Triumph 21

 “You want to do what?!” Rufus shouted at Alicia, his expression full of shocked disbelief.

“Rufus, there’s really no need to shout.” Alicia said calmly, pestle held firmly in her hand. “I merely said I would like to return to Dipan.” She placed the wooden pestle into the bowl, beginning to furiously grind the Dumas flower into paste. “I owe it to Dallas to try and save him from spending eternity as one of the undead.”

“Yeah but…” Rufus sighed, running his fingers through his hair. Alicia paused, glancing at him to see what sort of protests he would offer. “I really don’t think he wants to be saved.”

“Rufus! You know better than that!” snapped Alicia. “The ghoul powder saps one’s free will away, twists the victim into a distorted shell of their former selves.”

“Walter and Gyne didn’t seem that different upon the change.” The half elf muttered, exasperated.

“Dallas didn’t even have a choice in the matter. The potion was forced on him. He never wanted to become one of the undead.” She reminded him.

“I understand that but…”

“But nothing.” Alicia said firmly. “I’m going to do this Rufus. With or without you.”

“Now don’t go thinking you can run off without me!” Rufus protested with a grin. “You’re stuck with me, remember? Through thick and thin, the good times and the bad, unperiled dangers and old boyfriends.”

Alicia smiled, relieved. “Dallas was not my boyfriend.” She cocked her head to the side, eyeing him. “Is that what this is about?”

“Er no…” Rufus said uncomfortable, looking away from her piercing blue eyes.

Alicia let out a gasp. “It is! You’re jealous of him!”

“…” Rufus fidgeted in place, silence stretching out between them. Finally he threw up his hands, and told her, “Okay, okay! I admit it! The guy’s a childhood friend who grew up to be a handsome and accomplished young man. Can’t blame a…” His words cut off with a startled exhalation, the princess having thrown herself against his chest.

“You big silly.” She murmured against his shirt. “You don’t have anything to worry about Rufus. There’s never been anyone else…” His hands touched her hair, slowly petting her golden mane. “There will never BE anyone else.” Alicia added, glancing up at him. “You’re the only one for me.”

Rufus smiled then, reassured. “What say we make our commitment to each other more official?”

“Pledging to spend eternity with you guarding the Dragon Orb isn’t official enough?” The princess wondered out loud.

“It’s fine…but I…” His cheeks flamed, gruff embarrassment on the half elf’s face. “I’d like something more.”

“More?”

“Yeah…” He hesitated, stepping out of her embrace. “Alicia, hand me the ring for a second will you…?”

“Okay.” She slid the ring of Mylinn off her finger, and dropped it into Rufus’ waiting hand. She turned expectant eyes towards his face, waiting to see what he would do next. He shocked her by dropping down to one knee, ring held out before her as an offering. “Rufus, what are you doing…?”

“Alicia…?” His voice was nervous, his green eyes staring imploringly at her. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh.” She breathed out, amazed. “Rufus!” She threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him enthusiastically.

“Is that a yes?” He asked, tone teasing.

“Yes!” Happy laughter from her, lips brushing against his cheek, kissing him. “Oh yes, yes, yes!!” She vibrated with excitement, forcing Rufus to peal her off of him.

“Give me your hand Alicia…” He said, and she eagerly complied. Slowly he slid the ring onto the fourth finger of her hand, the ring of Mylinn’s jewels twinkling as it caught the light of the room. Together they looked at it, and Rufus grinned. “I still think that ring is too big on you.”

“And I say it’s fine…just fine…” She replied, holding her hand to her chest. Rufus placed his hand over hers, feeling the jewel cool against his palm, a brief hum of static electricity transferring between the two. She looked at him, and his smile widened, the half elf moving his hand to her cheek. He urged her closer to him, and for once Alicia was forced to bend to meet his lips, softly kissing him.

Resting her hands on his shoulders, Alicia felt him touch her waist, tightening his grip on her. Still connected by their mouths, he stood, lifting her up into the air. She let out a squeal against his lips, wrapping her arms around him. “I’ve got you Alicia..” He said, one hand on her back, the other under her knees.

“I know you do.” She said softly, boldly kissing him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. Rufus staggered, moving with his eyes closed, body bumping into furniture as he maneuvered them towards the bed. Slowly he lowered her onto the lumpy mattress, getting one knee up on the edge. Alicia clung to him, holding him just above her body, fingers playing with his emerald tresses.

“Have I told you how glad I am to see your true eyes looking back at me?” Rufus asked, staring into the baby blue orbs of the princess.

