Triumph 05

 His army was legions, a nightmarish platoon of undead, comprising of vampires, fiends, demons and the most grotesque of monsters. Only those capable of intelligent thought were chosen, Lezard sending them out with a task of the utmost importance. Find him the Dragon Orb. They scoured his world, leaving no corner untraveled, no stone untouched. For days they had searched, desperate and in vain, until at last they had to admit, the orb was just NOT there.

It now fell on one, a luckless loser chosen for his weakness, to tell the master the bad news. He would not be noted for his smarts, nor his bravery, even his death would go unmourned. However, his monumental lack of judgment would prove great indeed, choosing to disturb the master when he was otherwise engaged with his Goddess. Any fool with half a brain could see it was a bad time to interrupt. It would take a dimwitted vampire with perhaps twenty-five percent of his working brain intact to fail to notice the way the couple was entwined on the floor, sense the passion growing between the two.

And yet he found himself clearing his throat, almost hoping he would stay unnoticed. The Goddess reacted first, pulling away to glance up at him. A flurry of emotions passed over her face, guilt and embarrassment being chief among them. Lezard didn’t seem to care that she was turning away from him, he continued to kiss at her, dropping a kiss on her cheek, licking at her neck. His hands were wandering again, starting a gentle exploration of her body, when the vampire tried once again to get his attention. Even as the fingers of his left hand were turning Lenneth’s face back towards him, a growl of annoyance was issuing from his throat. “Go away!”

Perhaps he should have listened. But then reasoning things out was never this vampire’s strong point. He sighed, dipping low in an apologetic bow. “It’s important.” The vampire said, as if those words would make Lezard listen to reason. “It’s about the Dragon Orb.” This at least got the Goddess’ attention.

“The Dragon Orb?!” She exclaimed, surprised to hear mention of it.

“Yes it…” But Lezard cut him off, shooting a glare at the vampire. He missed the subtle shake of the mage’s head, failing to understand he did not want him speaking so freely in front of the Goddess. The vampire plunged ahead, telling them it was missing. And then waited with baited breath for the blast that was sure to follow. It did not come, much to his surprise.

“You can’t find it?” Lezard’s tone was mild, and all too calm. With one hand still on Lenneth’s waist, he reached for his glasses, resettling them on his nose. “That’s…interesting…”

“What do you want with the Dragon Orb?” Lenneth asked, suspicious glances trading back and forth between Lezard and the vampire. Her hands were still resting on the necromancer’s shoulders, a gentle pressure that both let him know she was there, and kept him at bay. It was perhaps due to her nearness that Lezard retained some presence of mind. It could be the only reason why he didn’t obliterate the vampire on the spot.

“It is of no importance.” Lezard reassured her. “Merely a trinket I thought to add to my collection.”

“That so called trinket holds the fate of a world inside it.” Lenneth said, giving a toss of her head. She was frowning, not liking that he kept secrets from her, and yet almost fearful to know what his true intentions were. “Are you planning to destroy Midgard as well as Asgard?! Don’t you have enough power as it is?!” She was getting angry now, wondering when if ever Lezard would become satisfied with his lot in life.

“You above all people should know it’s not how many of the four treasures you hold, but how you use them that make all the difference.” Lezard reminded her. He couldn’t help but laugh at that. Lenneth and her companions had been woefully mismatched against Lezard and Gungnir, even with the Dragon Orb.

“Then why?”

“Because it was in my domain!” He stood then, raising her up with him. He kept his hands loose around her waist, holding her to him. She dropped her hands to her sides, fists clenching slightly. “Or more to the point, because I can.”

“You’re like a spoiled child.” She said, narrowing her eyes at him. “You take and you take, regardless of other’s feelings, regardless of their very lives!”

“I will not be lectured at.” He told her stiffly. “Not by you, not by anyone!” She scoffed, opening her mouth to reply, but he placed his fingers against her mouth. She fell silent at the touch, and he continued. “I didn’t bring you here to be my conscience, Lenneth.”

“Yes, clearly you have no need for one.” She turned away from him, arms crossing over her chest. She saw the vampire was still there, wringing it’s large hands nervously as he watched the two bicker. Fighting Gods were never a good thing, there was too many chances for their anger to be misdirected at innocent bystanders.

“That’s right I don’t.” Lezard replied, shrugging his shoulders. “What good would a conscience do me? It would only hold me back, keep me from doing what was necessary to attain my goals.”

