Triumph 11

 For one brief instant, Lezard had been startled to see two Lenneths standing side by side. That feeling quickly faded into pleasure, and he could feel himself smiling as he gazed on his two beloveds. He found them beautiful, like twin dolls with their porcelain hued skin, and platinum colored hair. A matched set, one garbed in delicate feminine garb, the other a proud warrior maiden. He was not surprised to feel the flood of desire come racing through his veins, Lezard realizing he wanted them both by his side.

Visions of dressing them in identical outfits danced through his head, of being sandwiched between the two of them as together they reached new heights of pleasure. He smiled all the wider, idly imagining all the possibilities two Lenneths held. His eyes were clouded over with lust, and he paid no mind to the glance the two women shared, doubt and disgust on their faces.

He became aware of the armored Lenneth moving forward, a sneer on her pretty face as she pointed her sword at him. “Blasphemer!” Her blue eyes narrowed into a glare as he let out gleeful laughter, delighted by her anger. She had Lenneth’s spark of personality, that raw anger that sent chills down his spine. For one brief second, something like uncertainty shined on her face as she listened to him laugh.

“Ah…” Lezard’s laugh trailed off, his mirth settling down, but threatening to bubble up out of him at the slightest of provocation. “Forgive me…you were saying?”

Lenneth—HIS Lenneth, a delectable vision in purple finery stepped forward, placing a hand on her twin’s shoulder. She frowned at Lezard, eyes drawn to the bow in his hand. “Is that the Sylvan Bow?” He saw the armored Lenneth give a start, eyes drawn to the weapon as well.

“Why yes…yes it is…” He smiled and held it up, showing off his prize. “The Light Elves of Alfeim were only too glad to give it up to me.”

“You lie!” Both of them at once, speaking in unison, making him smile in delight. How melodious their voices sounded, and he wondered how it would feel to be surrounded by their cries of bliss and adoration.

“You stole that didn’t you…” His Lenneth said, her voice quiet and filled with disappointment.

“Stole is such a harsh word…” Lezard gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders. “I like to think I procured it for safe keeping.”

“The elves were charged with that task, not you!” admonished Lenneth, blue eyes bright with anger.

“They weren’t doing a very good job if I was able to get my hands on it.” He let go of the bow, using magic to float it before him. He concentrated, letting the Sylvan Bow fade into the ether, disappearing to join Gungnir in the shift between realities. “It will be safer under my protection.” He smiled again, eyes glancing back and forth between the two women.

“What are you planning to do?” Lenneth asked, but he ignored her, stepping closer to the battle maiden. He swept out an arm, gallantly bowing before her, though he was careful to keep his eyes trained on her face. “Lezard Valeth…” He said by way of introduction. “Your most…humble and adoring servant…” His hand was reaching out to claim hers, intending to graze his lips against the back of her hand. He did not get the chance, for she was moving forward, the point of her sword grazing against the hollow of his throat.

“Keep your hands off of me…” The Valkyrie said through gritted teeth. He dropped his hand, content for now to let her have her way. He went to straighten, letting her sword cut into his throat, watching her eyes widen as his bloodied skin quickly healed over. Lezard watched with pleasure as her eyes moved over his body, slowly taking him in from head to toe. He wondered what she thought, if she found him attractive, did he cut a dashing figure to the young Valkyrie? Her eyes gave him no hint, no sign of approval, leaving him to guess at her thoughts. He smiled again, seeing her grow infuriated by that expression of his.

“What are you grinning at, defiler of souls?!” She demanded.

“You.” He told her.

“Me?” She was surprised. “Why?”

“Because I find you pleasing to look at.” Lezard answered, watching as she blanched at his words.

“Heretic!” She pointed her red tipped sword at him. “Your false compliments will not spare you your life…!” Lezard let out another laugh, purple eyes turning to look at the older Lenneth. “She sounds just like you did when we first met. Ah…” His body shook with his laughter. “Such fond memories.”

“Cease that infernal laughter at once!” hissed the Valkyrie, not finding anything amusing in the situation. Her commanding tone only made him laugh harder at her. “I’m sorry my dear…I find myself…overcome with emotions.”

