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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
- 37
- 38
- 39
It had been the most excruciating of days. Tiring and trying, Lezard's patience had been tested to it's limits. By both the people around him, and the rituals they had insisted he take part in. From the early morning bath in cold waters, to being surrounded by a group who had clearly indulged in ten drinks too many, to the never ending celebrating that continued even now. It was a celebration that would last well into morning, and even once the official party ended, others would start. Some might go as far as to spend the week celebrating, using his wedding to Lenneth as an excuse to take an extended holiday. Others, such as those of the common class, would not be able to afford such a luxury. Not when there was work to be done, and wages that needed to be earned.

Lezard himself would not be able to truly relax. He was the administrator of Hel's schemes, and as such he had many things to over see. From triple checking to make sure the warehouses were stock full with preserved foods, to outfitting every last man and woman with the armor and the weapons necessary for fighting Hel's war. Even the medicines that would stave off Hel's plague had been left up to Lezard. Those were just some of his official duties, Lezard having agendas that were secret to all save for Odin. In the coming days, Lezard would have a fine balance to maintain. He'd have to all but juggle to appease both his Queen and the God he was betraying her with.

It was a lot of work, and a lot of worry to deal with. But more than that, it would prove time consuming. Lezard would be in demand, and not just to the deities he worked under, but to the people around him. He would have to reassure, and offer advice, make life and death decisions for a great many people. The pressure would mount, his deceptions becoming more intricate as the inevitable war drew closer to occurring. If anything, it seemed the absolute worse time to take a bride. Especially a bride like Lenneth, whose heart had yet to be won.

Lezard feared he wouldn't have nearly enough time to devote to Lenneth as he would have liked. Not when the mage was at the beck and call of both Hel and Odin. He not only had to keep both happy, he had to safeguard the heavens from his Queen's grasping hands. Even worse, Lezard had to do it in such a way as for the queen to never realize he was betraying her. It was more than just his life that was at stake, more than just the fate of his soul now. Lenneth herself would be in danger, should the cruel Goddess ever realize how much Lezard valued his wife. He could endure all manners of torments, but one thing Lezard could not abide was the thought of Lenneth suffering at Hel's hands. Especially when the suffering was one he would be directly responsible for!

His feelings for Lenneth complicated things. Had complicated them from the moment he had first seen her. Lezard had wanted salvation when he had first been sent on Hel's errand to Asgard. He had been determined to gain Odin's promise in that endeavor, but that had all changed with the glimpsing of platinum hair and piercing blue eyes. Lezard hadn't realized it then, but some part of him had been love struck by the mere sight of Lenneth. The urge to possess had guided him, Lezard brokering a deal that could be described as foolish at best. He had wanted her so strongly, Lezard had been willing to do anything, even give up eternity, to gain her.

The feelings that had started on the plains of Idavoll had only grown stronger once Lenneth had arrived in Flenceburg. Until Lezard could no longer deny what they meant, the mage love sick and damning himself for placing Lenneth in so vulnerable a position. Guilt consumed him, Lezard sure Lenneth would never have been in danger if not for his own desires. His desires had cast her out of the heavens, had made her mortal. Those same desires might draw unwanted attention to the former Goddess, Hel and even other agents of hers eyeing Lenneth. Looking for a way to use her against Lezard.

She was and would continue to be in danger. They'd live out their lives surrounded by enemies who waited eagerly for an opportunity Lezard refused to present them with. He would do almost anything to play indifferent to his bride. It would hurt them both, Lenneth having proven quite vocal on what she would and would not tolerate from the one who would gain her heart. She wanted love. Wanted her feelings returned, even if the love she felt had been manufactured by her King's spell. Lezard wanted to give himself back to her, to hand over his heart to her safe keeping. But he wouldn't dare. Not when so much was at risk. At best Lezard could only offer Lenneth a kind of friendship, and even that might be risking too much.

It was simply the sad truth that Lezard could never tell Lenneth how he truly felt about her. But he couldn't stop the love in his heart, his thoughts focused on Lenneth. On seeing to her safety and her happiness. On being there for her, in ways that had nothing to do with his duty as her husband, and everything to do with the affection he held for her. And maybe, just maybe, she would someday realize the things he could not say. The love he could never truly express.

These were thoughts Lezard had near continuously. Repeating over and over, worries and regrets, Lezard wishing he had been a less selfish man. A man who would have been able to look at Lenneth, and not want to the point he'd bring ruin upon her through thoughtless actions. Lezard knew now when he had brokered that deal with Odin, that he hadn't been thinking beyond the feelings stirred within him. That he hadn't considered the troubles he would place Lenneth in, how he would weaken her and himself by bringing her down from her lofty perch up in the heavens.

Sometimes, however, he thought none of that would have mattered in the moment. And all because Lezard had wanted Lenneth so badly then and now. What was one more sin, to a man already damned? A man who would gladly go to Hel's tortures, if it meant he could have a slice of his own paradise with Lenneth as his bride? That kind of thinking worried Lezard most of all. And all because it wouldn't allow him a definitive answer, Lezard not knowing what he would have done if given the chance to do things over.

