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OSVP	By : LotornoMiko Category: +S through Z > Valkyrie Profile Views: 1214 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Valkyrie Profile or the charcters from it. I make no money off of the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-OSVP
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Eleven
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 27-Twenty Seven
- 28-Twenty Eight
- 29-Twenty Nine
- 30-Thirty
- 31-Thirty One
- 32-Thirty Two
- 33-Thirty Three
- 34-Thirty Four
- 35-Thirty Five
- 36-Thirty Six
- 37-Thirty Seven
- 38-Thirty Eight
- 39-Thirty Nine
- 29
- 30
- 31
Much of her day had been spent with the sorceress, Lenneth getting to know Mystina just a little better. Mystina had made an effort to be nice to the Valkyrie, all smiles and friendly talk that could not quite hide the sly, calculating look in the sorceress' eyes. Lenneth was sure Mystina was up to something, that the sorceress had ulterior motives that extended beyond earning Lenneth's forgiveness.
That suited Lenneth just fine. After all, she too had her own motives for cultivating a friendship with the sorceress. She wanted knowledge almost as badly as Mystina did, though their interest was in two opposing directions. Mystina was eager to learn about the heavens, to learn about divinity. She wanted to recreate it, to learn the key to making one immortal.
Lenneth did not think she could help Mystina out with that, regardless of what she knew and did not know about the subject. But Lenneth pretended to indulge her, going so far as to allow Mystina to take a sample of hair from her head. She thought it harmless, Lenneth assuming Mystina would in no way be able to discover the key to immortality through a single strand of her hair.
They had talked about a great many things, topics ranging from the upcoming wedding, to the alliance forged between Asgard and Nifleheim. Lenneth had been especially interested in that, hoping to steer the topic in a way that would reveal something she could use against the Goddess Hel. Unfortunately for Lenneth, Mystina either did not know anything valuable, or was too good at guarding her words. Lenneth had yet to decide which one it was, and was more than a little put out to have wasted a day without learning anything of value.
Lenneth supposed though it was better than doing nothing, or wandering aimlessly about the castle. She had NOTHING to do with her time, and no real friends to wile away the hours with. Nor had she wanted to return to her temporary quarters, especially with the memories still so prevalent of the mishap that had occurred between Lenneth and her betrothed.
It had been a welcome relief when Mystina had suggested they go into the city. Lenneth had all but jumped at the chance, all eager smiles as she agreed to visit the small laboratory Mystina kept inside a private house located a quarter mile from the castle. There was a public laboratory inside the castle, in addition to the one inside Lezard's private workshop, but Mystina like so many of the other mages preferred keeping to herself when it came to her work and research.
Lenneth had been very curious, carefully looking over the experiments that lay out in plain sight. There had been no bodies, but the Valkyrie wouldn't have been surprised if Mystina had another room with the more dangerous and depraved experiments hidden away. If such a room existed, Mystina made no mention of it. Instead the sorceress had been proud, near boasting as she showed off her work. Lenneth would even get to see the chamber that allowed Mystina to separate her soul from her body, the device that allowed the sorceress to astral project herself.
Mystina never allowed Lenneth a moment by herself in the laboratory. Even as she showed off, the soceress was careful, determined not to have any of her work stolen. Lenneth was inwardly disappointed, thinking there wasn't anything she could really use to make a case against Hel's planned betrayal. But she played at being polite, interested as Mystina set off to examine Lenneth's hair at length.
That strand of hair was currently in a rectangular glass case, floating in some kind of neon green liquid. Lenneth had not really understood the things Mystina said that single strand of hair could show her. What did a former Goddess know of DNA and molecular structures?
They would not return to the castle until well into evening. It was near the end of the day's dinner, and many of the nobles were still gathered inside the dining room. That included Lezard, the man rising to his feet, his expression displeased as he gazed at just who was besides Lenneth. Mystina took it all in good stride, cheerfully announcing their arrival with greetings for everyone present.
That included Lezard, Mystina making a flippant comment that nearly drove the man to scowl. "Oh do wipe that sour look off your face lest you give yourself wrinkles before the wedding."