“And what are those goals?!” She demanded, still facing away from him. Her eyes were angry, she glared as though not seeing the vampire in front of her, boring holes through him with her cerulean gaze.

“Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about.” His hands were on her shoulders, attempting to massage the tension out of them. She wouldn’t allow him to work his magic on her, digging her nails sharply into the bare skin of her arms. The pain helped her think, helped her remain clear headed. She had her own private doubts over the fact that in such a short time Lezard had come to know her body well, know how to touch her to market a favorable response from her.

“To be seen and not heard, is that what you want from me?” demanded Lenneth sharply. She rolled her shoulders, trying to dislodge his hands from her. “Just a pretty doll to be taken out and admired when you are otherwise not engaged?!”

“Heavens no!” Lezard protested with a vigorous shake of his head. “I want and value your opinion my dear. It’s just there are some things you are better off not knowing. It would worry you needlessly.”

“I think the not knowing is worse.” Lenneth said softly. She felt him stroking her hair, and she closed her eyes, swaying slightly. “I can’t even begin to fathom what you will do next, who else will suffer, and for what reason…” He graced her hair with a kiss, a smile heard in his voice. “I find your compassion for others to be one of your many endearing traits, Lenneth.”

“Don’t…”

“Don’t what? Admire you?” asked Lezard.

“Don’t try to change the subject.” Stepping away, she whirled around to face him, surprised when she felt dizzy. She held a shaky hand to her face, fighting the urge to lean against the wall.

“Are you all right my dear?” His hands were solicitously at her sides, hovering but not touching, a concerned expression on his face. Lenneth was quiet a moment, just standing there, waiting for the ill feelings to pass. “I’m fine…” She said at last, inhaling deeply.

“Are you sure?”

“Damn it, yes!” Lenneth snapped, his worry agitating her more than it should. If her harsh response hurt him, Lezard didn’t let it show. His face was cool indifference as he spoke. “Perhaps a lie down is in order.”

“I’m not tired.”

“I could insist.” She tasted his power in the air, the energy crackling around him. Lenneth glared. “But you won’t.” Just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, Lezard standing before her a seemingly ordinary man. “You’re right, I won’t.” He agreed with a sigh. “Force should always be a last resort between us.” His words made her shiver, an uncomfortable reminder of his aggressiveness in pursuing her.

“However…” He continued, using one finger to slide his glasses back up his nose. “We have delayed long enough in this hallway. It’s time we return to our chambers.” No salacious looks were offered to her, concern over her well being chief among his thoughts. He went to take her by the arm, and Lenneth was relieved when his hands did not stray, the mage remembering his earlier promise at long last.

“Master?” whispered the vampire, as the pair sought to walk past him.

“Ah yes…” Lezard smiled and snapped his fingers, giving the air of one who just remembered something. “Explosion.” The word was said with a malevolent cruelty, the light from the fiery burst glinting off the necromancer’s glasses, hiding his eyes. Lenneth gasped in horror, staring as the vampire fell to the floor, screaming in pain. She couldn’t seem to draw her eyes away from the sight, watching as the body slowly blackened and burned, a snail pace length of agony as the creature was tortured within an inch of it’s life. When at last it’s trashing stop, a charred body remained, smoke pouring off the melted bits.

“You didn’t have to do that!” Lenneth exclaimed, eyes wide with horror.

“I would hardly think that you would protest the demise of one of the undead.” Lezard looked far too pleased with himself, leaning out his foot to toe at the remains. “You’ve killed plenty after all.”

“But I never tortured them while doing it!” Lenneth shuddered, not liking his comparison to her.

“Compassionate even when dealing out death I see.” He noted. “However I do not reward failure…or take well to being interrupted.” He was pleased to see her blush, her free hand flying to her lips, touching them as she remembered just what sort of scene the vampire had stumbled upon. She wasn’t sure if she should feel displeased towards, or grateful for the interruption. The kiss had rapidly grown out of hand, turning into something much more than Lenneth had intended. She wasn’t sure what would have happened if not for the vampire’s arrival. Lezard had proven he wasn’t the type to stop at just a kiss, and she now had doubts that even his promise would have held him back much longer.

“Remembering something pleasant?” He asked. Lenneth hated the knowing looking in his eyes, wanting to wipe the smirk off his face.

