’t want to have to hear her admonish her for her relationship with Lezard. “I can manage on my own.” She walked out of the room, and Lezard and Andais were left all alone. “You’re a good cook.” He said at last, trying to appease the elf.

“Hmph!” Andais huffed, reaching for the bowl in front of him. She began loading the tray with assorted food stuffs, pettily removing them from the table. Lezard was more amused than annoyed, lips quirking into a smile as he said, “It’s all right…I’ve had my fill.” He stretched out lazily, eyes carefully watching the woman. “Of food at least.”

Andais stiffened, getting his meaning immediately. “You keep your hands off of the Lady Valkyrie!” She flared up, trying to keep her voice down low so Lenneth wouldn’t hear her. “She doesn’t need a wretched human like you taking advantage of her!”

“Really now.” His eyes were cool, his voice calm as he spoke. “Lenneth is a big girl. She hardly needs some old busy body speaking up for her.”

“I beg to differ.” hissed out Andais. “She’s mortal now…truly that must leave her confused as to what she really wants…what she needs…” Lezard interrupted her, a smirk spreading out on his face. “What she wants and needs is me!”

“What she needs is a swift kick in the rear for even thinking of consorting with the likes of you.” Andais retorted, hating the smug expression the sorceror wore. He just laughed at that, knowing the elf wouldn’t dare follow through on that thought.

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The sun on his face, Lucian leaned against the window pane, blue eyes staring out without really seeing the magnificent view laid out before him. An orchard of trees dotted the landscape, a variety of fruit hanging from their branches. Juicy peaches, ripe and heavy, apples redder than he had ever seen, perfectly round oranges, all were ready to be picked, weighing down the limbs of the trees, dipping down low so one could reach without having to stand on something.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Freya’s voice caused him to give a slight jump, startled by the break in the silence. Turning his head, Lucian gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. The blonde was sitting on the ledge of a window, one knee bent slightly as he as he rested an arm across his lap. Walnuts were in his hand, rubbing together, making a crinkling sound as he nervously played with the brittle shells.

“Just feeling restless…” He answered at last. “I don’t like sitting here…waiting…” For three days they had been delayed, doing nothing but make small talk and wait on a Goddess. Lady Idunn…he could hardly believe it, an exiled Goddess living on the mortal plane, living in almost total seclusion on the isle of Elves. She hadn’t even known Odin had been displaced, or of Lenneth’s transformation into the Creator. She had taken in the story of all that had transpired with a grave expression on her face. Lucian was greatly relieved when she had revealed that she was only too glad to help, considering Lenneth a dear friend. Of all the Gods and Goddess in Asgard, only the Valkyrie had bothered to visit her since Odin imposed this exile on her.

He spent quite a bit of time talking with the beautiful Goddess, Idunn liking mortals. She had talked about how her situation had come to be, how her punishment had come to past for inventing the divinity granting apples. Odin had been outraged to learn she intended to give one to a mortal lover. He struck hard and swift, bringing down the man with gungnir. Rendered a spirit, the apples were unable to bestow their power to him. Odin then went to turn his anger on Idunn, but Freya had intervened. The Fertility Goddess had recognized the vital role these apples could play, how they needed a fail-safe should they ever find themselves powerless on Midgard.

Odin grudgingly saw the truth in Freya’s words, a shudder racking his body at the thought of being rendered mortal with no way to return to Godhood. And thus he had exiled Idunn, giving her a sentence many Aesir saw as worse than death, forcing her to live among the mortals. Idunn had adapted as best she could, choosing to make her home among the Elves. They were the closest thing to immortals she could find on Midgard, wanting to be near her own kind.

There was a sadness in her green eyes, it spoke volumes of the grief she had suffered when Odin had killed her mortal love. Apparently there had been others, meeting a similar fate should Idunn even dare think about giving them the apples. In time she gave up on taking lovers, and stopped growing her apples. That was what was holding them back now. The Goddess having to plant and nurture a tree to life. It had only taken a day and a half for the sapling to grow, it’s trunk turning wide and thick, it’s branches reaching to the sky. Already fruit was growing on it, and Idunn promised that any day now the apples would be ripe for the picking.