“Emotions are for the weak.” She told him. “I would expect better control from the one who bested Odin.” Again he laughed, feeling a smirk full of pride cross his lips. It only served to further agitate the Valkyrie, the girl visibly having to reign in her rage. “You are far too pleased with yourself.” She told him. “You don’t feel any remorse for what you have done.”

“For slaying Odin? None at all! Odin was weak and corrupt, a pitiful excuse for a God.” explained Lezard. “It was time someone ended his cruel reign over God and human alike.”

“That was not for you to decide!” She retorted angrily.

“Then who if not me?!” Lezard demanded, folding his arms over his chest. He saw her hesitate, unsure of what to say. “In time you will see. Humanity will flourish free of Odin’s meddling, free to make their own destiny.”

“You know not what you speak of!” The Valkyrie hissed, blue eyes narrowed into angry little slits.

“Oh don’t I?” He arched an eyebrow at her, shifting his gaze to look at Lenneth. “Why don’t you tell her my dear…tell her the things Odin has done…would have done to both humans and Gods alike.” He smirked. “You have intimate knowledge, being a victim of his manipulations yourself.”

“What is he talking about?” Nervous eyes looked to the older Lenneth, desperate for her to deny his words.

“It’s true that Odin meddled in human affairs.” admitted Lenneth. “He is the one that stole the Dragon orb from Midgard, thrusting the realm into countless bloody wars.”

“He would surely have reason for doing this…” whispered the younger Lenneth in denial.

“What about sealing away your memories?” asked Lezard. “Locking away your emotions?”

“What are you talking about?” She turned back to him, her anger still apparent.

“The ring you wear…” He gestured at her hand. “A fail-safe by Odin, all in order to control the most powerful of the three Goddesses of Fate.” Lezard watched as she lifted her hand, eyes glancing at the sparkling gold treasure on her finger. He imagined he could see a hint of doubt in her eyes, and he pressed the issue further. “I wonder what else Odin sought to keep from you…”

The battle maiden gave a shake of her head, all but hissing venom at him. “You seek to confuse me! I will tolerate no more of your lying tongue!” She pointed her sword at him, issuing a challenge. “Face me God Slayer! I will exact revenge on your damned soul.”

Lezard let out a sigh, eyes looking tired. “I really don’t want to fight you.” He gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders. “But if I must, I must.” He held out his hand, white light pouring out of his fingertips. The Valkyrie watched as it molded together, his fingers closing into a fist. The light spread out in both directions of his hand, forming into a lance, twin blades at the end of each side.

“Gungnir…” She whispered, a tad reverently. She had known he had stolen the divine lance, but it was a different thing to witness with her own two eyes his claimed ownership of the treasure. “Freya will be pleased.” The Valkyrie said.

“Oh?”

“She has charged me with the task of saving Asgard…of returning a stabilizing power to the land.” explained the Valkyrie. “Gungnir will at last be returned to the shining realm.”

Lezard laughed, spreading his arms wide. “How confident you are! If you really think you can best me while I wield Gungnir, then come at me!” The Valkyrie was already rushing forward, arm pulled back, and slightly elevated over her head. Lezard stood still, just waiting for her to come to him, smirk firmly in place on his face. Her arm thrusted forward, aiming at his head. Lezard sidestepped the swipe, the passage of her blade stirring up air on his neck, a few stray strands of brown hair being shaved off the side of his head.

The Valkyrie didn’t gloat at nearly having him, merely pulled back her arm, half turning at the waist. This time her sword arm was held down low, even with her hips, as she swung an undercut blow at him. He hastily brought down Gungnir, deflecting her blade. He flung out his hand, causing her to go stumbling back, even as Lezard took to the air, floating a few inches off the ground.

The Valkyrie screamed out her battle cry, thrusting her sword forward, aiming for his heart. Again he blocked with Gungnir, a shower of sparks being kicked up as metal rubbed against metal. Infuriated shouts were heard from the battle maiden, wild swings of her sword, and always Lezard defended. He never made a move to initiate an attack, constantly parrying her thrusts, Lezard finding a sadistic thrill at frustrating the young warrior with the ease at which he deflected her weapon.

