Triumph 24

 Bells were chiming, ringing out again and again, faster and louder, musical jingles that accompanied the act of teleportation. One by one, Gods appeared, ether swirling around their bodies, their movements cautious as they looked around. Nervous smiles crossed each other’s faces, friends recognizing friends, taking comfort in seeing so many familiar faces. They huddled close, the women touching each other, taking comfort from holding hands, the men standing distant and aloof, trying to appear confident.

Worried glances slid across the throne room, taking in the changes done to it’s decor. Ominous stone guardians stood at the bottom of the dais, and if one stared long enough, they seemed to move, features blurring, expression twitching into ferocious growls. It was warning enough to stay far, far away from the stairs, the Gods content to mill about in the center of the room.

Soft murmurs accompanied the ringing sounds, low volume conversations as the Aesir wondered where their host was. The throne was noticeably absent of an occupant, looking forlorn in it’s emptiness. Also isolated was a man, a God who was half Aesir and half Vanir. Loki leaned against a pillar, distancing himself away from his Aesir brethren, an amused smirk on his face as he watched them. He could taste the once confidant Gods’ apprehension, relishing their discontent.

He watched as Eir teleported into the room, her platinum blonde hair easy to pick out among the golden haired Goddesses. Ull was at her side, the boy God nervous and afraid. Loki saw Eir speak kindly to the boy, his crumpled face smoothing out as some of his tension eased. A girl pushed her way through the crowd of Gods, her tight tunic brown and form fitting, her hair a similar shade, wound back in a skinny braid. She paused by Eir’s side, tugging on her sleeve, face anxious as she questioned the Goddess. Eir’s face was sad, and she slowly shook her head no, the girl’s shoulders sagging, her head hanging low. Ull touched her back, trying to soothe her, but already the girl had vanished into the crowd.

All in all, Loki counted about fifty Gods, all the important figures, along with some lesser known Aesir had gathered at his request. He stifled his laughter to think how quick they had been to obey him in this regard, little questioning the order to come home. The fools were happy to be back in their paradise, only hesitating to see what their new ruler would be like.

Loki stifled a groan, seeing Hermoor, one of the sons of Odin coming his way. The man was large where Loki was slender, all muscles and little brain. His hair was raven black, trimmed short and neat, and a van dyke beard coated his chin. He was moving with a purpose, fists pumping as he swung his arms, eyes locked on Loki. For one brief moment Loki wished he hadn’t isolated himself from the crowd, knowing he had nowhere to run to as Hermoor drew closer to him.

“Loki!” Hermoor’s voice boomed out, loud and startling the other Gods.

Loki sighed, and raised a hand in greeting. “Hello Hermoor.”

“How long are we supposed to wait here?!” demanded the God, his hands on his hips. His blue eyes bored into Loki’s, narrowed into an impatient glare. “Just where is this…this Lezard anyway?!”

“Why do you think I would know?” questioned Loki, trying not to wince from the volume of Hermoor’s voice. “I’m only his messenger. I do not make his appointments.”

“But he told you to have us gathered here, did he not? He should be here!” Hermoor snapped.

“And be here he shall.” Loki retorted. “Just give it time…” He smirked. “After all, time is the one thing we Gods are in an abundance of.”

Hermoor opened his mouth to retort, stray spittle flying from his lips. But before he could give voice to his words, the crowd gasped, voices going silent. It was almost eerie, and as one, they all turned to gaze at the dais. Loki found his body turning against his will, his head peering at the throne. His nose twitched, he could smell ether in the air, a powerful surge of it, that stifle the remnants of the ether the other Gods had used in transporting themselves here.

“Just what is going on?!” demanded Hermoor, the veins in his neck bulging as he strained against the spell that had his body transfixed.

“It would appear our ruler has arrived…” Loki murmured, watching as an explosion of gold sparkles rained down on top of the dais. The ether formed the outline of a couple, swirling around their bodies, bringing them into focus. Lezard stood straight and proud, his arm around Lenneth’s waist, his other hand holding onto Gungnir. The Aesir murmured at the sight of the divine lance, reassured that it had been returned to Asgard.