"I do not have wrinkles." Lezard grumbled in protest.
"You will if you keep worrying." Mystina shot back. She took her seat amidst her usual group of admirers, though the women were restraining themselves from making demands at the moment. They were too busy looking back and forth from their Lord and the sorceress, intent on every word exchanged.
Others had risen, the men and women paying their respects to the former Goddess as she made her way to the head of the table. Lezard had one last glare for Mystina, before he turned to look at Lenneth. His smile was strained, the tension in him apparent as he reached for Lenneth's hand. She tried not to stiffen in response, tried not to overreact to that simple touch of his.
"Lenneth..." Lezard bent, bringing her hand up so he could brush a kiss over her knuckles. "Your presence here is a welcome bit of light."
"Thank you." Lenneth said, relieved when she could take back her hand. It had actually started to tremble in response to the kiss Lezard had given her, Lenneth hoping no one else had noticed that betraying reaction.
"I understand you've been with Mystina for most of the day." A question was in Lezard's eyes, the man not sitting down until after Lenneth had taken her seat.
"Yes. She was very kind, very informative."
"Informative?" Lezard exclaimed, and Mystina laughed.
"Relax Lezard. I told her nothing that would put you in a bad light. Lady Lenneth and I were merely having some girl talk, getting to know each other and what not."
Lezard didn't look pleased to hear that, his lips parting as though he would demand further explanations.
"It was really just things about the wedding." Lenneth quickly explained. A servant was bringing a plate to her, the day's dinner piled on it. "I've never been to a wedding before." She added, many of the women present reacting startled to that confession. "I was not sure what would happen, what would be expected of me."
"And Mystina filled you in?" Lezard asked. He didn't look like he trusted what the sorceress would have told his betrothed.
"Yes." Lenneth nodded. "The ceremony won't be as overwhelming as it could have been for me."
"Ah...of course. I should have prepared you myself." Lezard looked chagrined.
"You've been busy." Lenneth told him.
"I still should have taken the time for you!" He protested. "I just hadn't realized that you have had no experience with that which the rest of us take for granted." He put a hand over hers, giving it a squeeze. "I won't make that same mistake again."
"There's no need." Mystina spoke up. "I can tell Lenneth whatever she needs to know."
"Somehow I don't trust your motives for doing that." Lezard grumbled.
Mystina fluttered her eyelashes, almost pouting at him. "Am I so untrustworthy that you have to fear my every word, every action?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Lezard demanded.
The pout deepened, Mystina trying for a wide eyed, innocent look. "So cruel. When I have done nothing but try to make myself be of service to you."
A man started coughing, caught in mid laugh as he choked on his food. Randolf immediately began pounding his fist on the man's back, trying to help him calm down. "Sorry." The man said, a sickly smile on his face. "I must have swallowed too much."
"I understand you left the castle today, my lady." Sameer smiled kindly at Lenneth, ignoring what had just happened. "Did you and Mystina take in the sights of our fair city?"
"No, not exactly." Lenneth admitted. "Mystina was kind enough to show me to her private laboratory." A low murmur of surprise from those present, leaving Lenneth to frown. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh no!" Sameer quickly assured her. "There is no fault with you."
And yet everyone was looking surprised, several people whispering to each other. Lezard took it upon himself to explain the reaction, frowning all the while. "It is rare for a mage to invite someone to their workshop. It's practically unheard of for Mystina to do it."
"Oh?"
Mystina smiled, still trying for that innocent look. "I saw no harm in showing the lady my work. It is good to have my efforts be appreciated for once."
Lezard fixed her with a steely eyed glare. "I don't believe you did this out of any desire to be appreciated."
"Oh my Lezard. Are you implying I had an ulterior motive for inviting Lenneth to my laboratory?"
"I know you must have." Lezard retorted. He did a quick glance at Lenneth before resuming his glaring at Mystina. "I'll have you remember what I told you. I will not allow you to do anything untoward towards Lenneth, research be damned."
"I did nothing without the lady's consent." Snapped Mystina. Lenneth saw that only made Lezard worried, the man's jaw clenching tighter.
