Triumph 29

 Lezard opened his eyes to a darkened room, feeling Lenneth laying snuggled against him. He sat quietly for a few moments, just listening to the sound of her breathing, his hand finding it’s way to her hair. Her hair was so soft, but then so was everything about her, her skin, her hands, and especially her breasts. He groaned, finding just thinking about her softness was getting him excited again, and he petted her head, trying to remain calm.

He felt her breath against his chest, Lenneth sighing in her sleep, squeezing her arm around his waist. Her delicious, naked skin was pressed against his, a tantalizing reality that had him snapping his fingers, summoning light into the room. Soft flickers occurred, the palest of illumination filling the room, muted so as not to hurt his eyes which were currently accustomed to the darkness.

He gazed down at Lenneth, smiling to himself, his hand moving through her hair, searching out the end of her braid. He easily snapped the tie free, fingers roaming through the furrows, working to loosen her mane. He was still playing with her hair when she started to stir, her lashes dark against her pale skin, starting to flutter. She blinked open her eyes, staring at his chest, looking sleepy eyed and confused.

“Morning…” He said, his voice soft. She turned her head, glancing up at him, and he caught sight of her cerulean blue eyes, Lenneth blinking rapidly at him.

“Morning…” She said in reply, voice sounding sleepy. He didn’t blame her for being tired, he knew his appetites could wear out even one of divine origin. “Wait…” She frowned, lifting her head, glancing about the windowless room. “Is it morning already?”

“Hmm…does it matter?” Lezard asked, hand urging her to rest her face back against his chest.

“I suppose not…” Lenneth said, laying her cheek against his chest. He wondered if she listened to his heart beating, Lezard knowing it always beat faster when Lenneth was near him.

“I could spend a hundred mornings in bed with you.” Lezard said happily, petting her hair. She actually smiled at this, for once Lenneth proving susceptible to his flattery.

“We have to get up eventually.” Lenneth pointed out, and Lezard groaned, mock outrage on his face.

“Says who?” He demanded. “I am Creator here. I decide if and when to hold court.” He was completely serious about it too. If he wanted to spend the day with Lenneth, then let the other Gods be damned. They waited on his convenience, and not the other way around.

“You…” She shook her head, sighing. “I suppose it’s all right to take off a day here and now. But Lezard…” Again she was rising, his hand sliding down to land on her back. “You shouldn’t do so at the outset of securing your kingdom. You should be seen and heard…You should be out there making decisions.”

“I suppose…” He sighed, his hand moving to the small of her back, massaging in circles. “But I don’t have to rush off to court right away…” He sat up, still touching her, wanting to feel her pressed against him once more. “The Gods can wait…you…” He touched her cheek with his other hand. “Us…can’t…”

“I…I’m not sure how I feel about being known as the cause for your delayed appearance.” Lenneth blushed, thinking of the gossip hounds among the divine pantheon.

“Couldn’t it be a good feeling?” Lezard asked. “To know you are so loved, I can’t bare to be away from you for long?”

“That can’t be healthy…” She replied, staring at him as he leaned in closer to her. “That borders on obsessive Lezard…”

“Does it?” He bent his head, touching her forehead with his. He sighed, breath warm against her face, Lezard staring into her eyes. “I just know what I feel for you Lenneth. It’s intense and it’s true, and it won’t be denied.” He stole a kiss from her then, Lezard muffling her reply so that it came out a garbled noise. When he pulled back, she was frowning at him, expression troubled.

“Oh…don’t look at me with such eyes…” Lezard protested, wishing she wore any other expression than her current one.

“Then don’t tell me such things.” Lenneth was quick to answer.

“You ask for the impossible.” Lezard replied. “I cannot help but speak on my love for you…my desires and needs…my wants and hopes…” Lenneth was quiet, not rising to the bait of asking him what those were. “Come…” Lenneth let out a squeal, finding Lezard gathering her up into his arms. She hastily wrapped her arms around his shoulders, clinging to his broad chest as he rose from the bed.