“You have, but tell me again.” She smiled, Rufus leaning down to press against her.

“I’m very glad the cure worked…” He whispered before claiming her mouth with his own. His hands touched her face, fingers caressing against her cheek. “Alicia, I love you…” He proclaimed, Rufus touching his lips to her waiting ones.

“I love you too…” She whispered breathlessly, sliding her hands down his arms, feeling the strength in them. “Rufus I…” A knock sounded at the door, both of them letting out annoyed sounds.

“What is it?” Rufus called out, not taking his eyes off of Alicia’s face.

Arngrim’s voice answered him. “It’s time to clear out people. If we stay past the hour, we’re splurging for another night in this dump.”

Rufus sighed. “He’s got to stop worrying about money all the time.”

“I think it comes from being a pirate.” Alicia said, lips quirking into a smile. “All that stolen treasure…”

“Yeah. But you know…” confided Rufus. “I wouldn’t mind spending another night in this place…as long as I could have you sleeping by my side.”

“There’ll be other inns.” promised Alicia, even as Arngrim began pounding on the door, louder this time. “Other times to be together. We have a lifetime of love ahead of us…several in fact!”

“Right…” Rufus reluctantly pulled away from the princess, standing up straight. “We’re coming, we’re coming!” He walked over to the window, seeing a bowl of drinking water set out. He dipped his hands in the cool liquid, splashing some of it on his heated face. Alicia moved around the room, gathering up her things, pouring the Dumas flower paste into the base potion which already contained traving sauce.

“Now all we need is some of Dallas’ blood.” She said, popping the cork into the glass bottle.

“Easier said then done.” Rufus muttered, watching as she tucked the bottle into the pack with the Dragon Orb.

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

She was crouched down in the middle of the bed, Lenneth holding a pillow against her front. She slowly stretched out her legs, easing towards the edge of the mattress, cautious for any signs of the shaking that had been occurring on and off for the last half hour. She likened the tremors to that of an earthquake, only she knew they were unnatural. Something deep down in her gut told her nature had nothing to do with the disastrous quaking that had assaulted the room, nay the very world itself. And Lenneth had a good feeling that Lezard was behind this occurrence.

Her feet touched the floor, finding it cracked but otherwise unharmed. She couldn’t say the same for the rest of the room, it had been wrecked by the earthquakes. The book cases had toppled over, spilling tomes onto the floor, and many of the wooden furniture was splintered into pieces. Paintings hung lopsided on the wall, looking as though another quake would cause them to fall free as well.

“What have you done now, Lezard…?” Lenneth murmured, stepping cautiously over shattered glass that littered the floor. She wondered how the rest of his world fared, wondered at the damage done to the landscapes. She sighed, and righted a small table, kneeling down to gather up it’s spilled contents off the floor. She set them back on the table, rearranging silver candle holders, and chipped cups. Such a small thing, but it made her feel better to do something than just sit around and wait for Lezard.

Lenneth set to work, attempting to clean up what she could. She eased a bookcase back up against the wall, settling towards restacking it’s books when she felt the familiar tingle down her spine. She turned, blue novel in hand, looking around, feeling the power build up. Energy pressed into the room, divine in nature, and she saw the tell tale signs of gold ether bursting to life. They fell to the floor, forming a small twister, bells chiming as Lezard appeared in the center of the maelstrom with a loud gasp.

He staggered for a moment, glass crunching under foot, the necromancer reaching out with a hand for support. It brushed against air, and then Lenneth was by his side, taking hold of his arm. Lezard smiled and leaned against her gratefully, letting out another sigh of air.

“What happened to you?” Lenneth gasped, seeing his clothing torn and bloody, mere shreds of thread in places on his back and chest.

“I did it Lenneth…” He straightened, able to stand on his own two feet. He laughed, and grabbed at her, hugging her tightly. “I did it.”

“Did what?” Lenneth asked softly, feeling him rub his cheek against her hair.

“Yggsdrasil is no more.” His voice whispered against her ear, and she shivered.

“What?!”

He pulled back to stare into her face. “I accomplished the impossible. I’ve seeded my world tree in the remains of Yggsdrasil…It’s taken root, become the foundation of my new world order.”

“Oh.” She said dully.

“I thought you would be happy.” Lezard said, frustrated by her lack of response. “I did it, and no one had to die.”

“Are you sure of that?” Lenneth shook her head no. “Never mind…what of Freya and the others…what happened when you went to Asgard?” She was surprised to see his face darken, an angry look appearing in his eyes. “Lezard?”

