Maiden 05

 Mystina had found it difficult to sleep that night, her thoughts running wild in her head. She kept thinking about the helmet, and the power it emitted, recalling how good it had felt to be caressed by energy that was divine in nature. It tempted her, filled her head with silly thoughts, invading her dreams. Though not all of what she dreamt was pleasant. Dreams had a way of twisting subconscious fears, making them all the more terrifying.

She could still recall the last dream, of Odin himself coming down to punish her and Lezard for daring to trifle with the Gods. She had begged and she had pleaded for her life, insisting she had nothing to do with the kidnapping of the Valkyrie. And yet she had been wearing the helmet on her head, proof positive that she was an accomplice to Lezard’s foul deed.

Mystina had awakened from the nightmare with a scream, her hand to her throat, thinking she could feel the God’s hand squeezing down on her wind pipe. So real was the imagined pain, that she spent several minutes in front of a mirror checking for bruises on her neck. She was relieved to see none, and yet she couldn’t help but feel that the dream had been a warning.

She was still gazing at her reflection when Lezard knocked on the door. “Just a minute!” called out Mystina, hastily tying close the robe she wore over her nightgown. She was unsurprised to see him visiting her so early in the morning, having a fine idea of just how eager he was to be able to communicate with the Valkyrie.

“I’m coming!” She snarled as he banged harder on the door. “Geez Lezard, show some patience!” She exclaimed as she unlocked the door. He all but barreled past her into the room, fully dressed and looking bright eyed for so early in the morning.

“Believe me Mystina, you have no idea how patient I’ve been.” Lezard retorted, gaze slowly traveling up and down her robed form. Mystina scowled, and pulled the robe tighter around her, not liking the way he looked her over. “I’ve had her here for little over a week, and I’ve been nothing but a gentleman.” He ignored her amused snort, continuing. “I’ve behaved….kept my hands to myself…”

Mystina looked surprised. “That’s so unlike you.”

“I know!” He exclaimed. “But I want her to LIKE me. So I’ve done my best to control myself around her.” Lezard let out a deep sigh. “You’ve no idea how hard it’s been! I…I want to touch her, to kiss her, to….love her…” He closed his eyes, seeming to imagine performing those actions, and let out a lusty moan.

Mystina made a face. “Spare me your fantasies…it’s too early in the morning for this…”

“It’s not that early….it’s nearly half past seven!” exclaimed Lezard.

Mystina moaned. “Not all of us are morning people like you are.” She tsked, shaking her head. “Give me a chance to get dressed, will you?”

“Already taken care of…” Before she could stop him, Lezard was waving his hands over her body, her robe and nightgown starting to glow with magic. Mystina made a protesting sound, but it was too late, her clothes twisted and changed, loose fitting cotton becoming form fitting satin. She glanced down at herself, seeing her purple and white outfit of the night before and sighed.

“You know I hate when you do that!” She all but shouted at him.

He offered no apologies, merely stating this. “You know you would take forever to get dressed if I didn’t hurry you along.” A chuckle then. “You do like spending far too much time in front of the mirror.”

“Hmph…” Mystina stalked away from him to eye herself in the mirrored vanity. Her lips pursed together as she sought to find some mistake she could chastise him for. “Well…at least this time you didn’t put my dress on backwards!”

“That almost sounds like a compliment.” Lezard grinned.

“It’s not!” She shot him a withering glance, reaching for a brush. The blonde practically attacked her hair, viciously stroking the bristles through her long locks in an attempt to work out any tangles. “It’s far too early in the morning to be working any magic…I bet the Valkyrie isn’t even up yet.”

“Oh she’s up….and as….feisty as ever.” Lezard said, a small smile on his face. It faded away with a loud sigh. “And still refusing to eat any of my offerings.”

“I’m not surprised with the slop you call food.” Mystina retorted. “You should let me fix her a real meal. Then she might actually eat.”

“You can try if you like.” He shrugged his shoulders then. “But first I hope to start with something simpler….”

“Like what?”

“A name…” Lezard softly said. “I can’t keep referring to her as the Valkyrie. It’s so….impersonal. And I want to know everything about her….” He looked at her impatiently. “Your hair looks fine, let’s go!”