Their gazes shifted from the sacred treasure to the man—the God who held it, studying him curiously. Lezard also looked over the Gods, his lips curling into a smirk as he counted their numbers. He had little reason to fear them if he could hold them all captive so effortlessly. With a nod, Lezard released his spell, the Aesir all moving into animation at once, talking loudly over each other, angry that their wills had been temporarily seized.

“Welcome my subjects!” Lezard shouted, his voice echoing in the room. “I am honored so many of you have decided to join me in my new kingdom.”

“As if we had a choice!” A voice shouted from the crowd, and gasps were heard, Gods and Goddesses anxiously parting ways, stepping away from the one who dared to speak up. Loki shook his head, seeing the golden haired God of Radiance, Baldur standing in the middle of the floor. He glowed, shining with an inner brilliance of light that left Loki squinting. His electric blue eyes were angry, glowing with power.

“And just who are you?” Lezard asked calmly, allowing Lenneth to slip free of his arm.

“I am Baldur! Son of Odin!” The God stuck out his chest, a keen sense of self importance all around him.

“Ah yes…I had almost forgotten Odin had spawned himself some sons…” Lezard hardly seemed impressed by the God.

“This…interloper…this HUMAN dares to come before us…us the mighty pantheon of the Gods, playing us all as though we were mere puppets.” Baldur was shouting, gesturing angrily at Lezard. “He plays at being a God…at being our King…giving us the choice to follow him or die…well…I think not!” He drew the sword on his hip, the blade shining and silver. “I for one will not allow this fool to sit upon my father’s throne!”

With a large bellow, Baldur was hurtling forward, running past stunned Gods and Goddesses, his eyes locked on Lezard. The Aesir were frozen, unsure of who to root for, a self serving lot at the heart. They would wait and watch, applauding whoever the winner of the outcome of this duel proved to be. Out of the corner of his eye, Loki saw Hermoor move, charging towards the staircase. He had no weapon, his large fists being enough to rend a man apart piece by piece.

“Little brother, I shall help you avenge father!” Hermoor shouting, fast on the heels of Baldur.

“This should prove amusing.” muttered Lezard, and he began walking down the carpeted staircase, cape flaring out behind him. His fingers tightened on Gungnir, Lezard bringing the lance up before his body. He met Baldur in the middle of the staircase, sparks shooting up as they crossed weapons.

“You are a disgrace to us all!” Baldur snarled, lifting his sword up over his head. “You defile everything that is good about the Gods!”

Lezard laughed, parrying his blade. “Odin was the true disgrace!” He brought up his left hand, ether glowing all around it. “Or didn’t you know what daddy was up to, little man?!” An explosion of blue, Baldur being knocked down the stairs, rolling past his brother. Hermoor let out an enraged scream, running faster, hands seeming to grow in size to twice their original mass.

“Prepare to die!” Hermoor shouted, bringing his hands down two fisted at Lezard’s head. Lezard let out a startled yelp, jumping back. Hermoor’s fists slammed into the staircase, and a rumble was heard, intense vibrations shaking the dais, causing Lezard and the newly risen Baldur to stumble. Hermoor stomped up the staircase, his shadow looming over Lezard, the mage glancing up in time to get a fist crashing into his face. Loki winced, seeing Lezard fall on his rear, his hand going to his cheek, eyes looking stunned.

Hermoor laughed, and flexed his muscles, going to punch Lezard again. Suddenly blood spurted out his mouth, drops of it splattering on the front of Lezard’s suit. Lezard knelt before the God, arm trembling as he held up Gungnir. The divine spear had been thrust through the God’s midsection, impaling him cleanly through the back. “No…” whispered Hermoor, and Lezard was rising, wearing a malicious smile on his face.

“YES!” He hissed, and planted his foot in Hermoor’s stomach. With a push he was withdrawing Gungnir from his body, the fallen God toppling backwards down the staircase.

“Brother!” Baldur shouted, torn over which way to run to. Eir timidly approached Hermood’s body, kneeling down over him. Her hands glowed, and she whispered words, but ultimately she failed. She looked up, locking eyes with the God of Radiance and shook her head no. “NO!!” screamed Baldur, and he turned, face enraged as he glared at Lezard. “You will pay!”

“I think not!” Lezard retorted, shooting ether blast after ether blast at Baldur. “You will join your family in death!”