Seemingly unnoticed in the background, Lenneth tracked the progress of the battle, silent as she watched them duel. She saw her young counterpart leap into the air, her sword held in a two fisted grip up over her head. Elbows bent as she sought to bring down her blade, intending to cleave Lezard’s head in two. Her teeth ground together in frustration as Gungnir eagerly met her sword. She hovered in the air, skirt flapping about her legs, as she leaned into her sword, trying to drive it through Gungnir.

Lezard reached out with his free hand, snagging her by the ankle. He gave a slight tug on her foot, and down she was dragged, crashing to the floor. The battle maiden clenched her fingers around her sword, intending to scramble to her feet, but Gungnir was suddenly there, the tip of one side placed against her armored chest. “Give up.” Lezard told her quietly, a smile on his face.

“Never!” She retorted, her eyes cold steel as she glared up at him. He was pressing down on the lance, causing it’s tip to pierce her breast plate. Concentration shown on his face as he dragged the blade downwards, splitting apart her armor, but leaving her skin intact. Lenneth let out a muted growl, her blue eyes stormy with rage at his antics. Suddenly she spotted movement over his shoulder, and she stifled back a smile.

Lezard hesitated, alerted by the relief he saw gleaming in the Valkyrie’s eyes. Without turning, he raised up Gungnir, high over his head. He heard the shatter of hardened clay, felt the pieces rain down on him. “Lenneth…” He said chidingly, turning to see his purple clad Goddess behind him, a guilty look on her face. “Don’t interfere with us!”

The armored clad Lenneth kicked out, an odd jump that brought her to her feet. She stifled back her war cries, charging forward with her sword. Lezard turned at the last minute, clamping his hand down on her wrist. She twisted her arm, trying to get free, even as he hauled her in closer to his body. She fought him every step of the way, loathe to feel his body rub against hers. “I think we need to take this someplace more private.” Lezard said, his booted feet crunching on the remains of the vase Lenneth had tried to hit him with.

The Valkyrie thrashed wildly in his arms, bringing her free hand up to push at his chest. He was grinning down at her, finding her struggles amusing. She let out a gasp as the air around them shimmered, realizing his intent too late. “No…”

“Lezard don’t!” She heard her twin shout out, saw him turn to glance over his shoulder at her. “Oh don’t be jealous my darling…” Lezard soothed, that mad grin still on his face. “I merely want to have a talk with your twin…alone…” The colors of the room blurred, mixing together, a wash of garbled color that seemed to slowly fade into darkness. She heard the ringing of bells, felt him drag her along with him as the wizard made the astral jump between planes of reality.

They landed in a new room, a crystal dome whose beauty was lost on the Valkyrie. She barely paid it any attention, bringing her knee up between their bodies. She kicked out, armored foot slamming into his tender groin. With a loud exhalation of air, he released her, and she whirled away from his grasp. With a muttered groan, he straightened, hand hovering protectively over his injured flesh.

Now it was her turn to smirk at him, and she raised her sword mockingly at him. Lezard looked at her, anger on his face, pride as well as body injured by her dainty foot. “I was careless.” He admitted. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

“We will see.” retorted Lenneth, and he watched as she tensed, saw her legs bend as she bunched up her muscles a moment before she sprang forward. Sword and lance embraced each other, cold metal longing for each other’s touch. Now Lezard became the aggressor, thrusting his weapon at her, being careful in his attacks. He merely sought to disarm her, not wanting to injure her too badly. It was a different story for the Valkyrie, she sought to kill him, and fought like a tigress.

They moved across the floor, a deadly dance of conflicting passions. They repeated steps, over and over, thrust, parry, thrust, neither quarter given nor gained. Until at last Lezard grew tired of holding back his strength, and with a rough swing, he smashed Gungnir into her hand. Lenneth let out a cry as her hand grew numb from the force of his blow, eyes shocked as she felt his feet tripping hers. She backpedaled, starting to fall, even as he once again was slamming his lance into her sword arm, his other arm sought to encircle her waist, catching her mid fall.

Her sword fell from her hand, clattering to the floor, and her eyes stared at his in shock as he swept out his leg, completely knocking out her footing from underneath her. It was all too easy for him to lower her to the floor, her armored back hitting the marble roughly, metal clanging loudly. He came down with her, his hand still keeping a firm grip on Gungnir, even as he pressed down on top of her. “What are you doing?!” Lenneth cried in outrage, hearing him laugh as he settled his weight on top of her. She began squirming underneath him, trying to wiggle free, but he only pressed closer.