He shifted, securing his grip on her, careful to keep from dropping her as he padded across the floor. “What are you doing?” Lenneth asked, looking up at him.

He smiled. “I think a bath is in order…” He was rapidly covering the distance from the bed to the bathing chamber, carrying her easily enough. She didn’t question the sudden change in subject, seeming relieved that he had stopped speaking about his love for her. He reached the door, nudging it open with his foot, slipping inside the room with Lenneth. The door swung close behind him, and then a shriek was heard, followed by the splash of water disrupted.

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With a yawn, Rufus sat up, stretching his arms up high over his head. He heard the crack of muscles, body sighing as he worked out the kinks. He smacked his dry lips together, rubbing a hand on the front of his chest, blinking sleepy eyes that were slow to adjust to the sunlight poring in through the open window.

He sat like that for a few moments, just quiet, little thought in his head as he struggled to wake up. At last he sighed, turning his head and spotted the still sleeping Alicia laying next to him. Her hair was splayed out around her, golden sunshine that gleamed. Her chest rose and fell, deep breaths, the girl still caught in sleep’s embrace, not likely to wake up anytime soon.

Rufus wore a fond smile as he gazed down at his wife, and he bent down to kiss her cheek. “Sleep well Alicia…” A light laugh, his breath rustling her hair. “You’ve earned it.” She made a sound in reply, a soft snort, but other than that she did not stir.

Rufus forced himself to look away from her, sliding his body across the bed sheets. His feet touched the ground, toes touching the pants he had eventually discarded the night before. He bent down, retrieving his clothing. It took him only a few minutes to throw on his shirt and pants, Rufus padding barefoot across the floor. His stomach grumbled, and he hoped he wasn’t too late to retrieve breakfast from the inn.

He smiled to think how pleased Alicia would be to wake up to breakfast in bed. It was a sweet gesture, but the half elf had ulterior motives. He wanted to ensure that Alicia had little need to leave the room, wanting to spend the day with her in bed. He sought to gather enough food to replenish her energy, and then…well…his smile widened, grin threatening to split his face in half.

Rufus carefully eased open the door, thankful the hinges were well oiled so as not to wake her up with any creaking sounds. He cast one more look at the bed, and then he was slipping through the door, stepping out into the hall. He eased the door shut behind him, and slowly started to turn. He was halfway towards the stairs, when he heard another door open, and he turned curious.

His eyes widened in amusement, seeing Arngrim pressing a woman against the door. He was plastered against her, hands crawling all over her body, making her wiggle and moan. Rufus blinked, recognizing the curly black hair as belonging to the serving wench from the party last night. She clung to Arngrim, her hands landing on his rear, squeezing his buns as she grinded against him.

Rufus continued to stare, watching as they kissed almost desperately, a lot of tongue flashing. He started to blush, feeling uncomfortable for witnessing the intimate scene, and turned to go. But the floorboard creaked, and the two broke the kiss. They did not, Rufus was quick to note, pull apart, Arngrim keeping the woman pushed up against the door.

“Oh hey…” Arngrim grinned, not at all embarrassed to be seen making out with some strange woman.

“Uh…Hey…” Rufus lamely waved, watching as Arngrim slowly eased up off the woman. Her lips pursed into a pout, her expression sullen, the woman clearly missing feeling the beserker’s body against hers.

“Didn’t expect to see you up so soon…” Arngrim said. He turned to the woman, whispering something in her ear. She giggled and nodded, and with a glance at Rufus stepped away from the door. Rufus was surprised to see her jump, Arngrim having a wandering hand that pinched her shapely rear. She hurried past the half elf, disappearing down the stairs.

“Just getting some grub.” Rufus explained, looking over Arngrim carefully. “Nice legs.” He smirked, seeing the warrior was clad only in a shirt, the hem of it being far too short to be decent.