“Ha ha ha!” Baldur paused, letting the ether hit him. He staggered and stumbled, but did not die. “You are a fool if you think you can kill me…” He grinned, teeth flashing in his wide smile.

“I see overconfidence runs in the family.” Lezard retorted. “Odin thought he was invincible too…look at how that turned out…”

“You will not speak my father’s name!” hissed Baldur, stomping up the staircase. Little by little he was drawing nearer to Lezard, the ether knocking him back. But for every step he faltered, he took two more, making slow progress towards his goal.

Loki pushed away from the pillar, his footsteps silent as he drew closer to the staircase. He like the other Gods had been watching this fight with keen interest. However, unlike the other Aesir, he saw his chance, and he meant to take it. He shook his arm, dagger falling out of his sleeve into his waiting hand. The Trickster God shifted, holding the dagger behind his back as he crept nearer to the staircase.

Baldur and Lezard were before each other, dueling with their weapons. Spear against sword, twirling and clanging together, only to be pried apart at the last minute. Lezard slashed at Baldur’s skin with the point of Gungnir, seeing his skin split open only to heal moments later. His eyes widened, surprised and Baldur laughed.

“I cannot be killed…it is useless…you will die…and I will rule in your stead!” Baldur smirked, pulling back his arm, trying to find a way past Lezard’s defense. Suddenly he screamed, and he fell to his knees, eyes shocked. From behind Loki could be seen, calmly holding onto a bloodied dagger.

“Mistletoe blade.” Loki said by way of explanation, disdain on his face as he removed the blood with a handkerchief. “It is the only thing living or dead that can kill Baldur.”

“Loki…” Baldur gasped out his name, sword clattering to the floor as he knelt on all fours. “You traitor…”

“Hardly.” The Trickster God nodded at Lezard, a smile on his face. “I am true to my King…Lord Lezard…”

Baldur coughed and sputtered, finding Lezard’s boot planted firmly in his face. With a shove, he was kicked off the staircase, landing to crash down next to his brother’s already cold body. Eir made to move towards him, and Lezard spoke up, his voice harsh and angry. “Take one more step towards him Goddess, and you will be the next to die.”

“Lezard no!” Lenneth protested from the top of the dais. “Hasn’t there been enough killing?!”

“It appears there has not been.” Lezard shouted. “They force my hand. It is the Gods and their traitorous ways that force me to resort to bloodshed!” He turned, cape whirling about, eyes glowing with an insane light. “Well no more! We will put a stop to this right now…I will know who is loyal, and who here seeks to betray me!”

“A word my liege…” Loki said, bowing to Lezard. “I would gather up Odin’s family, and summarily execute them at once.” A loud gasp from the Aesir, angry muttering being heard.

“SILENCE!” bellowed Lezard, and with a wave from his hand, they all fell silent at once. “Go on…” Lezard nodded to Loki, listening eagerly to his words.

“There is still Borr and Buri to deal with. Vili too. They would contest you for the throne and the right to avenge Odin.” Loki gestured at the crowd of Gods. “They did not even bother to show…but they can be found easily enough…” Loki smirked. “And unlike Baldur, they will not be difficult to kill. As for the rest of the Aesir…” He gave a lazy shrug of his shoulders. “You can do whatever you like…”

“Sound advice.” nodded Lezard. “I will do that…but first…I think it’s time I reveal what other fate awaits those who challenge me…” He slowly levitated into the air, ether swirling around his body. He kept a firm grip on Gungnir, other hand constantly moving, fingers flexing as he shaped archaic runes in the air. The shower of sparkles rained down onto the floor surrounding the staircase, the bodies of Baldur and Hermoor slowly disintegrating. Soon not even their bones were left behind, and still ether continued to pour onto the floor.

It crashed and it pooled together, swirling upwards to form a round bubble. It glowed, blindingly brilliant light flashing in the room, forcing the Gods to close their eyes shut from it. When they risked opening their eyes, they saw three people standing, their hands cuffed together with a length of chain that attached to the collars around their necks. They stood with their heads bowed, expressions downcast, and the woman’s cheeks were red with embarrassment.

“Freya?!” gasped Lenneth, recognizing the Goddess immediately.

