Triumph 04

 Spotting Alicia coming down the stairs of the inn, Rufus grinned and waved at her. He watched her face light up, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. As always he was awestruck by her beauty, the princess with her waist length golden blonde hair and pretty blue eyes. She had changed since he first met her, going from shy and timid to confident, and he reluctantly admitted, stubborn. Once she made up her mind about something, she intended to carry it on through regardless of consequences and personal risk to herself. The ghoul powder and wanting to be host to the three Valkyrie spirits being prime examples of this.

“Morning.” He said to her as she reached their table.

“Good morning.” She replied, nodding at him and Arngrim. The blue clad warrior grunted around his mouthful of food, not one for pleasantries so early in the morning.

“I already ordered for you.” Rufus said, gesturing at a plate of eggs and bacon. “The menu’s not much here, but it’s better than nothing.”

“It’s fine.” Alicia assured him, sitting down. “I’m starving!” She took a bite of the eggs, and let out an appreciative sound. Home cooked meals, even simple ones were a rare delicacy after days of dining on whatever they could hunt and gather in dungeons and woods.

The trio ate for a while in companionable silence, each thinking their own thoughts as to the coming day. At last Alicia set down her knife and fork, pushing the plate away from her. “So, what are we going do to about Lezard…?”

Rufus stifled a groan. Did she have to get to the heart of the matter so quickly?!

“What can we do?” Arngrim asked. “We’re just three humans…sorry, mortals.” He corrected as Rufus shot him a pointed glare. “We can’t stand up against a God, especially one who has Gungnir in his possession.”

“His argument is sound.” Rufus said, looking to see if Alicia was swayed by the warrior’s words.

“I…” Alicia sighed. “I know it’s impossible. Truly I do, and yet I cannot accept this in my heart.”

“You’re going to have to.” Arngrim said. “It’s suicide to think of doing anything else against him.”

She was quiet a moment, fiddling with the pack on her lap. “So we just give up then? Run away with our tails between our legs?”

“Don’t think of it as running away in cowardice.” Arngrim advised. “Think of it as a tactical maneuver, living to fight another day.” He snorted. “Personally so long as he doesn’t mess with Midgard, I say he’s the Asgardians’ problem. Let them deal with him.”

“They’ll surely want to.” The half elf said. “He has Gungnir. Asgard will fall apart without it to stabilize their land.”

“Much like Midgard falls into ruin if the Dragon Orb is taken from it for too long.” Alicia mused.

“At least that is safe. Brahms will be a fitting guardian for the orb.” Rufus chuckled. “I’d like to see the Aesir try and take it from him! He’d send many of them to their grave without breaking a sweat!” He noticed Alicia’s face, suddenly looking pale in the dim light of the inn. “What’s wrong?”

“You think the Gods will be after the orb?” She asked.

“It is one of the four treasures. It should have enough power to keep Asgard safe.” Rufus said.

“The Gods may not want to see Midgard destroyed, but they won’t hesitate to sacrifice it to save their own world.” added Arngrim who had spent a lot of time among the Gods when he was Hrist’s einherjar. “They can always create a new race of humans if need be. They’ve done it before.” He shrugged.

“Then I think we have a problem…” Alicia said, flipping open the pack’s top. A soft orange glow could be seen faintly emanating from inside. Wordlessly she passed it to Rufus, who nearly choked at seeing the object. He then passed the pack to Arngrim, the warrior wearing a grim expression on his face.

“I found it by my window this morning.” Alicia explained.

“Brahms has effectively painted a target on our backs!” exclaimed Rufus angrily.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Alicia said. “Perhaps he thought the orb would be safer with us.”

“HOW?!”

“Well…they did use him as an energy stabilizer for Asgard in the past. They might choose to use him again. Better to split up the two energy sources, than risk them falling into the enemy’s hands in one fell swoop.” Alicia sighed. “Of course this is pure conjecture on my part.”

“It’s sound reasoning.” assured Arngrim. “I don’t believe Brahms is the vindictive type, to do this just because of hurt feelings. Nor do I think he would sacrifice those he called comrades for his own safety.” Alicia ducked her head down, an uncomfortable reminder of what she had accused Brahms of doing in the warrior’s words.

“So…you’re ready to accept this burden?” asked Rufus. “I mean what…do we travel around with this thing, or do we return it to the Dragon Palace.”

“That would be among the first place the Aesir would search for the orb.” Arngrim shook his head. “We cannot bring it there.”

“It would seem we are stuck with it…at least for now.” Alicia sighed. “Maybe in our travels we will find a suitable spot to hide this treasure.”