"Lenneth, what did she do to you?"
The demanding tone almost made her not want to answer. But her rebellious streak was squashed by the outright concern Lezard was showing her. "Nothing bad." Lenneth finally said. "She merely took a strand of my hair to study."
"So you can see Lezard, you are overreacting for nothing." Mystina's tone was insolent then.
"You go too far Mystina." grumbled Lezard. Lenneth saw the look Lezard gave Mystina. It spoke strongly of the words he would have with the sorceress, once they were free of an audience.
"That is nothing new." Muttered Randolf, quickly sipping at his drink.
The mood at the table had turned uneasy, the people present picking nervously at their plates. Lezard could hardly relax besides her, Lenneth noting how tense he still was. She inwardly sighed, and forced herself to touch his hand. That touch drew his attention to her, the look in his eyes one of surprise.
"I am fine." Lenneth assured him, her tone soft. "I would not allow Mystina, or anyone else to take advantage and hurt me."
"You can be used without realizing it." Lezard whispered back to her. That got Lenneth to abruptly pull her hand away, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
"Do you think me a child?" She demanded, voice still so soft that only Lezard could hear her. "That I am so naive as to not know when people are trying to use me?"
"No...I do not think of you as a child in anyway." Lezard quickly assured her. "But you are innocent in some respects, your time in the heavens surely have not prepared you for the likes of such as the sorceress."
"There is much I can admit to not knowing." Lenneth said. "But I need the chance to learn, even if that learning comes through experiencing betrayal."
"This is one betrayal you do not want nor need." Lezard warned. "You should stay away from Mystina. She does not have your best interests at heart."
"And you do?" challenged Lenneth. She tried not to feel sorry for him at the hurt look Lezard wore in response to her words.
"I know I've made a mess of things..." He began with a sigh. "But despite what has happened, I still do want what is best for you. I want to protect you, to guide you, to help you adapt to your new life and world. I cannot say the same for Mystina. Not knowing what I know."
"And that is what?" Lenneth asked, eyes intent on his. He opened and closed his mouth, as though debating what to say to her. "Lezard?" Again she reached to touch his hand, expression urgent. "I won't stay away from her if I don't have a real reason to."
"Now is not the time to speak of her threats." Lezard caught her hand before she could draw it away. "Lenneth...please...a moment of your time. Away from here, away from them."
"You want to speak to me alone?" Her heart slammed into her chest, a powerful surge of distress filling her. It was too soon, too soon to go anywhere with him. Too soon to go away from the safety of the others, too soon to endure another moment alone with him.
And yet she knew she had to master these reactions to him. She didn't have the luxury of time, Lenneth expecting to marry Lezard come tomorrow. She didn't have time to get over any silly worries and fears she had about being alone with him. And yet she wanted to put it off, to keep from being hurt again. It did not matter what Mystina's true motive was, not when Lenneth herself sought to use the sorceress to further her own ends.
But as much as she wanted to protect herself in avoiding Lezard, Lenneth knew she could not. She had a mission, self appointed though it was. She had to get close to him, had to foster a trust that would trick Lezard into revealing things, damning evidence of Hel's planned betrayal. She had to get close, risk herself and her heart in the process. It was the only way left to her, especially since it appeared Mystina did not know anything of value.
"All right." She said at last, bowing her head. "But only for a moment."
"Thank you." His eyes looked relived, Lezard rising from his seat. He was still holding onto her hand, drawing Lenneth up with him. The people at the table also rose, curious looks in their eyes as to what their Lord was doing. "If you will excuse us...I would have a moment with my betrothed."
"Stealing her away from us already?" Mystina's smile was a teasing one. "Could you not wait until after the wedding for that moment?"
"Do not begrudge him for the want to be with his lady." chastised Randolf. "Once we retire for the evening, he will not be allowed to see her until tomorrow's ceremony is under way."
"We will be gone only for a few moments." Lezard assured them. "There is some matters I would like to discuss with Lenneth..."
