Bride 12

He watched as Lenneth turned away from him, the memory of the feel of her hair’s curl lingering on his fingertips. The fact that she had allowed him that small touch surprised as much as it pleased him, Lezard wondering who he should thank for being granted that privilege. He refused though, to think that blessing could be attributed to the Goddess Freya. If anything, Lezard would assume that Freya would have set out to ensure Lenneth’s continued hostility towards him.

Even thinking of Freya wasn’t enough to completely sour his mood, not with Lenneth near and nowhere near as combative as she had been just a day ago. It made him think the Goddess’ visit had been a good thing, if Freya could affect Lenneth’s disposition in so startling a fashion. He was almost glad he had brought the Goddess into his world, even with the aggravation of fighting with Freya.

The Goddess had not been pleased by his invite. Hell, she hadn’t even liked his arrival inside Odin’s hall. Freya had been in the midst of overseeing repairs to the throne room of Valhalla, though she had abandoned her work immediately to attack Lezard. Freya claimed she had reacted on instinct, but Lezard had strong doubts about that. The Fertility Goddess hated him, and no amount of fealty and promises would get her to drop the grudge she bore against him.

Nor had she wanted to come with him into an unknown world, the Goddess more leery than impressed at the thought of Lezard’s creation of a new world tree. She had struggled, Lezard manhandling her into his embrace. He had teleported them then, though not directly to his world, Lezard taking a much longer route that he hoped would be difficult for the Goddess to retrace. And all because he wanted to ensure that Freya and the other Gods would not be able to pay unexpected visits on him and his bride.

He understood the necessity of bringing Freya to see Lenneth. The Valkyrie had needed answers, needed confirmation of the truths he had told her. But he didn’t like that he had had to allow such a visit. Lezard didn’t want Freya needlessly complicating things, nor did he trust her to behave. It was one reason he had erected a ward on the newly created room. The ward barred both Goddesses from teleporting, Lezard not wanting Freya to take it upon herself to try and explore his new world for weaknesses.

He was wondering now if he should have warded the room against any use of powers, Lezard not liking that Freya had erected a barrier. It both kept him out of the room, and prevented him from eavesdropping. And he had very much wanted to spy on Lenneth and Freya’s conversations! Lezard wasn’t sure what exactly he thought they would talk about, but there had been the chance for more insight into Lenneth’s soul. She might have been confiding things to Freya, concerns and fears, or even have alluded to what exactly she felt about her new husband.

Freya had cost him the chance to hear all that, Lezard burning with anger once the barrier fell. He could admit to being paranoid as well as angry, and he had been most eager to chastise the Goddess. His rage was subsided by Lenneth’s presence, of her reassurance that nothing suspicious had been going on. He didn’t think she would lie to him, Lenneth a far purer soul than that of the Goddess Freya.

He was all too glad to take Freya back to Asgard, going that round about way to confuse her. Freya hadn’t been able to resist making snide comments during their travels, even going so far as to fling balls of ether at him as he attempted to depart from Valhalla. That Goddess surely tried his patience, Lezard feeling no fondness towards Freya or any of the other Gods save Lenneth.

He was glad to leave Freya behind, both in reality and in his thoughts. Lezard would much rather devote his time and energy, his every thought to Lenneth and his pursuit of her. Of the happiness they would share, once this initial rough period was over and done with. Lezard was feeling renewed hope, and all because of the touch she had allowed him, and the way she hadn’t overreacted with anger towards what he was saying to her.

He had noted how she appeared to consider his words when he spoke about the wrong the Gods had done her. How Odin and Freya should never have tried to force Lenneth to lead an emotionless eternity. Lezard had no way of knowing how she truly felt about that, not so long as she did her musings privately. But the fact that she hadn’t erupted into anger, had bothered to think about it was promising.

He had meant it with all his heart when he said he wanted to help her learn to feel. It went beyond self serving desires, Lezard wanting Lenneth to awaken to her emotions, to experience all of them. Good and bad. Her life would be richer for it.

He knew she was capable of feelings, no matter what lies Odin had filled her head with. He had often spied on the Lenneth of the future, watching her engage with others, both Gods and einherjar alike. She had been prone to smiles, eyes sparkling with warmth. Her laughter was like bell chimes, light and pleasant to hear. He had noted with some displeasure she laughed the most when she was with that man of hers.