Nor could he completely put the past behind him. There was too many lies, too many deceptions and manipulations. Especially of Lenneth, Lezard painfully aware of how his actions had orchestrated her fate. Lenneth believed she was being punished, cast aside for her failure to save her sister from the vampires. It was Odin's own private joke, the God surely laughing at them both. Delighting in the torments caused by Lenneth's beliefs. The beliefs set them both up for failure, the relationship doomed should Lenneth ever learn the truth. Especially if she was not in love with Lezard when, if, the truth came out.

Lezard feared the truth's reveal would end with his heart broken in pieces, Lenneth hating him. Despising him for all he had done. It made him all the more determined to keep the truth from her, even as he ruthlessly pursued her heart. He didn't know yet how to win her love, but Lezard wasn't one to give up so easily. Especially with a prize so valued, Lenneth's love worth more than Lezard's weight in gold.

He had never felt this way about a woman. It was almost as though Lezard was the one under an enchantment. But if he was bespelled, he simply didn't care. The feelings roused in him whenever Lezard thought of, or saw or talked to Lenneth, were too strong to resist. He loved with his entire being, taking the good with the bad, and hoping for the chance to achieve happiness with the woman who held his heart.

Never had he been more aware of the feelings inside him, than this afternoon at the altar. He had been nervous, his thoughts troubling him with their obsessive track of worry. But the instant the doors had opened, admitting Lenneth into the room, his head had gone silent. For that one perfect moment, no thoughts had troubled him, no worries or fears had plagued him. He had merely stared at Lenneth, taken with how beautiful she was. It had been a beauty that made his heart tighten in pain, as though it had hurt to look at Lenneth.

The moment hadn't lasted long enough, before insecurities began whispering through his mind. Lezard could remember thinking he was both damned and blessed in the moment, and even now those thoughts remained. They had stayed with him the whole day, hounding him and limiting his enjoyment of the evening's celebration. Lezard barely tasted the meal he had forced down, and too often had his gaze been riveted onto Lenneth.

He was very much like a puppet, going through the motions of the celebrations. His strings pulled along by the people there, Randolf dragging him into the festivities and merriment of the day. Lezard could vaguely recall taking part in a conjuring contest, using his magics to garner impressed gasps from the watching crowd. Lenneth had been more interested in the wrestling and sword duels. He remembered that much at least.

And then there had been the dancing! Randolf and some woman whose name he could not remember, pulling Lenneth and Lezard apart. There had been other women, all eager to dance with him. All eager to distract him from his bride, all in an attempt to test Lezard's resolve towards his commitment to Lenneth. They needn't have bothered. To Lezard, these women barely existed. He danced with them, but was distracted, his eyes always seeking out Lenneth's form on the crowded floor.

He was always watching her. Marveling at her elegance as she danced, even as Lezard seethed with unnatural jealousy at the men who partnered up with his bride. The dance was a surreal agony, Lezard waiting for the chance to reunite with Lenneth. But always, there was factors working against his desires. The dancers working to keep them apart. How many times had Lezard tried to muscle his way through the crowd, intent on reclaiming his bride only to be caught up by laughing women. Two, even three at a time! They had sensed his impatience, and only delighted in it, keeping him away from Lenneth long enough for Lezard to lose sight of her.

He remembered how the giggling group of girls had tried to make him dizzy with their twirls. Lezard had barely paid attention to their antics, his body moving automatically as he scanned the crowd for his bride. She would be hard to miss, her exotic coloring making her stand out even among other Valkyries. This group of mortals didn't have a hope of hiding her, Lezard spying Lenneth who had been making her way off the dance floor.

He'd watch as Lenneth moved with determined purpose, evading the men's attempts at drawing her back into the dance. Lezard would find himself wishing that he had that same ease, the man finding it difficult to get free of the women who danced around him. Politeness hadn't worked. In the end Lezard had had to be more forceful than the situation merited, his annoyance being betrayed by the harsh words he spoke. The women hadn't laughed then, uneasy as they had realized they had pushed their Lord too far. They were almost quiet then, shuffling out of the way so that Lezard could get free of the dancers.

He had lost sight of Lenneth during his tirade, that brief bit of anger focused on the women around him. Lezard would actually be anxious, searching the large ball room for any sign of his bride. Nearly every step of the way was impeded, people wanting to talk with him. To offer congratulations, and gossip, even speculate about what this marriage meant for the alliance between the two kingdoms. Again Lezard had had to be abrupt, his response curt, near distracted. He had almost resorted to shoving people aside, caring little about the egos he would have to soothe later.