“They sought to betray me.” He answered. “It was nothing more than a trap, meant to end my life and claim Gungnir for their own use.”

“Obviously they failed.” She noted.

“Naturally.” Lezard smirked then. “But fear not my dear..” He said when he saw her concerned expression. “I didn’t kill them. Even as we speak they toil away in Valhalla’s dungeon, thinking over their crimes against me.”

That was a relief. Lenneth thought, feeling some of her tensions ease to know that Lezard hadn’t gone on a murderous spree in Asgard.

“I dare say they even regret their actions. Oh yes…” Lezard laughed, eyes dancing with amusement. “They definitely regret what has transpired between us.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’re not telling me everything…” Lenneth asked, eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“Why would I do such a thing?” Lezard asked, watching as she shook her head no. “Fear not Lenneth, all will be revealed in good time.” He placed a kiss against her cheek, then stepped away from her. His brows lifted in surprise, noting the disarrayed state of the room. He tsked, and smiled at her. “I think a change in settings is in order, don’t you, Lenneth my love?”

He didn’t give her a chance to answer, he was wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close. “Lezard, what…?” She said, seeing the ether shower onto them, felt them prepare to make the jump from one place to the next. Lenneth closed her eyes, dizzy, leaning forward to cling to Lezard in support. Bells rang out, followed by a wind rustling her hair, and then they were moving, floating briefly in the air.

“Come Lenneth, our kingdom awaits!” She heard Lezard laugh, and then they were gently falling, feet clicking against the floor, the sound echoing over and over. She opened her eyes, letting out a gasp, seeing the surroundings of Odin’s throne room. It was a familiar sight, gold gleaming everywhere, polished to a fine sheen. The remains of divine energy crowded in thick in the air, Lenneth almost choking on the power that had been expended. Even if there hadn’t been outwards signs, she would have been able to tell a great battle had been waged from the power she tasted.

Lenneth’s eyes slowly looked over the room, the Goddess stepping away from Lezard’s embrace. Walls were cracked, splintered with plaster falling to coat the floor. Large chunks of stone lay smashed on it’s side, pillars toppled over. The gauzy curtains of purple silk were slashed and shredded, drooping impotently from the ceiling. She craned back her head, peering up at the domed center of the room, seeing it ripped apart, flames dancing along the jagged edges of the glass.

As she watched, Lezard move his hands, casting out his power. It slowly spread out, a shining sea of ether that danced across the floor, evaporating the pieces of stone, causing pillars to stand up once more. It skirted up the walls, smoothing out cracks, edging up higher towards the ceiling where the curtains mended themselves, hanging upright, bouncy loops of colorful material. Glass lifted up, speeding towards the domed ceiling, resealing in place, translucent stain glass forming a pretty pattern in the center.

Lezard wasn’t content to merely restore the room to it’s former glory. He added his own touches to it, the carpets changing to a dark blue, complimenting the purple drapes. Statues formed, huge blocks of silver, faceless guardians that stood side by side against the stone doors. The marble floor turned translucent, allowing them to see the twilight sky beneath their feet.

The ether fell down from the ceiling, coating their hair and clothes, changing them. Lezard’s torn suit was mended and replaced, dark purple that was almost blue in color, with silver adorning the jacket, forming intricate patterns with the expensive thread. Soft black pants of velvet coated his legs, and a cape flared out behind him, black with a silver lining. A regal circlet nestled in his chocolate brown locks, silver and gold entwined together.

Lenneth glanced down at herself, seeing blue replaced with white, an empire waist dress with bell sleeves that fell forward to cover her hands. Gold adorned the edges of the sleeves, a line of it tied around the silk of her middle. The skirt flowed to the floor, a sheer white material that clung to her legs, hinting at their definition. She raised her hand, touching her forehead, feeling the heavy coronet that rested on her head. Her fingers brushed against a large jewel that was at the center of her forehead.

Lezard smiled at her, catching her hand, raising it to his lips. He brushed his mouth against her knuckles, eyes fastened to her face. “The crown suits you Lenneth. You were born to be queen.”

Her eyes were troubled. “Anyone can look the part of a ruler. It’s what you do with the power and responsibility that deems you worthy or unworthy of the throne.”

“I’ve no doubt from your time as Creator that you earned your title.” Lezard said, quickly in response. “Just as I hope to prove my worth to you in the days to come.” She was quiet, Lenneth thinking he would have his work cut out for him in that regard.