“Didn’t expect to run into anybody I know…” Arngrim said, looking a tiny bit embarrassed. “I was just saying good-bye to Celia…”

“Good-bye? Didn’t look like good-bye from where I stood!” Rufus laughed.

“Well…got to give the ladies something to remember me by.” Arngrim winked. “Keeps them yearning for more.”

“Right…” Rufus shook his head, still chuckling.

“Hey, I’ll join you for breakfast.” Arngrim said. “Let me just pull on some pants…”

“Thanks but…I hadn’t really planned on eating it downstairs.” Rufus smiled. “I’m just gonna grab a tray of stuff, and bring it back to the room.”

“Oh…I see…” Arngrim grinned, and Rufus snorted.

“Don’t start.” He said, wagging a finger at him.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” replied Arngrim. “All right, I won’t keep you from your girl. Go on…and tell Celia I’ll be down in a bit.”

“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.” Rufus said as he started down the stairs.

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Upon reaching the throne room, Lezard was surprised to find someone waiting rather impatiently for him. It was a Goddess, clad in a form fitting brown tunic, who walked the landing before the large double doors. Her booted heels clicked loudly on the floor, and she moved back and forth, staring downwards as she paced. He studied her for a few seconds, trying to recall her name, at last remembering she was Frei, sister to the former Fertility Goddess, Freya.

Frei continued to move, having little idea he was there, and she jumped startled when Lezard cleared his throat. She glanced up at him, dark eyes flashing with relief that faded away to a hint of nervousness. “Lezard!” She stared at him, at the last second remembering her manners. “My King…” She dropped into a hasty curtsy, licking her dry lips.

“You are…Frei are you not?” Lezard asked, seeing her nod. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Ah yes…” She nodded again. “I was hoping to have an audience with you.”

“I suppose I could fit you in.” Lezard said, inwardly pleased to have something to do. He gestured, and the doors opened, swinging inwards to reveal the throne room to the pair. “Walk with me Frei…” He urged, moving past her to enter the throne room. All was quiet behind him, and then he heard her take a hesitant step after him. He turned to smile at her, trying to reassure the young Goddess, though her expression remained troubled.

“Tell me Frei…What are your duties in Asgard?”” He asked, curious.

“I’m a Fertility Goddess like my sister is—was.” She corrected herself softly. “I find myself taking over the reigns of my sister’s tasks.” She sighed, thinking how many duties Freya had had to oversee. She found it a daunting task, wishing she had some help in the matter.

“And how goes that?” Lezard asked, truly interested.

“It’s…fine…” Frei answered. “Difficult but going well.” So far. She thought to herself. “But…” She played with her fingers, nervous fidgeting as she tried to prepare herself to broach the reason for her visit. “That is not why I have come to you.”

“Oh?” They had reached the dais, Lezard pausing at the foot of the staircase to peer at her.

“It’s a…a personal reason I’ve come with…a favor I hope you would grant me.” Frei paused, trying to keep from shaking.

“A favor?” Lezard asked with some interest, studying the young Goddess more intently. “What is it?”

“Well…” She sighed, and suddenly was rushing out her words, scared he would reject her request before she got it out even halfway. “I would like to be able to visit with my sister Freya…please sir…” She felt relief at having gotten her words out, and yet she prepared herself for the worst, ready to flinch back from his anger. “It would mean so much to me to be able to see her again…”

“I see…” Lezard’s expression was unreadable, his eyes unblinking as he thought over her words. “Frei…” He raised his hand, and she nearly squeaked, trying to keep from fleeing. “It took a lot for you to come ask, didn’t it?”

“Yes…” She admitted.

“Hmm…” A smile then, an odd twisting of his lips as he gazed at her. His expression added to her anxiety, Frei feeling worried to see him grinning at her. “All right then Frei…You can see Freya…”

She did a double take. “I…what…?”