Just thinking of Lucian was almost enough to bring his mood crashing downwards. Lezard had to repeat several times to himself that Lucian didn’t exist in this time period, was far from being born. That as long as Lezard reigned as Creator, Lucian would never be a problem to darken their door.

Lezard refused to consider the idea that Lucian could be the sole key to unlocking Lenneth’s feelings. The boy was after all, nothing special. Just a remnant of a time when Lenneth had slept inside a human. A time better forgotten, just one moment in a string of lives the Goddess had lived. The real key Lezard thought, was interacting with someone who cared about her. He felt from the experiences that Silmeria and Hrist had shown him, that a Valkyrie could soften to emotions. Silmeria had been the most feeling of the three, having spent eighteen long years as internal companion to princess Alicia.

Even Hrist had changed, evolving past merciless killer from her interactions with Alicia and the party they traveled with. When Hrist had started out, she had been cold, ruthless, determined to kill Alicia. How quickly she had changed, no longer dispassionate about her duty to Odin. Such doubts and hesitations had stayed Hrist’s hand time and time again, the Goddess no longer wanting to strike the killing blow to the princess of Dipan.

Alicia wasn’t anywhere near as cleaver or charming as Lezard thought himself to be. It made him believe that if she could have such an effect on the Valkyries, then he could surely recreate that success with Lenneth. Once again he thought of the moment when he reached for her, the Goddess stilling as she allowed him to touch her hair. It was more progress than he had hoped to make this soon, and pleasure infused him over this small victory.

It mattered not that she had reached her limit, turning away from him. He had hope. He’d continue to try to touch her, small touches that would someday lead to grander things. Until the day came that she went willingly into his arms. It was hard not to lose himself to the fantasy of what would happen then, Lezard longing for the moment when she would love him back. It went beyond the carnal desires of the body, to a connection of their souls, the two becoming one in body, mind, and soul.

Sex alone wasn’t enough for him. He wanted, needed that connection, that fulfillment of love returned. And until he got it, Lezard could hold himself back, contenting himself with the chase. He didn’t believe in endings, for the chase would lead to new beginnings between them.

“Lezard….” He blinked, Lenneth was drawing near to him. Whatever private musings she had had, it had led her to break the silence between them. He didn’t mind, loving the sound of her voice, especially when it was saying his name. Almost as much as he loved seeing himself reflected in her eyes, no matter what emotion colored them.

“Yes, Lenneth?” He let her know she had his full attention, though the only thing that could distract him from Lenneth was his thoughts about her.

“I…” Her lips seemed to quiver, but ultimately failed to deliver a smile to him. “I want to thank you.” She said at last. He raised a brow at that, Lenneth hurrying to clarify. “For bringing Freya to visit.”

“Ah….that.” His voice was bland, betraying none of what he felt about Freya and her visit.

“Really. I mean it. It was good to see her.” She seemed to fidget for a moment. “Will you permit her to visit again?”

“I’m not sure that’s wise.” Lezard hated to refuse her a request, but he was still bothered by what Freya had done. “She’s difficult to handle….and I rather not have her turn my world upside down with her antics.”

“You are angry.” Noted Lenneth. “About the barrier she erected.”

“You can’t really be surprised about that.” Lezard countered. “I bring her into my home, and the first thing she does is use her powers against me.”

“Would you have left us to be truly alone together if she had not done that?” Lenneth asked. Lezard didn’t even try to hide his hesitation, shrugging.

“I was curious as to what you would say to each other.”

“You could have just asked instead of trying to spy on us!” pointed out Lenneth.

“And would you have told me?”

He watched as she hesitated. “If it was something that I could freely share then yes.”

“It’s not right to keep secrets from me, Lenneth.” Lezard said.

“You sought to keep Silmeria’s presence a secret from me!” She quickly pointed out.

“That’s…well…different.” Lenneth fixed him with a skeptical look. “I was merely waiting for the right time to reveal her to you.” She still didn’t look like she believed him though. “You said you talked about her to Freya. What was the Goddess’ reaction?”

“Not…not what I hoped for.” Admitted Lenneth. “She wasn’t nearly as pleased as I was to know my sister still lived.”