"Oh matters. Is that what you're calling it?" Louville's grin made Lenneth blush, the former Goddess trailing after Lezard as he led her past the table.
"Louville, don't be rude!" admonished Sameer. Whatever Louville's retort to that was, it was lost, the dining room doors closing behind them. Lenneth continued to blush, wondering how much Louville's insinuation had to do with Lezard's drunken late night visit.
"Do they all know about what happened?" She asked, as Lezard led her towards an empty room. "About last night, and what nearly happened?"
He waited until he closed the doors before answering, Lezard saying. "Not really."
"Not really?" She frowned. "And that means what exactly?"
"Louville was among the six present during last night's drinking. They all...encouraged me to go see you." Her expression was surely aghast, Lenneth staring at him in dismay. "Do not worry. They are of the utmost in discretion!"
"Louville's comment didn't seem very discrete to me!" Lenneth pointed out.
"That was wrong of him. But he will not betray you or us. Frankly I'd be surprised if he could even remember half of what was said the night before, so heavy was his drink!"
"Somehow hearing that doesn't inspire much confidence." Lenneth muttered.
"I want to apologize again." Lezard said, seeming sincere in his regret. "I had no right to call on you the way I did. No right to try and force myself on you, to make demands of you." She said nothing to that, not even to voice agreement or chastise him. Lezard seemed to grow agitated in response, lifting a hand to run it through his hair. "Will you not say anything?"
"What is it you want me to say?" She asked. "I don't think I can forgive you. Not now, not yet."
"Then when?"
Lenneth gave an elegant shrug of her shoulders. "I do not know. What you did was extremely hurtful. It's not the kind of hurt that can be easily mended by words alone."
"Then what must I do to prove I am sorry?" Lezard asked. "Just say the word, and it will be done!"
"It's not that easy. You hurt me, trampled on my trust, took advantage of the weakness that has been forced upon me." Lenneth looked away. "If you hadn't passed out when you did..."
"We'd have been lovers." Lezard finished for her. His tone was hoarse, sounding like his voice was breaking. He was not as pleased by the thought of being her lover as Lenneth had expected, and that surprised her. Lenneth told him as much, Lezard surprising her yet again with the raw honestly of his words and expression. "There would be no joy after the act, not if my pleasure came at the expense of your feelings and trust."
"Do my feelings really matter to you that much?" Lenneth asked him.
"Of course they do!" He seemed insulted then. "Whatever I may have done, may have attempted to do, I've always valued you and your feelings. But I am just a man, prone to making mistakes..."
"Especially once you've had too much to drink." Lezard seemed to flush at that reminder.
"I never should have drank Randolf's brew." He muttered. "It made all my good sense be thrown to the wind."
"You weren't drunk when you tried to kiss me in your workshop." Lenneth reminded him.
"Ah..." He seemed uncomfortable then. "I wouldn't have taken it farther than a kiss."
"Wouldn't you?"
"Not before we were married at least." Lezard allowed himself a thin smile. "It wouldn't have been proper to try for anything more."
Lenneth couldn't help shivering. There in lie the horrible truth of the matter. He was restraining himself, only because they hadn't been officially wed. Once the ceremony happened, and Lenneth was bound to him as wife, Lezard would have his demands met. He would expect things of her, things she never wanted to give. Things she couldn't afford to do, not without damage being done to her heart by Odin's enchantment.
She felt ill in the moment, her skin's color leeching from her face. Lezard made a sound, a saying of her name, as he took a step towards her. She backed up, and nearly fell over, having hit what felt like a table. Lezard moved faster than she gave him credit for, his arms suddenly around her, keeping Lenneth upright. It was startling to suddenly be in his arms, to be embraced by him. Her eyes had widened, the sick feeling increasing as she stared into his amethyst colored eyes.
Lezard's face was so near to hers, Lenneth feared he would try to kiss her again. She immediately placed her hands on his shirt, pushing against his chest to get away. For one brief moment his arms tightened around her, and then Lezard was reluctantly letting go. Lenneth backed up again, finding a seat and promptly taking it. Lezard stood a few feet away, staring at her with a hurt look in his eyes.