His knee prodded her legs, causing them to spread apart, as he fitted himself against her body. Lenneth glared up at him in anger, eyes widening as she felt his hand leave her waist, felt the touch of his fingers on her knee. Lezard begin moving his hand up her leg, sliding back her mud stained skirt to reveal her thigh to him. His hand was a firm, warm pressure on her skin, fingers dancing caressing circles on her flesh.

“Now…” Lezard purred, laying Gungnir flat on the ground besides her. “To the victor goes the spoils…!” He was lowering his face to hers, and she frantically grabbed at his shoulder in a one fisted grip, trying to push him back. Her other hand reached for his wandering hand, her skin protesting that invasive touch on her thigh. “Get your hands off of me!” She hissed, hatred burning in her eyes as she stared up at him.

“How predictable.” His let go of Gungnir, the divine lance sinking into the floor, ether curling over it, sealing it away. His hand freed now, Lezard reached to touch her face, seeing her flinch back from his fingers. He touched her feathered helm, slowly easing it back, pulling it free of her head. He tossed it on the floor, and together they listened to the sound of it rolling to a stop, their eyes locked onto each other’s.

His hand returned to her face, playing with the stray curls that had escaped her braid. Lenneth tried to jerk away from the touch, blue eyes blazing with hate. His other hand squeezed down on her thigh, a possessive grip that would be sure to leave light bruises in the morning. He watched as she shifted underneath him, uncomfortable with his touches, and he could practically see the thoughts cross her face as she tried to decide what to do next.

Lenneth was suddenly moving, body bucking harshly, trying to throw him off. He merely pushed down harder against her, letting his full weight settle in on top of her. She laid back against the floor, a frustrated look in her eyes. Never before had she been pinned so thoroughly, in an unbreakable grasp that left her confused as to what her next move should be. Her jaw clenched as she felt his hand moving, fingers brushing against the metal on her hip. “Stop it.” She hissed out angrily, even as Lezard pressed down against her restraining hand.

Bit by bit her arm was forced back, until his chest pressed down on hers, the man now lying fully flat on top of her. He was still not speaking to her, merely lowering his face to her neck, breathing in deeply of her scent. A pleased sigh escaped his lips, and she fumed at the sound, hating that he found pleasure in this predicament. She forced herself to be still as his lips brushed against her ear, hearing him whisper, “I must remember to thank Freya for this thoughtful gift.” She let out a disgusted cry as he kissed the lobe of her ear, lips trailing down to her neck, gentle and caressing.

“I am no gift!” She angrily said, digging her fingers into his shoulder. Lezard laughed at this, the echo of his laughter tickling against her skin. “I’m here as your executioner!”

“And a fine job you are doing of it!” Again that infuriating laughter of his, making her shriek in outrage. “Did you really think you could win against me?”

“The battle is not over yet!” retorted Lenneth.

“No?” He raised up from her neck, arching an eyebrow at her. “Our positions speak otherwise!” This time he was the one to move, grinding his hips against hers meaningfully. “Ah but…” His laughing voice turned low and seductive. “Why fight when there are other more pleasurable things we could be doing?”

“The thought of lying with Odin’s murderer makes my skin crawl!” Lenneth told him, as he lowered his mouth to hers. She screamed into his mouth, shocked by his audacity. She felt his tongue wiggle into her mouth, force it’s way pass her screaming lips, greedily colliding with her own tongue. He caressed and stroked it against hers, mingling them together as he kissed her. She was a clumsy kisser, inexperience mixing with disgust, making her try to curl her tongue away from his. With a sigh, Lezard broke the kiss, and murmured into her ear, “I see I will have much to teach you.” He nibbled down on her ear lobe, smiling as he felt her try to jerk away from the feel of his teeth.

“There’s nothing I want to learn from you!” Lenneth cried out against him. “You disgust me!”

“So quick to form an opinion after just meeting me…” His lips twisted into a pout. “The same as Lenneth…what is it about me that inspires such a bad first impression?”

“Do you even have to ask?” She demanded, even as he resumed kissing her neck. She tried to ignore the feel of his lips on her skin, feeling the wet pucker of his mouth trailing teasingly along her neck. “You…you’re…” Her voice wavered as he suddenly bit down, a light grazing of the teeth in the curve of her shoulder.