“Travel? Where to?” asked a surprised Rufus. “We don’t have any specific goals right now.”

“Well…” Alicia looked uncertain then. “If it’s okay with you two…I…would like to see about doing something about the Ghoul Powder affliction.”

Rufus breathed a sigh of relief. “Do you even have to ask?! I’m all in favor of that!”

“Me too.” nodded Arngrim. “But where do we start?”

“Well…Where it all began.” Alicia said. “Dipan.”

“Are you sure you want to go back there?” asked Rufus. “There’s not much there for you except for painful reminders.”

“There’s the three mage’s library. It’s pretty big. If they found the text to create the powder, perhaps they have notes on how to cure it.” She said. “Look it’s a longshot, but it’s the only lead we have right now.”

“True.” The men nodded. Alicia smiled a dazzling smile at the two. “Shall we set out for Dipan today? I’d like to get there as soon as possible!”

“I have no objections to that.” Arngrim said.

“Me neither.” Rufus stood up. “I’ll go into town and stock up on supplies. Alicia…care to join me?”

“Yes!”

“And I’ll settle up our bill here.” Arngrim said, handing the pack to the girl. “You take care of this, princess.”

“I will.” She said hugging it to her chest as Arngrim pulled out a few gold coins. The safety of Midgard was entrusted to her, and she would not fail this land.

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

It was all falling apart around her. Sometimes literally Freya thought, hearing the vibrations of the earthquakes that shook devastation upon the land of Asgard. They were growing more frequent, louder and stronger in force, whole islands of floating land mass sinking out of the sky. It had been this way for days now, Asgard rapidly falling into disrepair with both it’s Lord and sacred treasure stolen away.

It left the golden haired Goddess feeling absolutely wretched, as helpless now as she was when Lord Odin had first been taken from her. It had all happened too fast, she barely had time to react, a warning to Odin on her lips, when that human had attacked her. Hitting her with a blast of energy that was far too strong for a mortal, she had been flung away from Odin’s side, a startled scream echoing from her mouth as she slammed into a crystal. She had been surprised to feel pain, the impact on her back sending needle like reverberations down her spine. She knew then this was no mere mortal, he was something special in a twisted sense of the word.

Freya hadn’t understood what was happening as she watched the brown haired human cast his spells against Odin. The God had been overly confident when facing the mortal interloper, and so was unprepared to be caught in his trap. It was then that she saw the aura of Silmeria envelope the human. For a brief instant she toyed with the notion that this was the Valkyrie’s new host, come at last to exact vengeance on Lord Odin. But the girl had been asleep, her power merely fuel for the human, giving him that added boost he needed to take hold of Odin’s power.

Horrified, she watched as he claimed Gungnir then boasted how Odin was no longer fit to wield it. Freya may have had her own private doubts about that very same issue, but it was still unsettling to see someone else lay their hand on the sacred treasure. With Lord Odin his prisoner, the human had absconded from the scene, and try as she might she had been unable to discover his exact whereabouts.

Worse yet, there had been mutiny in the halls of Valhalla. Hrist the most trusted and loyal of the Valkyries, she who was almost single minded in her dedication to Odin had chosen to side with the humans. Freya could not understand why the black haired Valkyrie would broker a deal with mortals. She had always forced others to do her bidding, make them obey her or be annihilated. But Freya had caught her red handed, talking of conditions with them! She tried to stop them, but a treacherous attack from Hrist had waylaid her, and when she recovered they were gone, taking the dragon orb and Brahms with them.

The other Aesir were panicking, aghast at Hrist’s betrayal, and Odin’s kidnapping. They ran about Asgard not knowing what to do, or where to go. Survival was foremost on their minds, like cowards many ran to hide, leaving Freya alone to decide on a course of action. There was only one thing left to do. She sighed, loathe to call upon yet another Valkyrie, the three Goddesses who governed fate were proving quite unpredictable when it came to controlling them. Measures would have to be taken in the future, something to strip them of their free will, seal away any urges that could lead to rebellion.

With a sigh, Freya stood, smoothing down her dress. It was doing no good to keep putting this off. It was time to awaken Lenneth. She was after all, the last hope Freya had at being reunited with Odin…

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

It was with a feeling of possessive pride, that Lezard took hold of her arm, a triumphant elation in his heart as he held her hand, entwining his fingers with her limp ones. He didn’t care that Lenneth chose not to respond, allowed her hand to dangle listlessly in his grip. All that mattered was the feel of her skin against his, an electric feeling, a warm jolt of energy that sent tingles across his nerve centers. To him, the touch of her meant everything, and once earned, he found it hard to stop touching her.