“Sister!” screamed a high pitched voice, the brown haired Goddess shoving her way through the crowd.

Freya lifted her head up at the sound, her face dirty with soot, her eyes lacking the spark of vitality to them. “Frei?” She shook her head, chains rattling. “No don’t! Don’t come any closer!”

Frei ignored her words, breaking free of the crowd to run towards her sister. She was crying, tears staining her cheeks, and she threw her arms around her sister, hugging her tightly. “I feared you were dead…” She whispered in Freya’s ear.

“I wish I was…” Freya whispered back, a bitter smile on her face.

“But why are you chained?” Frei pulled back to stare into her sister’s face. “Tyr…Thor…what is going on?” She glanced up at Lezard, seeing him watching. “Release my sister at once!”

“Silence Frei!” snapped Loki before Lezard could speak. “Do not dare to presume to give orders to our King!”

“It’s all right…” Lezard waved his hand in a benevolent gesture. “She is young and overcome by being reunited with her sister. I can allow a few…slip ups of the tongue…” He began walking down the staircase, steps slow and deliberate as he moved. “Notice anything…different about them?”

Frei blinked, hesitating. “Are you talking to me?” Lezard nodded. “Well…they look a little scruffy…dirty…but…”

Loki was sighing. “They’re mortal you little fool! Anyone can see that!”

“Mortal?” Gasped Frei, touching her sister’s face. “No…Tell me it’s not true…” Freya gazed back at her sadly, hearing the murmur of the Aesir as they digested this news.

“I have taken the power of your four most powerful Gods…I’ve killed three Gods…render the other three mortal…would anyone here still like to face me…would anyone dare defy me and risk incurring my wrath?!” demanded Lezard, reaching the bottom of the staircase. He stared at the Gods and Goddesses, a hint of impatience on his face.

“No…” Eir said softly. “You have more than made your point…”

“Yes…” agreed Vidar. “I will stand with you, Lord Lezard.”

“To Lord Lezard!” shouted the God of the Moon, Mani. He raised his sword in the air, and there was a brief moment of silence. And then one by one, other weapons were raised, voices crying out. “TO LORD LEZARD!!”

Lezard laughed, expression jubilant as he basked in the worship of the Gods. They were calling out his name, again and again, some crowding in close to touch him reverently. He ignored those touches, turning to gaze up at the dais where his queen stood. Lenneth was standing at the edge, a horrified expression on her face.

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

It was early evening by the time they reached Solde, the party of four weary and ready for a well deserved rest. Arngrim was in the lead, Alicia sandwiched between him and Rufus, both men on high alert for any unsavory characters. Dallas followed behind Rufus, bemused at their caution, still not ready to believe the Solde of the distant past was no more. It was already too dark to make out the decrepit state of disarray the town had fallen to, the shadows doing well to hide the filth and decay.

It was not long before they reached the inn they had spent the last several days at. The inn keeper was surprised but pleased to see them, counting them among his best customers. Arngrim started to pay for three rooms, when Dallas with a frown reminded him that they were now a party of four.

“Oh of course…how…silly of me to forget…” Arngrim locked eyes briefly with Rufus, the half elf scowling. He had been looking forward to sharing a room with Alicia, and he glanced at his fiancee. She shrugged and shook her head no, biting back a sigh.

“So that’ll be four rooms this time?” The inn keeper’s eyes gleamed with greed, having doubled his price this time around.

“Yes.” Arngrim said, and set down a pile of gold on the counter. “Clean this time, and have them located close by each other.”

“Yes yes, of course!” The inn keep snatched at the money, the gold disappearing lightning quick before their eyes. “Follow me.” He stepped out from behind the counter, gesturing the party to follow him up the stairs. The wood creaked and groaned, sounding very much like it might collapse at any moment.

Up the stairs they traveled, reaching the third floor. The inn keeper shoved open doors, proudly showing off his finest rooms to his guest. They still looked like cesspools to Rufus, dingy and thread bare, the bed’s sheets having plenty of moth ridden holes to them. But they were clean, and it was a safe haven for the night, one they couldn’t over look.

“Good night Rufus…” Alicia, touching his hand, stepping on tip toe to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be in a little later.” She whispered to him, her promise making him smile.