“I’m what?” He asked curious, before returning his mouth to worry at the skin on her shoulder. His licking and nibbling made it hard for her to concentrate, the Valkyrie frowning as she tried to think of the words. “You are…” Her eyes widened as she felt his fingers sliding in underneath her armor, attempting to break apart the metal on her hips. “Defiler!” She hissed, bucking her body against his.

Lenneth distracted him with her struggles, content to let him occupy his thoughts with her writhing body. He seemed not to notice as her left hand traveled down to her unmolested hip, sliding under her skirt. She stifled back a smile as her questing fingers found what she sought, slowly removing a small dagger that she kept hidden for just such emergencies.

He was leaning down to kiss her again, purple eyes darkened with desire, the intensity of which left her frightened. She steeled her resolve, keeping her lips firmly pressed together as he lowered his mouth to hers, lips seeking to beguile her mouth open. She watched as his eyes closed, the wizard losing himself to the pleasure of her lips, and it was then that she moved, her eyes taking on a satisfied look as she placed the sharp knife against the front of his throat. His eyes flew open, Lezard pulling back slightly from the kiss.

“You are perverted, wretched and evil…” She told him, lips brushing against his with every word she spoke. She watched as his eyes widened as he felt the tip of the curved dagger press in deeper against his skin. “And I will not suffer the touch of a defiler of souls!”

“I find your older counterpart to be so much more agreeable to my advances.” muttered Lezard ruefully.

“Then she is a fool!” retorted Lenneth, angrily pushing down on the dagger. She watched as blood pooled along the tip, dripping down off the blade to splatter against her flesh. A sigh from Lezard, and his weight was suddenly gone from her. She quickly sat up, scrambling to her feet, hands tugging down her rumpled skirt over her legs. She cast about the room, searching for her foe.

“She’s not a fool you know…” Lezard said from behind her. “In fact…I get the feeling she’s smarter than you.” He raised his hand to his face, one lone finger sliding his glasses up his nose. “Lenneth is…” He considered his words carefully. “A realist. She knows when a situation is hopeless, and adapts to it. She knows when to make the best of a situation.”

“That’s not me…” She gave a fierce shake of her head. “It can’t be…this…attitude of hers, it makes her sound nothing like me!”

“Things change, people change.” replied Lezard. “Even Gods if given enough time.”

“No never…” Lenneth frowned at him hearing him chuckle in response. Her temper flared at the sound, her fists clenching together helplessly, wanting to close around his neck and choke the laughter right out of him.

“Lenneth my dear…never say never. You’re delectable counterpart is living proof of your…ultimate submission.” He was moving forward, stepping closer to her. Lezard watched the struggle on her face, saw how she fought to keep from backing away from him. “I’m sure she’d tell you if you’d ask her…it’s not so bad, living with me…” He was reaching forward with his hand, fingertips stopping just short of her face. She held back a quiver, eyeing him warily, as she spoke. “She said that you loved her…”

“I do.” Lezard answered, raw honesty on his face.

“That everything you’ve done has not been for power alone, but to claim her.” continued Lenneth, holding herself still as he made the briefest of contact, fingers caressing her cheek.

“The power is just an added bonus.” said Lezard, curious as to what she was getting at.

“And yet for all this…for all the love, and all the power…” Her mouth was curling in disgust. “You’re still nothing more than a defiler of souls, greedy and perverse, and she hates you for it!”

Lezard scowled, pulling his hand way as though it was on fire. “How can you be so sure?!” He demanded angrily.

“If she is truly me…then I should know how she feels.” retorted Lenneth. “Hatred and disgust, and nothing more!”

“You’re wrong!” shouted Lezard, reaching out to grab her by the shoulders. He shook the young Valkyrie, practically screaming in her face. “You said it yourself, she’s nothing like you! She’s different! She’s kind, and she’s soft, and she cares for me.” He gave one last fierce shake of her body, repeating the last in a whisper. “She cares for me.”

The Valkyrie merely stared at him, blue eyes mocking and hard as she sneered. Lezard snarled, digging his fingers into her arms, and suddenly he was spinning her around, pressing up against her back. “You may not like me very much…” He hissed into her ear, easily holding down her struggling form. “But the fact of the matter is I am your future. You cannot escape it…we will be together!”