Lezard wanted more, though he knew she was not ready for it. He could tell by the gleam in her eye, the look of dismay on her pretty face as she watched him, her heart beating in a nervous rhythm Danger. Danger. It seemed to say, it’s tempo quickening as he raised their arms together, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. He graced her skin with kisses, a rapid succession of them, working his way down to the bend of her arm, wanting to show her that he loved each and every part of her, even the more mundane aspects of her anatomy.

Lenneth shivered, goose pimples raising up on her skin from the cool breath of him. She opened her mouth to speak, having to lick her lips nervously before she could find her voice. “Why do you do that?” Lenneth demanded, her blue eyes wide and staring at him.

“Do what?” Lezard asked with a smile, choosing to plant another kiss on her arm.

“That!!” Lenneth exclaimed, her lips twisting into a frown. “I don’t like it!” She added, discovering it was futile to try to pull her arm free. Lezard was like a block of iron when he wanted to be, strong and immovable. She accomplished little except to strain her muscles, feeling her skin rub against his fingers.

He was silent a moment, just watching her as he considered his next words carefully. “It’s precisely why I do it.” He said at last, his tone teasing. Lenneth let out an exasperated sigh, and Lezard hastened to explain. “I want you to get used to me touching you, Lenneth.” He placed a hand on the small of her back, rubbing in slow, soothing circles. “To learn to accept it, to want it…”

His words did little to comfort her. “You think to…to condition me into your play thing!” She snapped, staring at him aghast.

“Never that!” He protested quickly. “But I do want you to be my lover…willingly…” He let go of her arm, and with a small push had her plastered against his front. “That means no tears…” Lezard said, caressing just under her eyes, as though wiping away at nonexistent tears. “…and plenty of desire!”

“That would never happen!” Lenneth hissed with a fierce shake of her head.

“It’s already started to.” He ignored her outraged cry, as he placed one finger down the center of her bodice. He slowly pulled it down, revealing skin that was mottled with tiny love bites, the darkened skin of her collarbone bearing the mark of his lips. His teasing fingers touched that skin, stroking in tender swipes. “You enjoyed having me touch you last night…the feel of my mouth on you…”

“No.” She said, face quickly flushing at his touch. “That doesn’t mean anything.” Lenneth tried to shove him away from her, making her face an emotionless mask. He let his hands drop down, slowly sliding down her body, the barest of touches down the side of her breasts, to leave resting hands on her waist.

“It means something to me.” Lezard said insistently. “And deny it all you like, I think it means the same to you.” He chuckled then, and even his laugh affected her, tightening things low down in her belly, even as she shivered before him. “See?” He asked, smiling at her. “Your body reacts to me. Eventually the heart is bound to follow.”

“Delusional…” She whispered it so softly, that even with his improved hearing he had to strain to catch what she said.

“Perhaps…” He gave an uncaring shrug. “But it appears fortune favors the fools.” He smirked. “I have gotten all I wanted after all.”

“You didn’t earn it.” Lenneth shook her head no. “You have no right to any of it, Lezard! Odin’s power, Gungnir…” She whispered the last. “Me…”

“What is this right you speak of?” demanded Lezard, tilting her face up towards his. She thought he was going to kiss her, but instead he let out a snort of derisive laughter. “Hmph, rights! And you suppose Odin with his lust for the Dragon Orb, his cruel torture of humans, and wanton destruction of their lives was any better? Had he earned the right to be what he was, or was it just a foul trick of fate that such a arrogant man was fortunate enough to be born into Godhood?”

“That is not up to you to decide!” Lenneth protested.

“It’s all a matter of opinion my dear.” He let go of her then. “I will be better than Odin…you will see. You’ll have to admit it then.”

“You don’t understand.” The Goddess sighed. “It’s not about being better than Odin…or being better than anyone!”

“Than what is it about?! Tell me!” Lezard asked, he slammed his fist against the corridor’s wall. Lenneth couldn’t help but step back in fright, and at her panicked movement, Lezard’s face softened. “Forgive me…” He said, reaching out to her. She easily sidestepped his hands, watching him warily. “I’ve frightened you…” He added sadly.

“No more than usual.” She replied.

His look was pure frustration as he gazed at her. “That isn’t what I want! I don’t want you to be scared of me! I love you!”

“You can’t force a person to love you back.” Lenneth said softly, her eyes sad.

“Nor can I be forced to fall out of love with you.” retaliated Lezard. “So which one will be the first to give in? You or me?” He shook his head. “I know where I stand. I will NEVER give up on you Lenneth.”