"What have I done now?" He asked softly.
"Nothing...nothing yet." She finally admitted. He arched a brow, then understanding dawned in his eyes.
"You fear the future." Lezard breathed out. Lenneth didn't react in anyway, just staring at him. "Am I that distasteful to you, that even the mere thought of what will happen after our wedding, has you bolting?"
"You are hardly distasteful to me!" Lenneth admitted, too pale to blush properly. "It might be easier if you were. But this enchantment I am under, it gives me no chance to make up my mind about you. It tries to force me to have feelings for you. This is not right, not right at all!" She brought a hand to her mouth, closing her eyes. "I should have been given a CHOICE." Lenneth finally said, eyes snapping open to fix him with the full extent of her misery. "I should have had that right. The right to decide about you for myself, to see if you were worthy of loving. Instead I am left with no chance, no defense against love, my heart's fate sealed the moment you kissed me awake!"
"Lenneth..."
"It's not any fault of your own..." She continued over him. "It was Odin's decision, my punishment for failing my King. I...perhaps it was wrong of me to fight the enchantment upon awakening. But I never imagined how painful it would be, to exist in this half state, fighting with the feelings his enchantment tries to manufacture within me!"
For some reason a look very much like guilt crossed Lezard's face. But Lenneth couldn't understand why he would wear such an expression. He wasn't the one who had done this to her, wasn't the one who had given her the love potion. The chance of her being here was just that...chance. A fluke of fate, where another Valkyrie might have been given to him had Lenneth never failed against Brahms.
And yet Lezard was visibly distressed, struggling with something. She couldn't guess what that something could be. Was he really that conflicted by her own torture? Why should he even care? They were all but strangers to one another. Her pain, her conflicting feelings should mean nothing to him ultimately.
"I know it is useless at this point to wish for things to be another way." Lenneth continued.
"But you still wish for it anyway." Lezard said, and she nodded.
"I don't know if I could have loved you without the enchantment." Lenneth admitted. "You are hardly anything like a Valkyrie's ideal man."
He gave her a humorless smile. "I did not realize Valkyries had an ideal where men were concerned."
"Most Valkyrie do not want to retire." Lenneth told him. "Ever. But, if we must, there is a certain ideal we strive for. A certain kind of man we hope for."
"And I suppose a magic using, worshipper of Hel is not that kind of man?"
"Not at all." Lenneth agreed. "Once I would have struck you down just for who you allied with. I wouldn't have wanted to take the chance to get to know you, to see the qualities you possess beyond your necromancy." She sighed. "It would not matter to me how kind you are, how friendly you've been to me, how patient. I think I would have hated you completely. I certainly would have not given you a chance to prove yourself to be something more than a worshipper of a cruel goddess."
He was saying nothing to that, just giving Lenneth his complete attention. "Most of the Valkyrie would have been the same way. There is no doubt in my mind that if Odin intends to gift more of Hel's followers with Valkyries for brides, the love spell will have to be used."
"The hatred is that strong?"
"The distrust is." Lenneth corrected him. "This sudden alliance won't just put an end to centuries of animosity between our two kingdoms. The Valkyries won't forget so easily the wrongs committed by Hel and her followers. There is a long way to go before a true peace can be found...if that is even possible..." She studied him then, a curious look in her eyes. "You've evaded often the reasons behind Odin's agreement to this alliance with your Goddess. Will you continue to do so?"
"Hel and Odin both have things the other wants. It is a want that has driven them to ally."
"That is not a good enough answer for me." Lenneth told him.
"It is the only one I can give you." Lezard said, to Lenneth's frustration. "I know it must not be satisfactory. You've had to give up so much, and you don't even understand why! But you have to, must believe that by being here, you are accomplishing something. Something that will benefit Odin in the long run."
"Benefit? How?"
"I cannot know for sure." Lezard shrugged. "But I believe your King will not squander this opportunity the alliance I have made for him, for them, gives him."
"If Odin is one thing, it is he is an opportunist when it comes to gaining an advantage." Lenneth agreed.
"He would not be the only one."