“You may visit with your sister.” Lezard clarified. “Let it never be said I am not a benevolent ruler.” His fingers touched his glasses, sliding them back up his face. “Yes…go to her, Frei…and give my regards to the Lady Lenneth while you’re at it.” He was smiling, thinking Lenneth would be most impressed with his generosity towards the two sisters.

“Thank you Lord Lezard!” Frei exclaimed, face erupting into a dazzling smile. She held back a giggle, dropping down into another curtsey, Lezard waving amicably at her to stand. She straightened, and repeated her thanks with an excited squeal. She turned, Frei all but flying out of the room as she ran, her expression happy as she passed by Loki, who was lurking unseen outside the throne room doors.

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Alicia woke to the delicious aroma of warm food, the girl’s eyes fluttering open. She saw her husband standing by the side of the bed, Rufus holding up a tray laden down with an array of foods. She saw pancakes and hot broth, an assortment of sweet meats and various other tidbits that smelled pleasing to her nose.

“Morning sleepy head.” Rufus said, as she sat up.

“Hmmm…” She stretched, the covers sliding down her naked body as she moved. “Morning…The food smells wonderful…” Rufus smiled, placing the tray across her lap. She reached for a piece of bacon, greasing up her fingers as she handled the fried meat. Rufus sat down on the bed next to her, eyes filled with mirth as he watched her eagerly bite at the bacon, Alicia letting out a moan of approval at the taste. “So good…”

“I hope I brought enough.” Rufus said, reaching for a bowl of soup.

“More than enough.” Alicia said, in between bites of the pancakes. She giggled, careful to keep from flashing him half chewed up food. “It looks as though you cleared the inn out of it’s wares!”

“Something like that.” chuckled Rufus. “I just wanted to make sure I had all of your favorites.”

“Oh…” She smiled, a happy blush on her cheeks. “Keep doing things like that and you’ll spoil me.”

“Good.” grinned Rufus. “I want to…I intend to spoil you for the rest of our lives together.” He speared a piece of meat with his fork, holding it up before her face. He nudged her lips with the meat, and she opened her mouth, taking a hesitant bite. He watched her chew, eyes twinkling, Rufus enchanted by even the simplest acts so long as they were performed by his wife.

“I want to do the same for you…” Alicia admitted. “But…I don’t know how to…”

“Oh trust me…I’m already spoiled…” Rufus was quick to assure her, holding another forkful of bacon to her lips.

“You are?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Just the act of having you as my wife is enough…although…” He grinned, his eyes growing dark with lust. “What we do in this bed…to each other…is pretty special in it’s own right…” She blushed, getting his meaning immediately. She busied herself with the act of eating, not trusting herself to speak. Rufus grinned, and spoke for her. “I’m talking about the way we love each other Alicia…the way you make me feel…the way you move your hips…” She was turning redder as he talked, and he chuckled. “And when you use your mouth to…” She stuffed a pancake into his mouth, cutting off his words. He took a startled bite of the meal, chewing rapidly.

“Still so shy…” Rufus said after gulping down the pancake. “Even after all we’ve shared. Just another endearing trait about you.”

“I wonder how the others are doing…” A still blushing Alicia asked, trying to change the subject. “Dallas was drinking pretty hard last night…”

“Heh…he’s probably regretting it with one heck of a hang over this morning!” Rufus laughed, even though Alicia was frowning at him for taking amusement in the mage’s misfortune. “As for Arngrim well…” He smirked. “He’s doing all right. Heh…”

“What?” asked Alicia, curious.

“It’s nothing.”

“Tell me!” She said insistently, leaning over the tray to touch his sleeve.

“Can’t keep anything from you, can I?” wondered Rufus out loud.

“Nor should you try!” Alicia said.

“Heh…well remember that serving wench he had his eye on?” At her nod, he continued. “Well three guesses who I saw him with this morning, and the first two don’t count!”