“Not surprising after the lengths Odin went through on Silmeria’s behalf.”

“She wouldn’t even explain about Silmeria’s crime.” Lenneth complained.

“So you didn’t get the answers you sought?” He asked.

“No. Not about this.” Lenneth sighed, shaking her head. “Freya was close lipped except to say my sister had been poisoned by the undead.” Another sigh, Lenneth half turning from him. “She confirmed what you said about the Dragon’s Orb though. That and Odin’s lust for it. His decision to throw away the mortals and their realm.”

“Does it…disturb you?”

“It bothers me.” Lenneth admitted. “Even with Dipan’s transgressions against the Gods, the rest of that race shouldn’t have been condemned to extinction.”

“I don’t have much fondness for my former life, but even I think that is too extreme.”

“Midgard wouldn’t be in danger if the orb was returned to it.” Lenneth pointed out.

“But without the orb Asgard will fall.” He reminded her, watching her hesitate.

“What about Gungnir? Could you not…return it to Asgard?” It seemed such an innocent query, no calculation or animosity on her part. And yet Lenneth had to know what she was asking him to give up, Lezard frowning at her.

“The lance is mine now. To give it up would bring about pure folly.”

“And I suppose residing in Asgard is out of the question?” She asked.

“I did not go to the trouble of creating this world, simply to toss it aside.” Was his answer. It only served to upset her, Lenneth turning agitated in response. “There’s still time Lenneth. Midgard has a ways to go before it falls into decay. Perhaps I’ll be able to find an alternative power source for that realm.”

“Can you really turn your back on Midgard?” Lenneth asked abruptly. “And the people of that world? They were your own kind after all.” He said nothing to that, almost turning away from her then. “Was your mortal life that horrible? That you would forget all about your origins?”

“It was neither good nor bad.” Lezard answered. “It was more boring than anything. And utterly meaningless.”

“I don’t believe that!” protested Lenneth. “There is meaning to life, from a human’s down to an insect’s. All have a purpose…”

“Purpose…what purpose does the life of a human’s serve? Except to be slaves to the Gods’ whims.” He shook his head then. “No…I don’t believe in this purpose you speak of. I renounced any such use the Gods may have had for me. I made my own destiny, I escaped whatever designs the gods had placed on me.”

She didn’t look happy at what he had had to say. “I would have thought a mortal turned God would be the human’s biggest champion. I would have hoped such a being would strive to improve the human’s lot in life, to protect them, not idly sit back and watch their descent into destruction!”

Lezard had to bite back any retort he could have made, realizing he was only digging himself a deeper hole. He was disappointing Lenneth with his cold, impassive response to Midgard’s plight. He wasn’t stupid. Disappointment could easily turn to hate, and he didn’t want that. As much as he didn’t want to get involved with Migard’s troubles, he might very well have to, if only to appease his bride’s discontent.

“I will give the matter some thought.” He said at last.

“The divine treasures NEED to be returned to their rightful places.” Is what Lenneth said in response.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Lezard retorted. “I am Creator, am I not?” A cautious nod from Lenneth. “It should be child’s play to come up with an answer to stabilize the two realms without sacrificing one’s well being for another’s.”

“Midgard may not have the time for you to learn how to wield your powers in that manner!” protested Lenneth.

“And I repeat that Midgard still has time.” Lezard thought of what he knew of the future, of how it took decades to pass before Midgard became as run down as it had been during the time of his birth. It had to be at least one hundred years since Odin had claimed the Dragon’s Orb, and Midgard had been in a rapid downward spiral. Many of the cities and towns turning to slums, full of degenerates and criminals. There had been few safe havens, slavery a rampant problem, and wars occurring nearly daily.

Truth be known, Lezard himself would like to study the orb. All to get a better understanding of how it worked, and why it effected Midgard’s prosperity so. From what the philosopher’s stone had told him, each of the four divine treasures affected their guardian realm in a different manner He knew enough of Gungnir to know it kept Asgard afloat, the realm high up in the heavens towering over Midgard. The shining realm prospered so long as Gungnir remained within it, and it’s power was such it kept other realm’s inhabitants at bay.