"Who do you mean?" Lenneth asked, and Lezard grimaced.
"Mystina."
"Ah the sorceress..." Lenneth said. "Just what is it you were trying to tell me in the dining room? The things you did not want to say in front of everyone?"
"Mystina is..." He hesitated so long, Lenneth thought Lezard wasn't going to answer her. "She can be dangerous."
"Can be?"
"I've taken measure to neutralize her, but a tiger never really loses it's claws." Lezard said with a grimace. "She's a little too interested in you Lenneth. I'd advise against going anywhere with her..."
"As if she could hurt me." Lenneth scoffed.
"She could try!" Lezard's eyes blazed, the man taking a step towards Lenneth. "She is obsessed with you."
"With me?" Her eyes widened in surprise.
"In what you are, what you were. She thinks to study you, as if she could somehow find some secret out."
"I already know all that." Lenneth interrupted him. "She wants to try and figure out how to replicate my immortality, maybe even see if a mortal can be made into a God."
"And she'll go to any length to get the answers to those questions of hers! Lenneth...this is serious. She wants to experiment on you...This goes beyond a mere study of your hair. If she can, she'll do unspeakable things, horrible things..."
"If she tries to hurt me, I will kill her." Lenneth told him, holding his gaze with her own. Her words had not appeased him, Lezard shaking his head.
"You may not get a chance to act against her before she has you strapped down to her table!" She started to protest, and Lezard held up his hand for silence. "Yes, you are a capable fighter, but she has magic on her side. You are mortal now, and all too susceptible to her tricks. Please...for your safety, and my peace of mind. Stay away from her!"
Lenneth did not immediately promise him anything. Instead she arched an eyebrow, curious. "Are you not interested in those same things? Does not my former divinity make you curious?"
He was aghast. "I would never seek to experiment on you, to do the things Mystina would do in order to satisfy a curiosity she has no right to."
"Then you are infinitely wiser than the sorceress." Lenneth said.
"Of that there was never any doubt." Lezard told her.
In a different time, a different place Lenneth might have smiled in response. But her smiles were rarely given since her sister had been taken, and Lenneth herself punished so thoroughly for that failure. "Am I in danger from any others?"
He hesitated. "I would like to hope no others would dare attempt the lengths of depravity that Mystina would..."
"But you are unsure." Lenneth noted, then sighed. "None of this inspires confidence in me about the people who would follow Hel as their Goddess."
"We've never had access to a Valkyrie before. Let alone one that has been rendered mortal. But you are mine, under my protection. That alone would be enough for many to not dare make a move against you." A bland smile from him. "They simply fear what form my vengeance would take if my betrothed was harmed."
"Ah but that does not include Mystina." Lenneth tried not to be affected by his words, to not feel flattered that Lezard would become vengeful if something were to happen to her. Nor did she allow herself to feel anger at the thought of needing his, of needing ANY man's protection. In this world, or any other.
"Not Mystina." He agreed.
"She is either very brave, or very stupid." Lenneth announced. "I've not yet decided which."
"She is foolish. Reckless and ambitious, which is a bad combination." Lezard told her. "She wants so badly to earn Queen Hel's recognition. There is little she won't do towards that goal."
"If she is such a threat, you should neutralize her." Advised Lenneth.
"If I...dispose of Mystina, I would have to dispose of a third of the people in Flenceburg!" Lezard exclaimed. "There are more like her...there always will be more. People lusting for power, prestige, wealth and anything you can imagine. Queen Hel's rule is such, that it breeds malice and greed. People conspiring against one another, waiting for the chance to betray, to seize power from those who have it."
"It's not a very peaceful way to live." Lenneth shuddered. But she wasn't surprised. Hel thrived on adversity, on being a corrupting influence. She thrilled to making mortals corrupt, enjoying the sins they committed, and the price she exacted for their misdeeds. Setting up a whole system where those in power had to constantly watch their backs, to guard themselves against those who lusted zealously for their positions, was very much in fashion with the underworld's queen. Hel had always loved those that were ambitious, those that would damn themselves to realize their dark desires.