“You have to…” She whispered. “I love another.” At that sentence his hands were suddenly on her, tightening around her waist, making her cry out in pain. Those amethyst eyes of his became clouded with possessiveness, as he spoke. “Oh yes, that boy you kept crying out for in the Weeping Lilillies Valley. What was the bastard’s name?” He smiled then, looking positively murderous.

“I won’t tell you…!” She cried, trying to twist out of his grip.

“It matters not!” Lezard said, gathering her up in his arms. “I’ll make you forget all about him!” He was kissing her then, fast and hard, her screams stifled against his mouth. She pushed against him, trying to dislodge herself from his arms, and she felt him move them forward, her back coming up against the corridor’s wall. Pinned between his body and the stone wall, she cried out in frustration, doing her best to get free. Lenneth caught sight of his face, seeing that his purple eyes were delighted as he gazed down at her, enjoying the feel of her struggling in his arms. Her movement caused him to come in contact with such delightful things, and Lezard couldn’t help but grin wider as his hands brushed across her more intimate parts.

“Mine…” He whispered in between kisses, his tongue darting out to lick along her right cheek. He dragged it across her skin, coming to her ear, where his teeth tenderly nibbled on the lobe. “Mine.” He repeated, one hand gripping her neck, holding her still as he kissed behind her ear.

“No…” Lenneth protested, the word drawn out in low moan. She tried to sink down to her knees, and he followed, lowering them both to the floor. His hands were everywhere, touching her in ways that left her breathless, and barely able to think. “You belong to me.” She heard Lezard say. “And I to you.” Her hand was lifted up to his chest, and he placed it palm down over his heart. “Yours.” He told her urgently.

“People aren’t possessions.” She managed to get out, even as his fingers were tilting back her head, Lezard’s lips sucking and biting at the pulse point in her throat. “But they can be owned.” He countered, before resuming his work at her neck.

“No…” She frowned. “That’s not right…that’s not love…”

“I have heard love comes in many flavors.” replied Lezard. He released her hand, and she grabbed at his shoulder, digging her fingers in against the skin. “Lezard stop!” He ignored her, licking his way down her neck. He was enjoying the taste of her, when Lenneth’s hand slapped across his face. He slowly blinked, glasses askew, and stared down at her.

“I told you to stop!” She said angrily, trying to be brave before him.

“So you did.” He placed his hands down on either side of her body, holding himself just off of her so as not to burden her with his weight.

“You can’t just…paw at me like some wild animal!” She added, looking at him with reproach in her eyes.

“How would you like me to touch you then?” He asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“Lezard!” She narrowed her eyes at him in a glare. He stifled his laughter, moving to sit back on his knees. Free of him, Lenneth quickly sat up, scooting closer to the wall. “Is this what it’s always going to be like?!” She demanded, nervously playing with the hem of her skirt. “You…jumping on me whenever you feel like it?!”

“Truthfully?” Lezard asked, adjusting his glasses so they stayed upright on his face. “I honestly don’t know.” He let out a sigh. “I find it hard to control myself around you.”

“Well, you better try!” She ordered, though she was in no position to tell him what to do.

“Try?” Lezard let out a groan, the sound of it holding the weight of what a monumental effort he felt it to be. “That’s all I ever do around you! Saying I want you doesn’t begin to convey the depths of my desire for you!” His hands were already reaching out to touch her, and she let out a gasp, trying to flatten herself against the wall. Seeing that caused him to stop up short of touching her, instead he merely gazed on her with sadness, his hands falling back to his side. “Lenneth…” His voice was heavy with anguish. “Why do you torment me so?”

“Me?!” She exclaimed in surprise. “I do nothing of the sort!”

“Yes you do…” He insisted. “With each refusal, with every angry word, and every fearful cringe, you make my heart hurt. I can’t bear this pain on my own.” She thought that was his problem, but Lenneth wisely kept that to herself. “Oh Goddess, won’t you heal my shattered heart?” He whispered it as a heartfelt prayer to her, purple eyes locked onto her blue ones.

“What would you have me do?” Lenneth asked softly, the sadness he felt striking a chord deep down within her.

“I’d ask for your love, but you have assured me you are not ready to give me that.” Lezard sighed. “Could there be any harm in asking for something as little as a kiss?”

“A kiss?” She was surprised, but suspicious of his intent.

“Yes…one kiss…freely given.” It was a weak smile on his face, a pale reflection of the usual life and vitality he possessed.

“Lezard what has come over you? This melancholy mood does not suit you at all!” Lenneth exclaimed.

“It’s nice to think you have a preference on how you would have me act.” He told her, still flashing that faint smile to her.