“Hardly…” She replied with a haughty sniff, dropping her hand away from her mouth. “Just wishing to rid myself of the taste of something foul and intrusive.” Her words didn’t have the desired effect, that damnable smug look remaining on his face.

“Then I shall treat you to a feast fit for royalty.” Lezard said. “Then you will surely be able to find something pleasing to your sensitive mouth.”

“Gods do not have need of food.” Lenneth told him. “That’s a mortal trait you still cling to.”

“Just because you have no need for something, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all life has to offer.” He replied. “Come Lenneth…let me show you the few exquisite sensations mortality has to offer.” He merely smiled at the doubtful look she flashed him.

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Emerging from the armory, Rufus paused, a hand going over his eyes to block out the sunlight. It left him blinking owlishly, as he gazed around for his petite companion. Alicia had grown tired from shopping, leaving him alone to argue with the shop owner over the finer points of bow strings. The half elf took his weapon of choice very seriously, only the best for him, made by the finest craftsmen in the area. It could be exhausting listening to him haggle over what was better, silver point arrow heads, or the copperhead ones.

Perhaps she should be more cautious when it came to her own purchases, but as long as the sword looked sturdy, and was a good weight in her hands, she was happy. Fighting was always a last resort for the princess, the girl wishing she could reason and talk her way out of trouble. But more often than not, she found herself having to draw her blade, hacking her way to a victory that left many surprised wounded in her wake.

With a sigh, Alicia leaned against a large oak tree, so lost in thought she did not notice Rufus approaching her. The archer took a moment to study her, noting how the breeze blew her hair out away from her face. She made a pretty picture with the noonday sun touching down on her, making her golden hair shine. The pack with the Dragon Orb was clutched to her chest, her hands almost white knuckled from the force she used to hold it to her. Rufus tsked, giving a shake of his head, green hair flying as he tip toed to her side. He went right up to her, his body almost pressing into her back, just close enough for her to feel his heat, when his lips brushed against her ear.

“You know…if you keep hugging that pack like that, you’re going to get jumped.”

It took a second for her to recognize his voice, his husky whisper frightening her, causing her to almost leap up into the air, if not for his hands on her shoulders. She whirled around, narrowing her blue eyes at him. “Rufus!” She made a fist, slamming it into his shoulder, even as the half elf continued to laugh at her, amused by the scare he had given her.

“It’s true though.” He said, when at last his laughter died down. “The way you cling to the pack, anyone can see it’s clearly something important to you.”

“It is.” Alicia said, and Rufus sighed at the confused look in her eyes. “What I mean is…around here? Important usually means valuable. Understand? You’re attracting attention to it…attention we don’t want or need…” He didn’t say that the girl’s beauty alone could warrant needless attention, knowing it would only embarrass her to think that way.

“You think someone would try to steal the orb?” Alicia gasped, but did not loosen her hold on the pack.

“I’m surprised they haven’t already.” He placed his hands on his hips, a wide smile on his face. “Luckily you have a handsome and strong companion around to scare off any would be thieves.”

“Yes, but Arngrim is not here right now.” Rufus nearly fell over when she said that, a comical look on his face. A titter of laughter emerged from the princess’ lips, a genuine smile on her face as she gazed at the archer. “Hey!” he snapped, reaching out to grab her around the waist. She side stepped his arms, skipping a few feet out of reach. “Alicia!”

“Got you back!” She said teasingly.

“Yes, you did!” Rufus nodded. “Now come here!” She approached and he ran a hand through his hair, frowning down at her. “What am I going to do with you…?”

She didn’t respond, choosing to sit down on the grass, making sure to adjust her skirt so as not to flash any passerby. She left the pack on her lap, but kept her hands away from it, trying to make it seem she was unconcerned over the contents inside.

“That’s better.” Rufus said, nodding his approval. He set down his purchases, bending down to sit next to her. “But next town we go to, treat it as though it’s just a bag…containing nothing more than food.”

“Hmm…” She said noncommittally. They sat quietly for a while, just watching the workings of the town, seeing miners hurrying off to work and ladies in their fancy gowns sweep by. “They all seem so care free…” Alicia noted. “I wish we could be like that…”

“Who’s to say we can’t?!” demanded Rufus. “In the future anything is possible…”

“I don’t think I can imagine having a life like that…” Alicia sighed, fiddling with her fingers. “We’ve been through and know too much for our lives to ever have a semblance of normal.”