“I’m going to get something to drink.” announced Arngrim, following the innkeeper back down the stairs. “You’re free to join me if you like.” He said to both men, as the princess disappeared into her room.

“Maybe later…” Rufus said, thinking as long as he had Alicia’s visit to look forward to, he would not be leaving his room any time soon.

“I could go for a drink.” Dallas confessed, nodding at Arngrim. “I’ll be down shortly…Rufus…? A moment of your time if you please…?” He gestured at his room, wanting the half elf to step inside.

“Uh yeah…sure…” Rufus said surprised. He walked into the room, finding he felt nervous over the mage’s invitation. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Your upcoming wedding to Alicia.” Dallas said, his expression grim.

“Oh…” Rufus smirked. “She told you about that, did she?”

“Yes.”

“And I take it you don’t approve?” Rufus asked, gathering as much from the mage’s face.

“Hardly.” snorted Dallas, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re hardly a fitting match for her royal highness. You’re a mongrel as far as I’m concerned, a peasant. Hardly the prestigious lineage that should marry into the royal family of Dipan.”

“Yeah…right…” Rufus’ tone was sarcastic. “In case you hadn’t noticed, Dipan is no more. She’s a princess of nothing, and she could do a far lot worse than marry someone as handsome and charming as me.”

“Modest too, I see.” muttered Dallas. “Rufus, I beg of you. Please reconsidered your proposal to Alicia. It’s not too late…”

“Not to late for what?!” demanded Rufus, hands on his hips. “I love her.”

“But is love enough?!” retorted Dallas. “What kind of life can you offer her? A life on the road slaying monsters? She’s far too delicate to be put in continuous danger.”

“You still see her as a helpless child.” Rufus said. “She’s grown up a lot, and can take care of herself.”

“That remains to be seen.” Dallas said stiffly.

“Were you watching when we were traveling through the underground tunnel?” Rufus angrily waved his right arm. “Did you not see how well she handled her sword?! She did all that without the aid of any Valkyrie or magic!”

“Be that as it may, she deserves to be set up in a real home, a place of wealth and refinement. Not out on the road with some halfling on a fool’s errand, guarding some bauble!” Dallas said heatedly, his voice starting to raise.

“Have you asked Alicia what she wants?” demanded Rufus, his voice also getting louder. “Did you even listen to her answers?” He added snidely when Dallas nodded.

“At best she is infatuated with you. A crush nothing more.” Dallas said.

“Even you don’t sound like you believe that.” scoffed Rufus.

“Please…” Dallas approached him, grabbing at his hand. Rufus tugged, uncomfortable with the mage’s touch. “For the sake of Alicia, for the sake of Dipan, call off this wedding!”

“Nothing doing!” At last Rufus managed to free his hand, wiping it on the side of his pants as though it was covered in slime. “I love Alicia and she loves me. And I bet if she knew you were here trying to convince me to abandon her, she’d dump you in Solde without a cent to your name!”

“Is that a threat?” asked Dallas, body stiff, his eyes angry.

“Call it whatever you like.” retorted Rufus. “Just don’t get in my way and we’ll get along just fine.”

“Fine…” hissed Dallas, robes rustling as he whirled about to leave the room. “But I still say this marriage is cursed!”

“And I think you just want Alicia for yourself!” Rufus said, hot on his heels. He grabbed him by the shoulder, spinning the mage around. “Why don’t you admit what this is really about? You’re in love with her too!”

“I…I…” Dallas’ face reddened, the mage stumbling on his words. “That is preposterous. She is merely a childhood friend…and I her loyal subject…nothing more can exist between us.”

“That’s right…” grinned Rufus. “Nothing can exist, because I have her heart. And I’ll be damned if I let some jealous little punk like you cast doubts on our relationship!” He strode from the room, hearing Dallas snarl out his name.

“Rufus?” Alicia was out in the hall, clutching a towel to her chest. Her boots were off, the girl padding around barefoot as she headed toward the inn’s bathroom. “Dallas? Is everything all right? I could hear the shouting all the way in my room…”

“You…you did?” Dallas’ face paled, and even Rufus looked worried.

“Yes, though I couldn’t make out the words.” She blushed, and Rufus wondered if she had ventured out into the hall in an attempt to eavesdrop.