“I would have you conduct yourself as a gentleman around me.”

“I promise to keep my hands to myself if you kiss me.” He swore, crossing his fingers over his heart.

“Which means you’ll pounce on me if I don’t?” Lenneth asked wryly.

“Well…” He had to think about it. He shook his head no after a few moments of contemplation. “No, I will behave regardless of your decision.” Lezard could see the surprise in her eyes. “Please.” He added, almost pouting at her.

She was quiet for a few minutes, thinking things over. Lezard reached out with a hand beseechingly, and she stared at it. Her pink tongue came out, licking across her lips in nervous anticipation, the necromancer’s eyes intently watching it’s movement. It was much as he said…what would the harm be in a simple kiss? And he had promised to behave if she granted him one pressing of the lips. “All right…” Lenneth said softly, taking hold of his hand. He pulled her to him, she easily sliding across the floor to be situated between his legs.

Lenneth stared into Lezard’s face, fighting the blush that was boiling to the surface of her cheeks. It wasn’t often she got to look directly into his eyes, usually she was too busy thrashing around, trying to get away and so not concentrating on where she looked. She couldn’t help marveling at his eyes now, looking like two amethyst jewels ringed in black coal. She could see tiny versions of herself reflected back in the purple pools, looking as unsure as she felt.

“Lenneth?” Lezard asked, a hint of impatience to his voice.

“Close your eyes.” She told him, holding her hands to her chest. He humored her, his lids lowering trustingly to her command. It was an improvement, Lenneth thought, she didn’t feel quite so embarrassed with his eyes hidden. Slowly, her hands hesitant, she reached up to cup his face. Lezard sighed at her touch, his arms quivering with effort as he restrained himself, longing to sweep her up into a hug.

A smile quirked at Lenneth’s lips, as she caressed his cheeks, feeling his skin smooth and bristle free. Her fingertips slowly moved to his mouth, and she traced over the velvet of his lips, carefully feeling him as though she was blind and needed her fingers to see him truly. He couldn’t resist her probing, and his lips puckered up, planting a kiss against those questing fingers of hers. Lenneth didn’t complain, and stroked his bottom lip with her thumb.

She looked up at his glasses, and decided she wanted them off. To see what it would feel like to kiss him without the frame bumping against her face. She reached up, gently removing them, setting them down on the floor with an audible click. His brown hair fell into his eyes, and she swept it away, it feeling baby fine in texture. “Lenneth…don’t tease me so…” Lezard said. He was waging an inner battle with himself, her gentle exploration of his face making him want to push her down to the floor, and respond in kind.

“Sorry…” She said, and slowly slid her fingers out of his hair. She swallowed nervously, her hands once again cupping both sides of his face. She had to stretch her body up as far as it would go, and still she was too short, having to tug his head down to meet her halfway. Lezard felt her lips against his, soft and hesitant, fireworks going off in his heart, as she moved against him. Lenneth intended to keep the kiss chaste and pure, but instinct was taking over, Lezard lips’ firm and insistent against her, the man leaning in to her as though he would pour his very essence into her. It was open up or be crushed against his mouth, and she found she didn’t mind taking his tongue inside her.

His patience at an end, Lezard’s hands moved as though of their own accord. One hand reached up to support the back of her head, entwining in her hair, the other sliding underneath her hair to touch her back. She didn’t know if she should protest this, it was going beyond what he promised. “Lezard…”

“Hmm?” He murmured against her mouth, claiming her lips in another searing kiss. The hand on her back was moving in a circular motion, a lazy caress that held the promise of so much more. Suddenly there was a throat clearing, it’s flustered owner standing besides them, gazing down with worry on it’s face. Lenneth twitched in surprise, her eyes flying open as she gazed upward and saw the vampire.

“Master…” The male began, with the hesitant demeanor of one who knows that not only are they the bearer of bad news, but that they were also about to be blasted for choosing the wrong time to interrupt. “Pardon the intrusion but…”

“Go away!” growled Lezard, not bothering to look at the undead fiend. Instead he planted another kiss on Lenneth’s cheek, the girl’s face turned away from his. Lenneth dropped her hands away from his face, letting them rest on his shoulders, flustered beyond belief. She felt Lezard turning her face towards his, even as the vampire tried again to speak. “It’s important…It’s about the Dragon Orb…”

“The Dragon Orb?!” Lenneth exclaimed in surprise.

“Yes it…”

“What about it?” demanded Lezard gruffly, finally looking up and away from Lenneth.

“It’s not here.” The vampire said cringing. “We’ve searched everywhere, and can’t find it.”