“Come Lenneth…” He was pulling her forward, holding onto her hand. She had no choice but to follow, Lezard guiding them towards the stairs. Slowly they began the upwards climb, shoes muffled on the carpet. Within minutes they reached the top, Lezard turning to peer at the empty throne room. “Soon they will come…”

“They?” She questioned.

“The other Gods.” He clarified. “They will return to the only home they’ve ever known…and we’ll be waiting for them. Waiting to rule over them, to take hold of the reins of our kingdom.”

“And if they fight you on this?” Lenneth asked. “What then?”

“They won’t…” Lezard said confidently. “They would not dare…not now…Not after all I have done…” He was turning away from the edge of the dais, turning his back on the view of the throne room’s floor. He stalked towards the gold glided chair, slowly easing himself down onto the seat. “Ah…” He sighed, hands placed on the arm rests, back leaning against the chair. “Truly the best seat in the house…” He smiled at Lenneth, holding out his hand to her.

She took it with a sigh, Lezard quickly pulling her to him, situating her on his lap, legs bent over his knees. Her back pressed against the arm rest, Lezard letting go of her hand to reach up and smooth back the hair from her face. “There’s only one thing that could make this day, this victory even sweeter.” His fingers were touching her cheek, gentle and caressing.

“Lezard…” She began, but he pressed his finger against her lips, urging her to be silent.

“Please Lenneth…” He whispered, finger moving, tracing the lines of her mouth. “Let me just have this one moment…this one chance to convince you…”

“I…”

“Please!” He repeated, with greater urgency. Slowly his fingers slid away from her mouth, touching her chin. He started to tilt her face towards his, the mage leaning his head forwards, quickly closing the short distance between them. A gentle brushing of his lips against hers, tongue coming out to lick across her lower lip. Her hands came up, and he caught at them, lacing his fingers around hers.

Lezard’s tongue prodded against her lips, slowly urging them to part. Quickly he dove into her open mouth before she could change her mind and close it, his tongue caressing against hers, wet velvet rubbing together. Lenneth made a sound low in her throat, hands straining in his grip, Lezard tightening his fingers around hers. He kissed her harder, lips pressed firmly against hers, almost greedy for the sensation of her mouth.

One last lick against her lips, and then he was planting butterfly soft kisses on her jaw, easing his way down to her neck. Lenneth squirmed, trying to pull her hands away, and he brought one forward to his mouth, kissing against her palm. He licked downwards, tongue tasting her skin, lips finding the pulse point in her wrist. It beat faster, a nervous rhythm that responded to Lezard’s attention.

“Lezard stop.” Lenneth could hear the breathless tone in her voice, it made her wince, an embarrassed blush coming to her cheeks.

“Don’t want to…” He let go of her hands, touching her waist, pulling at her, changing her position so that her back rested against his front. She sat between his spread legs, his hands skirting up her sides, insistent touches that left her squirming away from them. He leaned against her, sighing deeply, taking in the vanilla and jasmine scent of her hair. “I don’t want to wait anymore…”

He was burying his lips against her shoulder, kissing where the sleeve bordered against her skin. “I’m tired of waiting…aren’t you Lenneth?” His lips brushed against the base of her neck, tongue slowly licking at her tender flesh.

“N…no…” She denied, rolling her shoulder, trying to forget the feel of his lips against her skin.

“No…or yes…?” Lezard asked in between gentle licks, his hands moving to the front of her chest, touching her over the silk of her dress. “Aren’t you tired of this never going any farther…?” His hands curved over her breasts, gently squeezing as he kissed and worried against the side of her neck. “Of never giving in to your desires?”

She placed her hands on his thighs, fingers digging into his flesh, trying to lean away from his fondling hands. Lenneth wanted to place her hands over her ears, block out his seductive tone, his probing questions. “Lezard, I want you to stop this right now…” She said, an excited gasp escaping her lips.

“Do you…? Do you really?” He murmured against her neck. “Cause I will if you want me to…if you can honestly say you don’t want me to go any further…”

“I…” His hands squeezed, and they kneaded her breasts, and Lenneth could feel her nipples pebbling in excitement. She cut off her own words with a gasp, shaking her head no.

“Lenneth, I can make this very simple for you. Just a word, one word. That’s all you have to say.” Lezard said, mouth suddenly by her ear, his voice a husky whisper.

“One word, what?” She found it hard to think when his hands were moving like that, and his voice sent shivers down her spine.

“Yes Lenneth…” His lips brushed against the curve of her ear. “Just say yes.”

“Lezard…”

“Yes…” He repeated, fingers nudging at the top of her bodice, tense and ready for action. “Just say yes.”