“Just a minor disagreement.” Dallas said. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Oh?” She stared curiously at both men, looking back and forth between them. “It sounded serious from what I could hear.”

“Just a rowdy game of cards, nothing more.” The white lie slipped easily off of Rufus’ tongue. “Dallas takes his games very seriously.”

“Yes…I do.” The mage was quick to agree. “And now if you’ll excuse me…I think I’ll go join Arngrim for that drink…” Dallas hurried away, robes flapping as he all but ran down the stairs.

“Rufus…what was the fight really about?” Alicia questioned him, worry in her blue eyes. “Please don’t lie to me…”

“And please believe me when I say it’s something you need not worry about.” He pulled her to him, kissing her on the forehead. “Everything is going to be just fine…I promise.”

“Okay…” She allowed him a quick kiss, and then stepped out of reach, giggling. “I’m going to take a nice hot bath. I don’t suppose…” She blushed. “You’d care to join me?”

“I’d like that Alicia…I’d like that a lot.” Rufus grinned.

“Race you to the tub then!” giggled Alicia, and in the blink of the eye, she was off running, blonde hair swirling behind her. Rufus counted to ten, and then took off after her, easily catching up to her with his longer gait. He swept her up into his arms, Alicia stifling back an excited squeal as he carried her towards the bathroom.

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

Lezard stared down at the woman who kneeled before him noting her purplish blue hair, that was wound back in a severe bun. She was Hlin, the Goddess of Consolation, and the last of the Aesir to be tested. “Do you swear to be loyal and true to me and my rule?” He asked, holding Gungnir before her throat.

“I swear it…” She said, glancing up to boldly meet his eyes. They were amber, with flecks of gold to them, swirling about like a maelstrom. Lezard nodded grimly, and thrust his spear forward, watching impassively as it immaterialized through her throat.

“Rise Hlin…” Lezard said, stepping back. “Rise and return to your duties in the hall of Sessrumnir.”

“At once my Lord…” She stood, ether already swirling about her body, teleporting her out of the throne room. Lezard barely watched her go, taking a weary step towards his throne. It had been a long day, the testing of the Gods lasting for hours. Many has passed, among them Eir, Ull, Vidar, Mani, Vor, and Frei, but some had failed, dying in an instant on Gungnir’s enchanted point.

Lezard let out a sigh, collapsing gratefully in his throne, casting Gungnir back to it’s resting place. He peered down at the nearly empty room, noticing Loki still lingering at the foot of the dais. He ignored the Trickster God for now, turning to smile at Lenneth, reaching for her hand. He felt her pull back at his touch, and he frowned, tugging hard on her hand. He could feel the reluctance in her body as she moved towards him, Lezard guiding her to sit down across his lap.

“I’m so tired…” He murmured, lips pressed against her hair. He let go of her hand, hugging her around the waist with both arms. “I just want to hold you and go to bed.” Lenneth was stiff in his arms, perched on the edge of his lap, body straining to get away from his. It only made him cling tighter to her, holding her captive in his embrace.

“My Lord and my Lady…” Loki knelt down at the bottom of the dais, head staring downwards at the floor. “Is there anything you require of me?”

Lezard looked up from Lenneth, staring down thoughtfully at Loki. “Hmm…a bed would be nice.”

“At once…” Loki straightened, casting his ether about. Lenneth tensed up, not wanting the black and red dust to touch her, Lezard’s voice attempting a soothing croon in her ear. “It’s all right Lenneth…you’re safe with me…”

“Why do I doubt that…” Her answer made him frown, but before he could respond, they vanished from the throne room, reappearing on the edge of a huge mattress. Loki stood before them, face expectant as Lezard gazed around the room. It was large, spacious with lavish furniture spread about. The walls were a soft bronze color, weapons decorating the windowless walls. A mural was painted on the ceiling, of naked nymphs and scantily clad Goddesses laying about on top of clouds. Soft gray carpet lined the floor from wall to wall, the fibers ankle deep.

“Odin’s old bedroom.” Loki said by way of explanation. “I thought it only fitting that you take his bed…”

Lezard laughed, delighted. “Why not? After all…I’ve taken everything else from the man!” Lenneth was quiet, body still pulling on his hands, trying to get away.