Lenneth let out a howl of rage, trying to stamp her foot onto his toes. He avoided her stomping feet, roughly shoving her away from him. She stumbled, and turned, glaring at him. Lezard let out an angry sigh, reaching up towards his hair, smoothing back his bangs. “Now…” He began, choosing his words carefully. “I’m going to send you back to Freya with a message…”

“A message?” She asked, watching as he adjusted the cuffs of his jacket’s sleeves.

“Don’t interrupt.” His spectacles glinted, hiding his eyes from her. “Let her…let all the Gods know of my conditions. I would have them surrender to me…” He paused as she let out a short bark of laughter, feeling angry amusement at his words. “I do not want them meddling in my affairs. To accomplish that, I think it best if I become their new ruler.”

“You are mad if you think the Aesir will bow before you!” Lenneth told him.

“Oh they’ll bow…” He chuckled, eyes dark with promise. “They’ll kneel and they’ll grovel. You see…they will have no choice…” His lips curled up in a self satisfied smirk. “Two of the four divine treasures are already in my grasp…and the Dragon’s orb is missing. The balance of the realms is quickly going out of synch. Without the treasures to stabilize them, the nine worlds will cease to exist.”

“Of course…this won’t affect my world.” He smirked. “I’m quite content to remain here with Lenneth. It’ll be our own private paradise. You’re welcome to join us if you like.” He added the last as an after thought.

Never was on the tip of her tongue, but she bit it back, staring at him in stony silence. “Good…you’re learning.” Lezard nodded to himself in approval. “Return to Valhalla.” He was flinging out his arm, sketching runes in the air. She watched impassively as white light flared up, spreading out to form a portal. The images within wavered, rippling as though seen through water. “Quickly now…” He urged her. “You don’t have a lot of time left, be sure to remind Freya of that, should she hesitate to accept my bargain.”

“What are you going to do in the meantime?” Lenneth demanded suspiciously. His smile didn’t put her at ease, and his words made her ill. “Why I’ll be dallying with my darling, sweet Lenneth.” He laughed at the look on her face. “I’m sure she misses me, desperate to know of what went on between us.”

“You hope to make her jealous with me?!” Her mouth dropped open in shock as he did not deny it. “You do!”

“Perhaps just a little…” Lezard admitted, unashamed. “Now go…” His hands were on her, a gentle push in the right direction. The Valkyrie let out a startled sound as his right hand traced down to her rump, giving her a little squeeze. She jumped forward to escape his hands, and ran towards the portal. She didn’t look back, but still his presence pressed in on her, his laughter chasing after her all the way back to Valhalla.

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

It wasn’t a very large boat, four people being the limit of what it could comfortably seat. But it was sturdy and strong, the dark wood varnished to perfection, perfectly camouflage against the night sky. It glided through the waters with ease, the shape of it’s hull being crafted to be sleek and swift against the waves. A small cabin was erected in the center of the ship, a simple three wall affair that offered the captain of the boat minimal protection from the elements.

Arngrim stood before the steering wheel, muscles rippling in his strong arms as his hands turned the wheel, keeping the boat on course. A map lay to the left of him, pinned down to the table with a dagger, the beserker occasionally glancing at it for guidance. But for the most part he stared straight ahead, keeping his eyes on the stars in the sky. Alicia smiled at him, placing a cold beverage down next to the map, the former pirate grunting his thanks to her. Without looking, he reached for the goblet, taking a sip of the draught as he steered the ship one handed.

The princess turned away from him, walking carefully towards the back of the boat where Rufus waited. He sat with his bow between his legs, nimble fingers playing with the string. “Damn it!” He exclaimed, as the taut wire snapped in half. “That’s the third wire I’ve lost in as many minutes!”

“Maybe you should put it away…” suggested Alicia, a hand reaching towards his, offering him one of the remaining goblets she held. “The water shakes the boat far too much for such delicate work to be done.”

“You’re right.” agreed Rufus, giving his weapon one last exasperated look as he sighed. “It’s not doing much to distract me anyway.” He stowed the bow under his seat with the rest of their belongings, gladly taking the drink from the blonde’s hand.