“You’ll just continue to nag if I don’t hurry along.” Mystina retorted, setting the brush down. She flipped her golden hair over her shoulder, nodding at her reflection. “Okay…I’m ready…”

“About time too….” muttered Lezard, knowing it would have taken three times as long without his rushing her. He turned, his cape flaring out behind him, and walked towards the bedroom door.

“Lezard….” Mystina was close behind him, stepping out into the hall. “I’ve been thinking…”

“A dangerous activity…” quipped the male wizard, a jovial laugh following his words.

“Right…” She was annoyed by his joke. “I’m serious! You have said you’ve had the Valkyrie maiden in your keep for about a week…why hasn’t she escaped? Hel, why hasn’t she killed you?!” Lezard was silent as they walked, leading her away from the spare bedroom she had spent the night in. “She’s a Goddess for Odin’s sake, and as powerful a wizard as you are, you are still mortal. She should be able to easily overpower you.”

“You almost sound disappointed Mysty.” Lezard said. “Is she not living up to your mental image of the Gods?”

“Well….no….not in this regard.” Mystina said. “You shouldn’t even be here…..you should be dead, or in Nifleheim for daring to lay hands on a Goddess! Why haven’t you been punished?!”

“It’s simple enough the answer. Quite obvious too.” He cast a glance over his shoulder at her. “It’s the helmet you see. All her power is tied into that helm. Without it, she might as well be mortal.”

“Wait….what….” Mystina came to a complete halt in the hallway, staring in disbelief at Lezard. “You’re telling me the object that empowers her, the very thing that gives her, her divine powers, is that helmet….and you actually are keeping it?! Are you completely insane, or just suicidal?! Lezard!” She threw her hands up in the air, shock in her eyes. “Get rid of that thing, and get rid of it now!! If she escapes and gets her hands on the helmet….”

“But she won’t.” interjected Lezard.

“Then not only will she get her powers back, she’ll bring down the wrath of Asgard on you and your tower!” She shuddered. “And me for being involved!”

“Calm down Mystina, you know you don’t look pretty when your face is that angry shade of red.” Lezard said, appealing to her vanity. “Look, you saw the precautions I have taken in hiding and protecting the helmet. There’s no way she will get her dainty little hands on the feathered helm. Even if she was to somehow find a way down to the dungeon, she’d never be able to unlock the protective seal I’ve placed on the stone.”

“But….”

“It’ll be fine. I assure you.” Lezard smiled, and resumed walking. “Everything will work out, you’ll see. The Valkyrie and I will live happily ever after.”

“You’re delusional…” murmured Mystina, following him. “You act like this is some sort of faerie tale and it’s not. This is real life, with all too real repercussions!”

“And you worry too much.” retorted Lezard. “Now speak no more about this. I aim to keep her in the dark about her helmet being here.”

“She doesn’t know?” They had reached a door, Lezard pausing with his hand on the handle.

“No.” He smirked. “I went back and fetched the helmet some time after I brought her into my home.”

“I wish you had left it where you found it…” whispered Mystina, watching as Lezard used his magic to open the door. An angry voice was heard, pretty to the ears even

as it became apparent the woman was issuing a curse at Lezard. More words followed, Mystina being able to pick out the words black hearted, and deviant. Lezard stepped into the room, and Mystina quickly followed him.

The Valkyrie’s words died down, as she spotted the blonde mage, surprise in her eyes to see another woman in her room. Mystina nervously smiled at the maiden, seeing her blue eyes narrow in suspicion a moment before she glanced at Lezard. A questioning chirp was aimed at him, and Lezard smiled, pleased.

“This is my….ah….friend, Mystina.” He explained, pointing as the woman closed the door behind her. “My-st-ti-na.” He exaggerated the syllables of her name, looking expectantly at the Valkyrie. She remained silent, making no attempt to say Mystina’s name.

Mystina was also quiet, studying the Valkyrie. She was even more beautiful up close, with piercing blue eyes, and porcelain pale skin. Her wondrous hair gleamed as sunlight seeped in through the bars in the window, touching down on her platinum strands. She was garbed in a pale blue dress that seemed to bring out blue highlights in her hair.