Rufus was silent, brushing at his nose. At last he said, “We can still try. It may not be perfect, and it may not be like the people here, but we can still have a happy life…” He trailed off, the word together at the tip of his tongue. She seemed to sense what he wanted to say, a soft smile on her face as she leaned in closer to him. He tried not to move as she lowered her head, resting it on his shoulder. A minute or so passed before he slowly raised his arm, wrapping it around her shoulders, holding her close to him.

“The future is what we make of it.” He whispered, hoping it didn’t sound too corny to Alicia. They were still sitting like that when Arngrim came across them. He flashed a smile at them that was more smirk than grin. “Let’s go lovebirds! The day waits for no man…or woman.” Matching blushes on both their faces, the two quickly pulled apart, Rufus sending a glare at Arngrim for his bad timing. Alicia avoided the warrior’s eyes, brushing furiously at nonexistent dirt stains on her skirt.

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

It was with apprehension that Lenneth allowed Lezard to lead her into the bedroom, worriedly wondering what he had in store for her now. He had said sensations, but what ever could he mean? The room gave off no clues, looking much like it had when she had fled it earlier. Lezard was still wearing that infuriating smile of his, flashing pearl white teeth at her as he grinned.

“Did you enjoy your walk?” He asked her, leading her deeper into the room. She stifled the urge to let out a derisive snort of laughter. Lezard talked as though she had stepped out for a leisurely stroll around the grounds, and not a desperate flight to get away from him. “Not really.” She answered, as he released his hold on her arm.

“Ah, that is to be expected.” He shrugged his shoulders, looking apologetic. “I’m still making changes to this world. Right now there is not much in the way of picturesque settings.”

“That’s not the problem.” Lenneth replied.

He continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “Perhaps a garden setting would be nice.” Lezard mused. “Would you like that Lenneth? To be surrounded by lovely flowers that pale in comparison to your beauty?”

“Would there be monsters lurking there as well?” She asked a tad snidely.

“Heavens no!” Lezard laughed. “The garden would be my gift to you. Far secluded would it be from the rest of this realm. It would remain untouched from the outside world and any visitors who might dare to trespass on my land.”

“Others will come. You do realize it, don’t you?” Lenneth demanded. “They won’t let the insult of what you did to Odin go unavenged. At the very least the Aesir will be coming for Gungnir.” She was furious to see him unconcerned with what she was telling him.

“I would not worry about those lesser Gods.” He smirked, and leaned in closer to whisper. “This world exists in a closed timeline, separate from the nine realms. You know what that means, don’t you?”

“Independence from the Gods.” She said softly.

“Yes.” He beamed at Lenneth as though she was his prized pupil. “They will not be able to enter unless I allow it.” He chuckled. “And I have little reason to grant them an audience. No…they can try all they like, they will not find the route to my domain accessible through any means, divine or mortal.” He saw that his words distressed her, Lenneth not sharing in his glee over their isolated state. He let out a sound, a muffled hmph, thinking she would get over it soon enough. That she would learn to be happy here with him. Once she accepted this was her fate, that her destiny lied with him, things would go smoother for the both of them.

Lenneth was watching him, wide eyed and wary, a look all too familiar to him. She always seemed on edge, so cautious and nervous around him. As though she had to walk on tip toe to avoid setting him off. He smiled, thinking her very nearness was what set him aflame, kept him from being able to keep his hands to himself. He reached for her hand, already he could feel the reluctance in her as he stepped closer to her.

“Lezard you promised.” She said abruptly, a warning in her tone.

“So I did…” He kept hold of her hand, the side of his body brushing against the length of hers. It was a brief contact, not enough to warrant complaint, and yet Lenneth found herself stepping back, as far as Lezard would allow her to. Her arm stretched out to the limit, wrist caught in his gentle grip, as she stopped, eyeing him nervously. He let her keep that distance, instead choosing to run his eyes up and down the length of her body, lazily taking in the sight of her, garbed in a thin dress of white. It was hardly adequate clothing, just barely decent, the skirt’s slits showing off tempting flashes of her legs whenever she moved. What was suitable when fighting, and covered in full armor regalia, now made her look woefully underdressed and cold.

Never let it be said that Lezard Valeth did not know how to take care of his lady. He smoothed his hand down her arm, starting at the base of the wrist, where at his touch, material of soft spun silk appeared on her skin. As he traversed her arm, the silk followed, dancing up her arm, forming a sleeve the color of pure silver. His hand stopped well away from her shoulder, skipping to her back, to skirt along the skin there. With a snap, the buttons were undone, the original dress falling to her feet, even as his hands caressed her lower back, encouraging the silver to form a corseted covering for her.