"No, it is not." Agreed Lezard, his voice and expression both tired. Lenneth gazed at him, realizing he was at the top of the world where Hel's power structure was concerned. That position was a precarious one at best, Lezard must have to constantly guard against people like Mystina who wanted to topple him from his perch.
"How do you stand it?" Lenneth asked at last. He did not pretend to misunderstand her, merely adjusting his glasses as he considered her question.
"I try to take it a day at a time. It's all I can do. With my position, there is no where else for me to go but down. And that is a plunge I will not go easily to." An odd twist of his lips, neither smirk nor smile. "But it is tiring to be constantly on guard. To always have to wonder just who will try to replace me next. Many are not like Mystina...they are not so vocal with their envy."
It still sounded like a terrible way to live to Lenneth. "Are you not sick of it all?"
"I am." His easy admission surprised her. "But what else can I do to change things?"
She really didn't know how to answer that question. "Do you have anyone you can truly trust? Or is even those friendships you share, simply lies?"
A shrug from him. "I cannot know what is in the true hearts of those I would call friend. Perhaps even they seek to usurp me from my seat."
It was foreign concept not to be able to trust anyone. Lenneth had had her sisters, the other Valkyries, even the einherjar to place her trust in. But Lezard, he had no one. And that gave Lenneth an insight to him. It was no wonder he wasn't so quick with his feelings, so easy to feel something more for her than an attempt at friendship. He had probably never had a meaningful relationship with anyone, not even the Goddess he so worshipped.
Lezard had always been on guard, always watchful for the next betrayal. He probably never truly relaxed. Something inside Lenneth was stirring, a deep sympathy for him filling her. Along with guilt, Lenneth realizing that even she was someone he could not truly trust. Not when she plotted to betray him in order to find proof of Hel's deception to Odin.
It distressed her, because Lenneth was finding she wanted to be that safe heaven for Lezard. To be the one person he could let his guard down with. And yet she couldn't truly be that person, not with what she planned to do. Nor could she abandon her plan, even if her heart so enchanted by love, told her too. She was simply that determined to return to her old life, to become a Valkyrie once more. This time with Lezard was meant to be nothing but an unpleasant memory, one she thought she'd be able to bury once cured of Odin's love spell.
"You look troubled my lady." Lezard said. "Does it distress you so, my circumstance?"
"Yes." Admitted Lenneth with a nod. "I cannot imagine living a life so utterly devoid of trust."
"I suppose it is as foreign a concept as the thought of being able to truly trust someone is to me." Lezard told her. "Do not look so disheartened Lenneth. I am used to it."
"You shouldn't have to be!" She protested.
"It doesn't change the reality of my situation." He said.
"It's no way to live." Lenneth shook her head no, frowning.
"Maybe so. But I've little choice in the matter. To begin to trust now would ultimately be my downfall." He gave her a shrewd look. "You would do well to guard against trusting so easily yourself."
"Does that apply to you too?" Lenneth demanded, more than a little defensive in the moment.
"I would like it if you trusted me, but after what I've told you, I don't expect you to. Especially not to a man who can't afford to trust back." Lezard explained. "But know that above anyone else in Flenceburg, I alone have your best interests at heart."
"Because we are to be married?"
He seemed to hesitate before answering. "Yes."
She sighed. "That's not a good enough reason to give you my trust."
"Then...think of it this way. Your King, Odin. He entrusted your care to me. I would be a fool to neglect a gift from a God, even one I do not actively worship as my own."
She frowned at him. "I think I'll be more curse than blessing to you."
"You are wrong about that." Lezard argued. But he wouldn't say why he was so certain about that. "You are a treasure, Lenneth. The greatest gift I have ever been given."
"Even more so than your kingdom and your wealth?" Lenneth asked, surprised at how much value he put on her. He nodded, allowing a small smile to cross his face. "I did not think a follower of Hel would find a Valkyrie all that valuable. Especially one who has a reputation for not wanting to be tied down by a woman." That last was said almost teasingly, Lezard turning flustered.
"I'm glad I never married. For it left me free for you." She tried not to be, but Lenneth grew flattered at those simple words.