“Well Mystina….can you talk with her?” Lezard sounded impatient, though he continued to smile at the silver haired maiden, purple eyes filled with adoration as he looked upon her.

“I’m not sure…” admitted Mystina. “I need to hear more of her language. It sounds like it should be familair….but it’s not…not completely…”

“Strange…” Lezard sighed. “She’s normally so talkative around me. Maybe she’s just shy around strangers.”

“Well….I suppose I could try a few words in each of the languages I know….” Mystina said, sounding doubtful. “See if she responds to any of them.”

“But that will take forever!” protested Lezard, a hint of whining to his tone. “I know a way that’s guaranteed to get her talking.” He took a step towards the Valkyrie, the maiden nervously backing away from him, her eyes clouded over with worry.

“What are you going to do?” asked Mystina suspiciously.

“I’m not going to hurt her, if that’s what you’re worried about.” responded Lezard. “I assure you, I would never harm a hair on her head, nor would I allow her to suffer even a hangnail. I LOVE her…” He had backed the maiden against the wall, and she lifted up her arms, pressing her hands flat against his chest. Her eyes were narrowed, and she glared fiercely at Lezard who was grinning, a lusty look in his amethyst eyes.

“Cha lit!” A curt word from the girl, it sounded very much like an order which Lezard chose to ignore. Mystina tried not to be ill as he pressed up against her, forcing his mouth onto hers. The Goddess went crazy in his arms, thrashing about violently, forcing Lezard to grab hold of her wrists and pin them against the wall. Muffled sounds were heard, the kiss seeming to go on for forever and a day, but at last Lezard pulled back.

A steady stream of angry chatter erupted from the maiden, her face flushed with angry embarrassment, blue eyes sparkling with rage. Lezard merely laughed, self satisfied to have stirred up such a powerful reaction in her.

“Well?” he demanded, back to Mystina, gazing worshipfully into the Valkyrie’s eyes. “Can you understand her.”

“A little…” Mystina cringed at some of the insults the girl was saying. Words like that should never pass by a lady’s lips. “I can tell you this much, it’s not a language I know. Not exactly. It’s more ancient than anything I’ve ever studied, but I can hear the basics of what became known as Itlandic.”

“Itlandic…” Lezard’s brow furrowed. “One of the first known languages of Midgard…”

“Yes…” Mystina nodded.

“What is she saying…?” He asked.

“You really want to know?” She sighed at Lezard’s nod. “She’s basically calling you a pervert. Although….that’s putting it mildly.” Lezard laughed, delighted at that. The Valkyrie grew angrier, still struggling to get her hands free. Mystina hesitantly began speaking Itlandic, the words slow and halting, the blonde putting emphasis on certain vowels.

The Valkyrie let out a gasp, and ceased her struggles, growing limp in Lezard’s arms. He sighed, leaning forward to sniff at her hair, an act she ignored, turning her face to stare at Mystina. “Ta fuse?”

Mystina nodded, and a relieved smile flashed across the maiden’s face. Sentences poured out of her mouth, fast and urgent, her eyes pleading with Mystina. The blonde frowned, and held up her hands, telling her in Itlandic to not go so fast. “I can’t understand you if you don’t go slow.” She told the Valkyrie, watching as she frowned. She made an understanding sound, and nodded, speaking much slower this time.

Lezard was frowning, not liking being left out of the conversation. “What is she telling you?”

“She’s telling me you kidnapped her…” Mystina replied, keeping her gaze on the Valkyrie. “Asking me to help her get free of you.” She giggled. “She doesn’t like you very much.”

“That’s because she doesn’t know me.” Lezard replied, sounding a tad huffy. “She’ll come to love me eventually.”

Mystina shot him an annoyed look. “Since when have you ever had any luck with the fairer sex? Don’t answer that, I do not want to know!” She turned back to the Valkyrie, speaking slowly. The maiden made an upset sound, her face crumpling up into sadness.

“What did you say to her?” Lezard glared, feeling protective of the woman in his arms.

“Relax.” Mystina retorted. “I merely told her I can’t help her escape. I’d be a fool to try.”

“Yes….yes you would.” He was deadly calm as he threatened her. “I’d kill you if you tried.”