Lenneth fumed, her cheeks two bright pinpoints of pink, thinking Lezard went too far. She bit back an angry snarl, even as his hands were coming forward to cup her breasts. It was with the slightest of touches that he grazed her twin peaks, fingers brushing across her nipples as the dress finished forming across her chest. The mage just barely manage to restrain himself from touching her more, instead quickly moving to her other arm, to complete the off the shoulder bodice. Gold threading piped in along the top, forming intricate patterns down the front, swooping swirls and curly Q’s across her waist.

Still standing behind her, his hands landed on her hips, coaxing the silver down and out. With strong arms, he spun her around, the forming skirt flaring out to twirl with her. When it settled down it was ankle length, and heavy, though not as weighted as it would have been had he used real silver for her dress. Lenneth was opening her mouth to object this handling of her, when Lezard conjured up a floor length mirror, holding it before her. Her complaints fell silent as she stared at her reflection, taking in the form fitting dress he had made for her. It was like nothing Lenneth had ever worn, the fancy gold and silver dress being something a princess might wear to a grand ball.

Her hair was still loose, a shade similar to the gown, so that it was hard to tell where her tresses ended and the dress began. There was almost a hint of a smile on her face as she gazed at herself, turning slowly to see the back of the gown.

“It’s…It’s beautiful…” Lenneth murmured, front facing forwards once again.

“You’re beautiful.” Lezard said, stepping away from the mirror. “The dress is a mere adornment that can’t add or extract from your beauty.” He came to stand before the mirror, leaning his back casually against it’s surface. She shyly ducked her head, thanking him for the compliment. Peeking at him through her lashes, she saw that he was once again staring at her, his amethysts eyes half lidded with desire.

Seeking to avoid another passionate scene, she turned her back on him, walking to the center of the room. She could feel his gaze on her, intense and tracking her every movement. That left her flustered, her voice coming out a tad too high in pitch when she asked, “What are these…things you wished to show me of mortality?” She licked her lips, nervous. “I still have my doubts that humans could have anything that would interest a God.” She winced inwardly. Even as she said it, she realized how snobbish it sounded, it was almost an insult.

“So haughty when it comes to humanity.” Lezard replied coolly. “You pity them, sympathized with mortals, even seek to save them, and yet you still look down on them. Heh…” He was laughing at her, thinking her thoughts foolish. “And yet is not that boy of yours, also human—a mortal? Surely he stirred some interest in you. Or did you tire of him quickly?”

She spun around to face him, eyes narrowed as she snarled, “Do not speak of L…” His name was almost revealed, the Valkyrie biting it back at the last moment. She would not give his name, preferring to own something Lezard could not touch, would not be able to destroy without the proper knowledge. “Do not speak of HIM like that.”

“Like what?” Lezard asked. “It’s the truth…you sought comfort in a mortal’s arms. By that very action you contradict yourself when you speak ill of them.” He was growing angry, not because he had any love for the mortality he had so easily left behind, but because he once again had to face the fact that she liked another. He wouldn’t bring himself to think of her loving the mortal boy, it pained him too much. As it was, it burned his pride to think another had gotten there first, had claimed her easily enough while he toiled and worked endlessly to make himself worthy of her.

“Does he…touch you like I touch you…?” With wide, quick steps he was at her side, a hand darting out to stroke down her belly. He went to circle around her slowly, the hand moving with him, keeping contact, but drifting to her side, caressing her lower back. “Does his caress enflame your passion, strike the fire low down in your belly?” His hand was upwards now, touching the bare skin of her back. “Does his kiss make you sigh, his mouth on you make you moan?” He was lifting up her hair, planting wet kisses between her shoulder blades. He could hear Lenneth let out a shuddery breath, and he smiled at this. He let his hands envelope her from behind, pressing his body firmly against her behind. He was gently cupping her breasts, fondling them through the thick material of her dress. “Does that boy know how to treat you, to make you cry out for more…?”

Her face burned at his questions, even as she felt enflamed by his touches. “He…” She chewed at her lower lip, feeling her rising need to moan at Lezard’s handling of her body. “He’s gentle and kind and…” Boring. She thought with some surprise.