Lezard was confidant that given enough time and experimentation, he could come up with a suitable solution to the problem. And if not, as a last ditch effort, he could move the humans of Midgard to this new world he had created. All in an attempt to please Lenneth. He had made this world with her in mind, crafting it to appeal to all her senses. If filling it with humans would make her happy, than that is what he would do.

Lenneth had fallen quiet, just staring at him with a frustrated look in her blue eyes. “Lenneth, I promise you. I will find a way to save Midgard.” She looked surprised then, her question cautious, not wanting to give in to any false hope.

“You truly mean that?” He nodded, and watched the relief seeped into her. “Thank you.”

“You care about the humans. What ties you to them so strongly?” He didn’t dare speak of her future self, of the Creator Lenneth who had cared enough about Midgard to shed tears over it’s destruction. She had been overjoyed when she had discovered the power within her, power Lezard had enabled her to receive, power which she used to save Midgard. To reconstruct it from the nothing in which Loki had turned it into.

As hated as the idea was, he had assumed it was Lucian and her memories of life as a mortal that had made Lenneth feel such a strong connection to Midgard and it’s inhabitants. That this Lenneth, a Lenneth with no memories of mortal life, and no Lucian tying her down, could perhaps feel just as strong was truly surprising to him. Perhaps it was the three Valkyrie’s natures to care about the humans, since they worked so closely with their souls.

“We Gods depend on the humans.” Lenneth said at last. “They fight for us, defend us…they put their souls on the line, risking total annihilation to fight the Gods’ wars. We should respect the sacrifice they offer us, protect them in kind.”

“That’s all well in good, though it doesn’t answer why you, yourself care so much about the humans.” Lezard pointed out. She blinked slowly, seeming so unsure. “Don’t you know?”

“I have had interactions with humans for centuries.” Lenneth began. “I’ve seen the lives of the ones I’ve called upon to become my einherjar. I’ve experienced their hopes, dreams, and disappointments. They are a valued existence to me…ones with merit that deserve better than what they get.”

He smiled then. “Thank you for answering Lenneth. I don’t see them the way you do, but I admire that they can capture your attention so. If anyone is the true champion of Midgard, it would be you…”

Was that the faintest of pink in her cheeks? She seem flustered by his praise, Lenneth looking away from him. His smile widened, Lezard liking that he could affect her in this manner.

“You don’t think it is strange?” She asked, still not looking at him. “That a Valkyrie could care about the mortals so?”

“Strange? No. Endearing is more like it.”

“Lord Odin would have said it interferes with my ability to do my job as Chooser of the slain…” Lenneth murmured.

“But I am not Odin, nor do I hold his antiquated notions about what a Valkyrie should and should not be.” Lezard pointed out. “Your sister Silmeria cared for the humans too…” Lenneth turned startled then. “I wager it was just one more reason for Odin’s disappointment in her.”

“Yes, that would disappoint him.” Lenneth agreed. “He would not like it if I or Hrist shared in any of Silmeria’s traits. Not after her rebellion against him….”

“There is a new Lord now. And I do not mind you softening towards the other races.” Lezard continued to smile warmly at her. She stayed flustered, Lenneth fidgeting as she looked everywhere but at Lezard. He had to hold back his laughter at her reactions, finding she was cuter than he had ever expected.

“You don’t think it a weakening if I do?” She asked at last.

“Not at all.” Lezard quickly assured her. “If anything, it makes you a more approachable Goddess.”

“This comes down to feelings again, doesn’t it?” Lenneth demanded. “Do you think that because I care for the humans, I will come to care for you?”

“If you come to care for me, it will have nothing to do with the humans and all to do with the person I am. I hope to appeal to you on a deeper level than that of the concern you show for the people of Midgard.” He dared to reach out to her, trying for another touch. Wonders of wonders she allowed it, though he felt the slightest of trembles go through her as he laid his hand on her cheek. “You will love me, not for what I do to the Gods and the mortals, but for the person that I am.”

Lenneth seemed to shiver in response, staring at him with a hard to read look in her eyes. But she didn’t set about to refusing his claims, and that to Lezard was yet another positive sign that she was starting to soften towards him. The ice she kept around her like a shield was melting, slowly but surely. It was faster progress than he had dared to believe in, Lezard feeling like he was succeeding in the impossible. Lenneth would soon be his, in every way that mattered.