"Maybe it's just the enchantment...or maybe you just have a way with words...But you certainly know how to flatter a woman."
"I'm not trying to be flattering in the moment." Lezard protested. "I am simply speaking the truth."
"And that might be the most flattering of all!" Lenneth pointed out.
Lezard was still flustered, fingers fidgeting with his glasses. "The wedding is tomorrow. Are you truly prepared for it?"
"I am as ready as I will ever be." Lenneth sighed then.
"It will be a busy day." Lezard warned her. "Even after the ceremony is completed, there will be expectations of us..."
"Yes. Everyone will want a moment of our time. It sounds utterly exhausting, the celebrating that will follow." She tried not to grimace, Lenneth not looking forward to the parties that would follow the ceremony.
"We mortals do like an excuse to party." Lezard told her with a smile. "And it has been too long since we've had a reason to celebrate."
"Just...just try not to celebrate too heavily." Lenneth advised him.
"I won't. I've learned my lesson where drink is concerned." He grimaced. "I will take care. You needn't fear another drunken repeat of last night."
That was only a small relief, for Lenneth was fearing their wedding night regardless of Lezard's state of mind. Her nerves only increased as the minutes sped by, Lenneth knowing the hour of their joining was getting closer and closer with every second they spent talking. Lenneth feared she'd be a bundle of nerves before tomorrow night came, and knew not how to distract herself.
"Lenneth..."
"The others will surely be curious about our long absence." She said abruptly, rising from her seat. "We should return to the dining room."
"Ah...of course." Lezard agreed, and offered her his arm. Lenneth hesitated a moment before taking it. Somehow she managed not to tremble or shy away from their close proximity to one another. It wasn't an impressive feat, but it was a small victory, Lenneth managing to school her reactions in response to his nearness. To any who looked at them, they would never be able to tell Lenneth was affected by her nearness to Lezard.
They walked in relative silence to the dining room. But they did not go immediately inside, Lezard pausing them. "Lenneth...for what it is worth. I am sorry."
"Sorry?"
"For everything." His brow furrowed, his eyes looking troubled. "It is not an easy situation I've put you in. I know you could have done better with a match in another kingdom...but I..."
He had gone silent, Lenneth looking at him quizzically. "Oh Lezard. Do not blame yourself for this. It was not you who made the decision I come here. You have nothing to apologize for in regard to my King's decree." But he didn't look relieved by her words. If anything Lezard appeared more guilty and frustrated. Lenneth couldn't imagine what was troubling him.
"Lenneth I..."
Suddenly the doors opened, servants hurrying past them on errands. The loud voices of the diners carried out into the hall, Lezard grimacing as he abruptly stopped what he had been trying to say. Lenneth gave him one last look, before glancing into the dining room. It appeared everyone was looking at them, all smiles and curiosity a they waited for their Lord and lady to rejoin them at the table.
Lezard would sigh, and guide Lenneth into the room. He would make no further effort to continue the self blame he had been exhibiting just outside the room's doors. Lenneth hoped that meant he was relieved of any guilt he felt he played in her arrival in Flenceburg. She couldn't imagine why he would feel the need to blame himself, not when any Valkyrie could have come to him. It was just Lenneth's own misfortune that had brought her here, the Valkyrie punished by her King for the failure to save her sister.
Lenneth tried not to think about Silmeria, not wanting to go into a painful brooding about her sister's fate. She'd lose herself instead to talking with those seated near to her, occasionally sneaking side glances at Lezard. He still looked uneasy, expression troubled. But Lenneth couldn't understand why! Nor did she know how to alleviate him of his troubles, the Valkryie knowing she had concerns of her own. Ones that would plague her now, and well into the night. Try as she might, Lenneth had a feeling she would not be sleeping easy in the coming hours.
Argh! This was a chapter that did not want to end. It just went on and on and on. X_X Now I have to write a wedding. *cries* The two things I am so burnt out on is writing wars and weddings. Erg...Hope it doesn't suck.
To be Continued...
Michelle
- 29
- 30
- 31
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