“And boring?” Lezard asked, his words being so on mark, that she jumped, thinking the necromancer had read her mind. Lezard seemed not to notice, any twitching she did he wrote off as a reaction to what he was doing with his hands. “Or perhaps you would prefer the word safe?” Holding herself absolutely still, she thought about it. Did Lezard’s words hold some ring of truth to them? It was true that Lucian was a safe, gentile part of her life. Any danger she had felt with him had long since past, the only stopping stone in their relationship had been back when Odin was alive. Back when Gods and mortals were forbidden to be together. It had made her relationship with Lucian something exciting and new, and dangerous…Lenneth frowned, troubled by her thoughts. Why did Lezard saying he was a safe choice bother her so much?

Sensing her thoughts were far from him, Lezard squeezed, just hard enough to gather her attention back to him. It stirred her into acting, her hands coming up to grab at his, pulling them away from her breasts. He let her move him, allowed her to think she had some control over what was happening, though the strength of her grip on his wrists was laughable, and far too easy for him to break free of.

“Stop it…” Lenneth said, shaking her head from side to side. “Don’t speak like that…not of him…not of us!”

Lezard hmphed. “I’d rather not speak of him at all.”

“Then we are in agreement?”

“Perhaps…” He wasn’t committing to a definite answer leaving her to wonder just why he was so interested in her and Lucian. So far talks of Lucian had only served to agitate Lezard, make him jealous and possessive in his handling of her. She would rather avoid the subject of her lover completely if it meant Lezard would behave himself!

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The room was large, cavernous in size, made up of smooth white stone, and gleaming gold pillars. Purple banners, the color of royalty trailed down from the ceiling, forming looping swirls that hung suspended between the pillars. There was only one visible entrance to the room, two thick double doors that reached all the way up to the ceiling, nearly 50 feet in length, and twice as thick. Only a God could command the power to move such doors.

A long red carpet, the color of blood was rolled out from the doorway, across miles of marble floor, to dip up and down on steps that led to a golden throne that was built into the very wall. It was the throne room of Valhalla, and so far it remained untouched by the earthquakes shaking the land. Freya herself, stood upright in this room, floating several feet off the ground as she centered herself. She breathed in and out deeply, mentally preparing herself for the magic she had to conjure from within, the energy needed to perform the summoning.

A chill wind blew throughout the room, though the doors were shut. It pulled and pushed at Freya, lifting her hair up, ruffling her skirt. It was as though she was at the heart of a maelstrom, and when she first opened her mouth to speak, the wind tried to drown out the sound of her voice. She licked her lips, and tried again, shouting in a commanding voice, “Lenneth! Hear my call!” She raised her arms so that they were crossed over her face. Her eyes glowed with power, emerald green in the outer rim, a golden sun in the center. It traveled from her eyes, across her face and down her neck. Crisscrossing in lines of gold and green, it traveled up her arms, converging into her fists. Two stark white balls of energy appeared where her hands were, and with a cry she flung down her arms, releasing the energy.

It crashed into the floor, flattening out before flaring up to explode in blinding brilliance. “Come to me Lenneth Valkyrie!” Freya demanded, and threw more energy down into the spot. “Asgard has need of you!” She continued to toss down energy balls, watching as the power swirled and twirled upwards, forming the outline of a body. More of her power was added to the spell, and the shape took on the form of a woman, with long flowing hair.

She appeared to be made of snow white light, naked and floating in the air. The light obscured all details, but even as Freya shut her eyes from the celestial gleam, color started to come to life in the maiden’s skin. Even as the peaches and cream complexion came to her cheeks, clothing formed around her body, covering her nudity. The blue skirts ruffled around her legs, as she was slowly lowered to the floor. Upon her feet touching solid ground, her eyelids fluttered open, and for a second her blue eyes were unfocused, not seeing the Goddess Freya before her.

“Who summons me?” She asked, blinking as the room came into focus. “Where is Lord Odin?”

“Lenneth!” Freya nearly sagged to her knees in relief. Instead she chose to hug the young Goddess, nearly weeping in her arms. “Thank goodness you are here!”

“Freya…” Lenneth returned the hug, squeezing her lightly. She pulled back to look at her face, seeing the tears in the blonde haired Goddess’ eyes. “Why do you weep?”

Freya opened her mouth to answer, but before she could the room shook from an earthquake. Lenneth’s eyes widened in shock. “What has happened here?!”

“Come Lenneth…” Freya took her by the hand. “I have much to tell you.”