“You’re nervous.” She noted, leaning against the edge of the boat. She lowered her eyes, peeking at him through her lashes, trying not to be obvious as she looked at him. “It’s hard going back home…” She let out a little laugh. “I remember when Silmeria told me I had to return to Dipan…how frightened that made me!” She suddenly looked up, golden eyes wide. “Not that I mean to imply that you feel that way!” She added hastily, afraid that her words would insult him.

Rufus let out a laugh. “Truthfully? I can admit to being a little scared.” He took a long sip of his drink, silence stretching out between them. “I didn’t exactly leave under the best of circumstances…” He said at last.

“Can you tell me about it?” Alicia asked, truly curious. She watched as he shrugged his shoulders, green eyes darkening. “What’s there to tell…I escaped and came to Solde, interested in the rumors I heard about Dipan’s bid for independence from the Gods.” He smiled without humor. “No doubt you can guess why I was so interested in living a God free existence!”

“Odin…”

“Yes…Odin…” He let out a chuckle. “Who would have thought that damn bastard would suffer the fate he intended for me! There’s poetic justice in that happening.” He sighed. “I suppose I owe Lezard for freeing me out from under Odin’s thumb…although the traitor could have done it before my body was destroyed!”

“It’s hard to think of you and Arngrim as spirits. You both seem so real.” commented Alicia. “I…I mean so hard…I mean…” She blushed, and Rufus spared her further attempts at explanation. “I know what you mean.” He smiled. “I felt the same way seeing Dylan and Mithra.”

“Do you ever regret what has happened?” asked Alicia. “I mean you had your whole life in front of you, and now you are a ghost.”

“Hey, I still have my life to live!” He rubbed his nose, a nervous gesture as he considered her words. “I’m as real as if I was flesh and blood, and what’s more I am free. No Odin, no elves to chain me up, and no Valkyrie to force me to fight her battles.” His green gaze met hers boldly. “I can live out my life regardless of what happened to my physical body.”

“They chained you up?!” blurted out Alicia, struck with horror at the thought. She waited for Rufus to tell her he had been joking, or speaking figuratively, but his eyes darkened. “Yes…” He said quietly. “Yes they did…”

“Why?”

“Because I tried to leave.” He shifted, caught in the grip of an unpleasant memory. “Coming to Solde wasn’t the first time I tried to escape. But it was the only time I was successful.” He let out a shaky breath of air. “The elves were not pleased with their charge trying to leave…a stern talking to wasn’t enough of a punishment…they tied me down…and…”

“And…?” She asked, caught between wanting to know and scared to find out what the punishment truly entailed.

“They usually just beat me.” He said, raw pain in his eyes, the half elf clearly recalling the times in his mind. He let out a bitter sounding laugh. “They didn’t want to risk marring my beauty. You see…Odin would be displeased if his new body had any permanent scars on it.” He seemed barely aware of the shudder Alicia let out. “One time they whipped me, their best mages on hand to quickly heal the wounds before they had time to get infected.”

“Oh Rufus…” She was stepping towards him, pity in her eyes. “You shouldn’t go back there.” She said firmly. “Not for me, not for anybody!”

“But I want to…” He said, watching as she carefully made her way towards him. “I want to cure you…I want to see your eyes shine with their pure blue color once more.”

“Rufus…” She suddenly let out a cry as the boat rocked extra hard, Arngrim calling out over his shoulder, “Brace yourselves, the water is choppy in this section!” Alicia was falling forward, and Rufus’ hands were reaching out to her, catching her about the waist. The goblets spilled on the floor as he pulled her onto his lap, feeling how perfect she seemed to fit against his body, the princess nestled in his arms.

She was quiet, and even in the moonlight, he could see the pink of her cheeks, see how hard she blushed at being so close to him. “Alicia…” He whispered her name, urgency in his tone.

“Yes Rufus?” She asked quietly, lowering her eyes so as to avoid looking at him. She nearly jumped out of his lap when he touched her, and only his firm grip on her waist kept her there.

“Alicia I…” He faltered, desperate to tell her, and yet fearing her potential reaction. The half elf settled for touching her face, the back of his hand on her cheek. She seemed to sigh, leaning into his touch, patiently waiting for him to continue.