“If there is anything else you need…” Loki grinned. “You need only say my name, and I will come running at once.”

“Fine.” Lezard nodded, and with a wave dismissed Loki from the room. Lenneth seized her chance to flee from his lap, jumping to her feet. Lezard reached out to touch her back, and she whirled around, cerulean eyes blazing with anger.

“Don’t touch me!” Lenneth snapped, fingers curling into fists.

“Lenneth?!”

“How could you?” Lenneth demanded, staring at him with a lost expression on her face. “How could you condemn Freya to mortality? Tyr and Thor too?!”

“They sought to betray me.” Lezard explained, his face carefully neutral. “I was thinking of you in that I didn’t kill them. I thought you would be pleased!”

“You’ve fated them to die! You’ve only delayed their deaths by a few years!” Lenneth retorted. “And what of the others…the countless number you’ve killed today?!”

“Most of those deaths were not my fault.” Lezard calmly answered. “They knew what they were doing when they agreed to swear an oath on Gungnir’s point. They could have told the truth but…”

“But nothing!” Lenneth interrupted. “Lezard they were scared! They didn’t want to be made mortal…that’s why they lied and chose death…!”

“I’ve little care that the Gods are so cowed at the thought of being rendered mortal that they would choose suicide over living out their lives as a human.” Lezard replied. “They could have lived out their remaining days here in Asgard as our servants.”

“Cruel…you’re so cruel…” She whispered, staring down at him aghast.

“How am I cruel?” Lezard asked, curious.

“To keep them here…where they can witness the former glory they once had…it’s sheer torture…madness of the worst kind…Better to wipe their memories and have them live out their lives ignorant on Midgard.” Lenneth said, rubbing her arms as though she felt cold.

“But it wouldn’t be a punishment if they couldn’t remember what they lost.” Lezard pointed out with a smile.

“You take pleasure in other’s misfortune!” Lenneth all but shouted.

“Lenneth…surely you know me better than that…” Lezard said, reaching out to grab at her waist, He drew the reluctant Goddess to him, resting his cheek against her belly. He rolled his eyes upwards, gazing up at her with his most earnest expression.

She sighed. “I don’t know you at all…”

“That’s not true.” He said insistently.

“Is it? It it really…?” She wondered out loud, letting him draw her down onto the bed. He let go of her waist, reaching up to touch her face. She closed her eyes at his touch, letting out a shuddery breath of air as he caressed her cheek. He shifted closer to her, Lezard’s intent to kiss her. Lenneth’s eyes flew open at the feel of his breath against her mouth, and she cried out, “NO!” A hard shove from her, Lezard toppling off the bed.

“Lenneth?!” He gasped, struggling to sit up. “What are you…?!”

“You can’t make this okay Lezard…” Lenneth said, staring down at him from the bed. “You’ve gone too far this time.”

“Why are you still upset about this?!” Lezard demanded, at last sounded frustrated.

“Because they are my friends!” Lenneth retorted.

Lezard let out an angry huff of air, rising to his feet. “Is that all? You don’t NEED friends. You have me!” Her jaw dropped, and she stared at him for a moment. A bitter sounding laugh escaped her lips, and she shook her head no. “I’m all you need…all you’ll ever want or desire…”

“It doesn’t work that way just because you want it to, Lezard.” Lenneth replied, sighing. She rose from the bed, and Lezard took a step towards her, grabbing her by the arm.

“Where are you going?!” He demanded, fingers digging in harshly into her flesh.

“Away from you!” Her eyes blazed, and she yanked her arm free of his hand. Before he could stop her, she was running across the room, slipping through the doorway that led to the adjoining bathing chamber. She slammed it shut in his face, and he banged his fist against the door in frustration. “Go away!” Lenneth shouted. “I need to be alone for a while!”

“This door can’t keep me out you know!” He hissed, still knocking his hands against the wood.

“Lezard please!” Lenneth cried out. “Leave me alone…just for tonight…”

One last bang against the wood, and then he was sighing, leaning his forehead against the door. “All right Lenneth…you win…just for tonight…” He pushed away from the door, looking at it one last time. Expression wistful, he stepped forward, letting his ether swirl around his body, teleporting him from the room.