“I know….” Mystina somehow managed to keep from shuddering.

The Valkyrie continued to talk, and even to Lezard, he could hear the pleading tone to her voice. It appeared she was doing her best to convince Mystina to help her, and indeed the mage’s eyes were misting over with a hint of tears as she shook her head no. Lezard wondered what she was saying to reduce the blonde to sympathetic tears, and decided he was better off not knowing.

“Mystina…” The blonde looked at him sharply. “Ask her, her name…” He urged softly, reaching with one hand to touch the back of the maiden’s hair. She stiffened, not liking him stroking his hand through her hair, and with a sudden burst of strength attempted to squeeze past him. With a laugh, he caught her around the waist, and pulled her back between him and the wall, holding her in place with his body.

“Your name…” He whispered, staring into her eyes. “Tell us your name.” Mystina dutifully translated his words, and for a second it appeared she was going to refuse to answer. But then she was sighing, and with a shake of her head, the name was offered up to him at last.

“Lenneth.”

“Lenneth…” He smiled, hand caressing her cheek gently. “It is as beautiful as you are.” Mystina repeated his words in Itlandic, and he saw the Valkyrie—Lenneth, blush. He smiled, charmed to see the modest expression on her face.

“I love you….” He suddenly said, fingers teasing against the wisps of hair that framed her face. Mystina fell quiet, and he tore his gaze away from Lenneth to glare at her. “Well? Keep translating!”

“Are you sure you want me to tell her that?” asked Mystina, her expression doubtful.

“Of course!!”

“Very well…” With a sigh she was speaking, Lezard carefully listening to the words. “Itsp ben vales.”

The Valkyrie looked at him, surprise in her blue eyes. Lezard smiled, and slowly pronounced the words he had just learned. “Itsp ben vales.” Lenneth shook her head no, distress in her eyes. Lezard frowned, and told her more urgently, “Itsp ben vales.”

Words poured out of her mouth, faster this time, high pitched with distress. Lezard reluctantly looked over at Mystina, arching an eyebrow in question. “You’re not impressing her.” answered the mage. “I can’t catch everything she’s saying, but she believes you have no love to give. She doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

Lezard hid his disappointment well. “But she will….in time….once she grows used to me….she’ll love me back.” He turned to face Lenneth once more. “I want to marry you…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He snarled at Mystina’s hesitation, forcing the woman to get out the words. The expression on Lenneth’s face turned interesting, she looked Lezard up and down, and then she laughed. It was a short burst of laughter, disdain at the heart of it. She shook her head no, looking aghast at the very idea.

“I think that’s a no.” pointed out Mystina, and Lezard shrugged.

“I’ll just ask her again tomorrow….”

“The answer will be the same.” replied Mystina confidently.

“And I’ll keep on asking her until she says yes…” He was touching the Valkyrie again, taking hold of her chin to turn her face upwards. His thumb caressed over the bottom of her lip, Lezard staring wistfully at her mouth.

“Ta…Ta pum da ja retiya!” Lenneth said hesistantly, causing Mystina to laugh.

“She just said she’d tear out your tongue if you kissed her again.” explained the golden haired woman. “She sounds like she means it too, I wouldn’t risk it.”

“What is life without some small amount of risk?” But yet Mystina was quick to note he made no further move to kiss the Valkyrie. The two stood there, bodies pressed together, staring into each other’s eyes. Lezard’s gaze was heated with lust, while Lenneth’s was icy with anger. Two entirely different emotions, and yet both held equal power. They seemed very much like they could stand there frozen in place, for the moment at a standstill.

Mystina coughed to get their attention, both turning to look at her. “You must be hungry.” She said in Itlandic to the maiden. “Please….let me fix you something to eat.” Lenneth was hesitating, and Mystina repeated her plea. “I only want to see to your comfort. That ape that has you in his arms also wants that, though he has a funny way of showing it.”

Slowly, Lenneth nodded, her agreement causing Mystina to smile.

“What?” asked Lezard curiously.

“She’s agreed to eat.” Mystina explained. “Now….if you would just show us to the kitchen, I’ll fix a meal worthy of a Goddess!”