“…” Lenneth was waging an inner battle, feeling the desire Lezard had built up inside of her. She could no longer even remember why she fought him so hard on this point, why she continued to deny him and her this. There had to be a reason, something to cling to, to tell her this was the right thing to do. But she was so tired, tired of telling him no, tired of denying what her body wanted.

“Yes…” Lezard was whispering the word over and over, a mantra in her ear, his hands starting to ease down her top. She shivered in response, feeling the silk peal away from her chest, his fingers exposing her down to her waist. Lenneth knew if she said yes there would be no stopping him, no going back. Was this their destiny…to join together? Was this her inescapable fate to be his? Should she continue to delay the inevitable, always wanting, always yearning for something more between them?

A moan escaped her lips, Lezard biting down gently on her ear lobe. Lenneth licked her lips, finding them dry, the Goddess swallowing nervously. “Yes…” She whispered softly, trying to still the quivering of her body. “Yes.”

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

The cavern had been dark, faint flickering torch light illuminating only a few feet all around them. Monsters were scarce in the underground tunnel that led to Dipan, the fleeing soldiers having taken care of many of the ill beasts. But try as they might, they couldn’t eliminate them all, forcing the party of three to fight their way through the darkened caverns. Luckily, the creatures were weaklings, easily slayed by their weapons, Alicia and her companions making fast progress through the winding passageways of the tunnel.

There was numerous paths to take, many leading to dead ends, or a high fall, but Alicia and Rufus had been through this way many times. They didn’t even need a map to guide them, walking forward confidently, reaching the final room. Up the weathered stone steps they had traveled, stepping out into the light, blinking against the harsh rays of the sun.

Dipan’s castle loomed before them, large and empty, and to the left of them was a run down path leading into town. Trees crowded in around the path, skirting close to the castle’s walls, the threat of the forest looming ever closer with each day there was no humans to trim down the greenery. Rufus had his bow drawn, arrow notched against the wire, scanning the area, hearing nothing but the call of the woods. Birds screeched, and monsters roared, close but not yet at the town, still too scared to risk crossing the border into what was once human territory.

“What’s the plan?” asked Arngrim, easily resting his heavy blade across his shoulders. “How do we find this kid anyway?”

“We don’t.” Alicia answered. “We let him find us.” She played with the ring on her hand, fidgeting nervously. She knew what she was about to reveal wouldn’t go over well, and Alicia geared up her courage, finding her voice. “We’ll have to set a trap for Dallas.”

“Sounds good. But what do we use as bait?” asked Rufus.

“We…” She licked her lips, and hurried forth with her idea. “We use me.”

“WHAT?!” roared Rufus, his voice unnaturally loud. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“Rufus, it’s the only way…the only way to make sure he comes…” Alicia said. “Dallas won’t be able to resist…He and Gyne want revenge against Silmeria…against the Valkyries…it’s what drives their undead existence, that lust for revenge.”

“Glad to see you remember Dallas is not alone.” Rufus said, a tad sarcastic. “Where one mage is, the other is bound to show up.”

“It’s a risk I’ll take gladly.” She replied, and Rufus stepped forward, grabbing her by the shoulders.

“You think I’m just gonna let you do this?!” He shook her. “Let you risk your life this way?!”

“Rufus, they won’t come if they see us all…not after the beating we gave them last time. But if I go alone, maybe…” She trailed off, struggling in his arms.

“Maybe you get yourself killed in the process!” A frustrated Rufus exclaimed.

“I’ll be careful…I’ll have my sword…Besides…” She risked a smile at the half elf. “You and Arngrim will be nearby, waiting for my call.”

“No.” A firm shake of his head, green hair flying.

“Yes Rufus…It’s the only way…” She looked at Arngrim. “Tell him it’s a good idea.”

“Sorry princess. I don’t like it any more than Rufus does.” replied the beserker. “I’d rather leave the kid to suffer eternity as one of the undead than risk your life.”

“But…” She pulled out of Rufus’ arms. “All right…” Her shoulders sagged. “We’ll…BLIND!!” She was shouting out the status spell, thrusting her hands at the two men.

“Alicia, what are you doing?!” gasped Rufus, his eyes starting to lose their brilliant shade of green.

“I’m sorry…it’s only a minor spell…It’ll fade in a few minutes…” apologized the princess.

“Alicia wait!” protested Arngrim, holding up his hand, trying to make a grab for her. He fumbled blindly about in the air, hand passing by her hair, just missing snagging her golden strands. They heard the sound of footsteps, Alicia running away.

“Alicia!” screamed Rufus impotently.