“Really?” Alicia’s eyes widened. “He moves fast! But then…” Both she and Rufus spoke in unison, mimicking Arngrim’s voice. “A pirate has to be quick on his feet, and even quicker with the ladies!” The two erupted into laughter, Alicia falling back against the pillows, chest shaking as she giggled. “I’m happy for him…” She said at last.

“Yeah.” agreed Rufus.

“Now if only we could find someone for Dallas…” She said hopefully.

“Er…” Rufus blanched at the idea of playing match maker for the mage. “I suppose stranger things have happened.”

“Hmm…” Alicia took a bite of croissant, getting cream on her lips.

“Er…you got some…” He gestured to her mouth, and she licked at her lips. “No…” Rufus shook his head. “You still missed a spot…here let me…” He leaned in close, surprising her when his tongue flickered out to lap gently at the corner of her mouth.

“Rufus…” She started to say, finding his tongue was licking at more than just the cream, teasing along her lower lip.

“Yes Alicia?” Rufus asked, and then he kissed her, lips pressing against hers, gentle force intended to get her to yield to him. He pressed forward, hands sliding on the tray, getting his fingers greasy as he inadvertently touched the scattered foodstuffs.

“The tray…” Alicia breathed out. “We should move it…”

“Right…” agreed Rufus, pulling back from her reluctantly. He stood, picking up the tray long enough to move it to the table. Alicia giggled, as Rufus leapt back into bed, the mattress protesting his actions, bed springs squeaking loudly. He smiled, and reached for her, hands sliding up her arms as he leaned in to kiss her once more.

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A song in her heart, Frei hummed happily under her breath as she skipped down the hall. Anyone who paused to look at her, found themselves the recipient of a dazzling smile, the young Goddess quick to share her glee with any and everyone. She continued down the hall, traveling the twisting pathways that led to the royal couple’s bedroom. She was unsure of where she was going, walking the halls based on memory from what her sister had told her. In the past Frei had little reason to visit the bedroom of the former ruler of the Gods, that had been a duty that fell strictly to her older sister.

Eager to see Freya, she barely paid attention to the sound of footsteps behind her, having no need to fear any of the Gods and einherjar that currently resided in Valhalla. It was foolish of the young Goddess, she didn’t even turn to appease her curiosity, continuing on her merry way. Which is why it came as a complete surprise when a hand clamped down over her mouth, stifling her startled scream before it could escape from her lips.

A body pressed against hers, and Frei was quick to realize her attacker was male, a slender frame that belied the muscles that pinned her to him. Letting out another muffled scream, Frei began to struggle, even as she became aware of a smell wafting in under her nostrils. A rag was over her mouth, soaked in sweet smelling chloroform, and Frei gasped, inhaling more of the scent.

She could feel her body growing weaker, limbs going limp as her actions slowed, body sagging in the arms of the one who held her. Her eyelids drooped close, and Frei only had seconds to spare a thought, thinking to herself, Freya! as she passed out to the waiting darkness.

A sigh from her, and then the hand was cautiously lifting from her face, ready to slap back into place should she attempt to scream. But no sound was forthcoming from the girl, the young Goddess fast asleep. With a shift of his arms, he was turning her, the God Loki lifting Frei up off the ground. He grinned to himself pleased, and even as he threw her over his shoulder, his features were changing. His skin lightened, while his nose grew smaller, and his lips became fuller. His black hair flowed downwards, turning brown and being wound back in a tight braid. His body became thinner, with a hint of breasts to them as his clothes changed, becoming form fitting, clinging to his bust and his now shapely hips.

It was a mirror image of Frei that held the unconscious Goddess, and she grinned, looking far too pleased with herself. She glanced down the hall, checking both ways once more, and then was moving, heading towards one of the numerous doors that lined the corridor. It was an empty room she took the young Goddess to, dumping her on the carpeted floor. Her fingers brushed her face, touching her almost tenderly before standing. Eyes looking crafty, she reached into the pocket of her tunic, removing a vial that contained red fluid. “Perfect…” grinned Loki, his voice the exact pitch and sound of Frei’s.