But still Lucian couldn’t help but find himself impatiently wandering up and down the halls of her home. All he could think about was Lenneth and Lezard, and what that evil necromancer could be doing to her. He couldn’t even close his eyes, for the images came unbidden, and unwanted, causing his heart to speed up, and a fine sheen of sweat to break out on his skin. Thoughts of the bedroom he had seen taunted him, Lucian imagining the worst. Of Lenneth crying out in pain, tears leaking out her beautiful eyes, positive the wizard was taking her by force, over and over again. The few times he had slept, he had woken up with a scream, clamping hands over his ears to block out the imagined sounds, of lustful grunting, Lenneth pleading, begging him to stop.

And so he had taken to not sleeping, dark circles appearing under his eyes, his skin looking sickly pale from being up for two days. Freya grew more and more concerned about his health, fearing if this kept up he might fade away right before her eyes. But he refused to listen to her on this matter, growing more and more obsessed with imagined scenarios Lenneth could be going through.

“It won’t be much longer.” Freya told him cutting into his thoughts. “The apples have come in quite nicely. Idunn is out there with them right now, exerting all her strength to speed them along to full growth.”

“Won’t he be concerned about her use of her powers?” asked Lucian, once again turning to gaze out the window.

“I doubt Odin would even notice. It’s been ages since he thought about Idunn.” Freya shook her head. “Once he felt her spirit was broken, he moved on to other affairs.”

“Finding more people to bully no doubt…” muttered Lucian. Freya was unable to deny that. “Odin…He can be cruel…” The Goddess agreed. “He’s pigheaded, and stubborn, sticking fast to his opinions and beliefs. He has very firm views on the mingling of Gods and mortals.”

“How can you care for a guy like that?” wondered Lucian out loud. He wasn’t looking at her, not seeing the way she blushed. “It’s complicated…”

“We’ve got time…why don’t you tell me?” He asked.

“There’s nothing to tell.” She answered firmly. “That part of my life is over with.”

“You spent an eternity by his side…” Lucian said. “Can it really be that easy to get over him?” Freya shifted, uncomfortable with his questions. The truth was she no longer knew how she felt about Odin. It had hurt to see him in Hel’s embrace, a pain that left her staggering backwards, unprepared to deal with the wave of depression that hit her. It was different from when he had “died.” She had been grief stricken then, truly experiencing loss for the first time, but he hadn’t purposefully hurt her, hadn’t tried to make her eyes grow wet with tears. He had died protecting her, she couldn’t truly be angry with him. But the betrayal she felt upon discovering him kissing Hel, it had stung her heart in a different way, made her sick to her stomach. She had all sorts of questions she wanted to ask him, and yet she found herself terrified at the answers Odin might give her.

Lucian was clearing his throat, trying to get her attention. “Freya?” She was surprised to hear him swearing seconds after saying her name. The youth sat up straight, pressing his hands against the glass, peering intently at something in the distance. “I don’t believe it…!” He pushed on the window, springing backwards off the ledge. Freya stepped back, the man just missing banging into her. He didn’t even offer an apology, already off and running, greaves banging loudly against the floor.

“Lucian?! Wait!” Bending her knees, the blonde Goddess lifted up off the floor, and took off after him.

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

To say the elves were shocked when Odin appeared in their midst, would be an understatement. He was not known for visiting, instead sending Valkyries down as emissaries of the Gods. But here he was, smiling benevolently at the gathered women, many of which had never before seen a man. They were wide eyed as they looked at him, respectful silence descending on the village, as one by one they knelt down, heads bowed low to the ground.

Odin nodded in approval, the elves knowing how to placate his huge ego with such a display. “Where is your leader? Who’s in charge here?” One of the older looking elves stood up, nervously approaching him. “Bloodwyn is, your Lordship. If you would just be patient, we will summon her at once.” The matronly elf stood tall and proud, holding herself calm before him. She had seen Gods visit the village before, no longer impressed by the divine beings.

Odin nodded at her, his eyes looking distant. He barely seemed to hear her, turning around once, then yet again. A finger tapped at his lips as he stared musingly off in one direction. He sensed energy…divine in nature…and all too familiar. Freya? His eyes widened in pleasant surprise, never having expected to sense her here and so close by. Even as he felt relief to have finally located the Goddess, his eyes narrowed, jaw clenching tightly as he wondered just why she was here in the Forest of Spirits. Why here of all places? Why now? He wondered, knowing he would have to confront her. Demands answers from his wayward paramour.

Without even acknowledging the elves, Odin faded away, leaving them to wonder at the purpose of his all to brief visit to their village.