“Not all my memories are bad.” He said instead, and she seemed to deflate, disappointment in her eyes as he lowered his hand. “My childhood was happy. The elves were kind to me then…no better than kind…they seemed to delight in having a child among them.” He smiled then. “I must admit to growing up spoiled, a brat prince among the elves. I’m sure they couldn’t understand why I would ever want to leave.”

“You didn’t know about Odin then, did you?” asked Alicia.

“You’re right…they tried to keep it from me. Learning that the sole reason I existed was to be a mere vessel, a replacement body for a God drove me over the edge. I did more than just rebel, I went mad for a time. I…” He hesitated here, ashamed. “I hurt people…struck out against my care givers. Things rapidly spiraled out of control, and our peaceful coexistence was at an end.”

“I hope we can get the flower and not run into any elves…” He laughed. “I almost want to pray to any God that will listen that we can just get in, get the flower, and get out again.”

“Rufus…” She wanted to say “Let’s turn back.”, wanted to say she could live with her curse just so long as he was safe and happy. Instead she was silent, just staring up into his eyes.

“I will get you that flower Alicia.” He told her, darkly serious. “I promise!” He was surprised when she twisted on his lap, reaching up with both hands to cup his face in her palms. “Thank you…” She whispered, and gently guided his head down to her’s. Rufus made a muffled sound of surprise as Alicia lightly brushed her lips against his, a chaste, innocent kiss in which she poured all her emotions into, wanting him to understand how grateful she was to him. She found his arms tightening around her, hugging her close, and she let out a shocked sound when his tongue licked across her lower lip.

She pulled back, and his hand was on her face, brushing her hair to the side, so that he could stare down into her eyes. She knew she was blushing, and the words tumbled out almost of their own accord. “I’m sorry! Sorry…I didn’t mean…I…I wanted to…”

“Shhh…” Rufus placed a finger against her lips, and she fell silent at the touch of him. “Don’t apologize…not for that…not for kissing me!” Alicia blushed harder, seeing his eyes dark and mysterious, the green of the forest reflected in them. “Alicia…” He bowed his head, touching his forehead to her’s. “I’m glad…”

“You are?”

“Yes…I am…” His hand was on her chin, tilting her face up towards his, and this time he initiated the kiss, full of promise and longing that left her gasping into his mouth. The princess timidly reached towards his hair, fingers playing with the beads wound in his emerald strands, as they kissed, opening her mouth at his insistence. She let out a surprised sound as his tongue traveled past her lips, shivering at the feel of their tongues touching, stroking wetly against each other. When at last they pulled apart, she let out a breathy little sound. “Wow!”

He smiled, and teasingly repeated, “Wow!” He nuzzled his face against the side of her neck, sneaking a kiss against the pulse, even as she shifted in his lap, trying to think. “Rufus…what does this mean…?”

“What do you want it to mean?” He asked, guarded and cautious as he kissed up her neck.

“I…I think you wouldn’t kiss me if you didn’t have feelings for me.” She was just as cautious, scared to say the words her heart longed for.

“And I KNOW my prissy little princess wouldn’t kiss a man without having those same feelings.” Again that teasing tone, even as he licked at the salty sweetness of her skin.

Alicia closed her eyes, trying not to lose herself to the feel of his tongue. “Rufus…” She said his name hesitantly. “Do you love me?” She could feel the beating of her heart, feel it pounding in her chest. Eternity seemed to hang in the air as it waited for the half elf to answer.

“Yes Alicia…yes I do…” He solemnly answered, pulling away from her neck so that he could meet her eyes. Her eyes widened, and his sharp elf eyes could make out the wet sheen to them. “Rufus I…” She was tilting her head back, wanting another kiss. “I think I am in love with you too…!”

“You only think?” He shook his head, rueful. “Then I must do my best to make it that you KNOW you love me!” He bent forward, claiming that kiss from her, and it was sweet. She let out a happy sigh, winding her arms around his neck, clinging close to him as his hands massaged her lower back. Muted murmurs, and soft giggles drifted to the center of the boat, almost drowned out by the sounds of the waves. Arngrim, ears accustomed to a lifetime of being on boats, picked up the sounds, and he smiled with approval, thinking it about time those two got together.

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I know nothing about boats and it shows! “sheepish look”