It had soon become apparent Lenneth had left the ball room. It wasn't that big of a surprise, Lezard assuming Lenneth's tolerance for their guests' antics at an end. It was the same with him, Lezard agitated and wanting nothing more than to be alone with his bride. He hadn't deluded himself into thinking she wanted the same. Not with the difficulties existing between them, Lenneth upset and hurting over more than just Lezard's drunken attempts at seduction. He had stepped over a boundary then, doing damage Lezard hope wasn't unfixable.

Failed seduction aside, Lezard understood what Lenneth really wanted. A commitment, and not just the one they had made to each other on this day. She wanted him to pledge his heart to her, or at the very least make the promise to try. But Lezard couldn't even give her that much, too conscious of how his love for her would be used against them both.

He had actually been nervous as he had gone after Lenneth. Walking through halls that had been empty, the guards having snuck away to do some celebrating of their own. He'd chastise them later for the abandonment of their duties, but at that moment he had been glad for the privacy. There was no eyes to watch him, no one to report back on where he had gone, and just who he had been following. The fact that Lenneth and Lezard would be alone this night, was something everyone would know about. But at the very least, they wouldn't be privy to explicit details.

It would take time to find her. Lezard had not dared to presume Lenneth would automatically go to the bedroom they would now share. He'd check several places, including the courtyard, before heading to the wing that was his private sanctum. It was quiet there, the sounds of the ballroom's celebrations not able to penetrate this deep into the castle.

He'd never forget the sight that awaited him, inside his bedroom. Lenneth, seated before his desk, her head bowed into her hands. She had truly looked vulnerable then, a great weariness about her. She hadn't been quite despairing, the Valkyrie too proud for tears. In that moment, Lezard had been grateful for her self discipline, the man knowing he wouldn't have been able to handle it if she had been crying.

Even with Lenneth doing nothing more than just sitting there, it had been difficult. Lezard had not known what to say to her, standing there long enough in the doorway, that it had been Lenneth who had broken the silence. She'd actually inquire about the party, wondering if it had ended. It seemed such an innocent topic, but it had stirred unease in Lezard. When he had answered that his people had not had reason to celebrate in a long time, he had meant it. And just as he said that, Lezard had realized the next celebration by all rights should be one celebrating Hel's success against Odin. A success that wouldn't actually happen, if Lezard had any say about it. It was a troubling realization, Lezard's mood souring enough for Lenneth to notice. He couldn't even share his upset with her, Lezard instead trying for a smile, trying to guide the conversation away from that which would make him think about his planned betrayals.

It was more than just his Goddess he would be betraying. He was turning against his friends, against the very people of Flenceburg. All for that which continued to elude him, Lenneth guarding herself against loving Lezard. Was she worth it? Was she worth the effort, the worry, and the troubles? Lezard knew the answer was a definite yes, staring at her in a kind of awed fascination. Just looking at her made all manner of feelings swell up inside him, his heart actually hurting that this beautiful, strong and vibrant woman did not love him back.

He had tried to bury that hurt in the glib manner in which he had spoken to Lenneth. Almost teasing her which seemed to result only in her unease. Lezard hadn't been able to hide just how impatient he had become, the conversation zig zagging between casual talk that relaxed Lenneth, and words that only succeeded in coming off menacing. Lezard had known he was bungling things, but hadn't realized how badly until Lenneth had froze in response to his attempt at touching her hair.

To hide his own hurt, he had turned from her. Lenneth didn't run, didn't so much as inch away, a determined, down right defiant look in her eyes. His Goddess was so brave! He couldn't be any less, Lezard approaching Lenneth. His own bravery had nearly fled in the face of the words she had spoken, Lenneth talking of how he hadn't been the choice she would have made. Even though he had already known that, it had still hurt to hear. The pain and guilt would only grow worse, Lenneth talking about him as though he was a good man. He could have fallen over then and there, guilt eating away at him as he stopped her from saying anything more.

What happened next had been completely unexpected. Never in his wildest dreams had Lezard hoped for Lenneth to touch him. Especially on this night! He hadn't been able to resist her, taking her hand in his own. Raising it up so that he could brush kisses over the back of it. More talk would follow, Lezard seeing how he had surprised Lenneth with a moment of truth. She would step forward to reassure him, laying her hand on his cheek.

Even with guilt churning up his insides, desire had still bloomed at her touch. Lezard didn't know what sort of expression he had worn, trouble and desire surely competing for dominance. He would close the distance between them, uncertain but pleased that Lenneth didn't shy away. She'd actually hold herself still for his kiss, his own lips trembling over hers. Lezard would actually hold his breath, waiting, expecting Lenneth to push him away.

When she did not, he grew bolder, increasing the pressure on her lips. He felt the shift of her body, Lenneth actually leaning into his kiss. That was all the encouragement Lezard had needed, his own mouth becoming aggressive enough to make Lenneth yield and open. It would be the first true kiss they had shared, Lenneth neither asleep, nor trying to get away.

Lezard had to fight not to make a sound, fearing Lenneth wouldn't appreciate his moans. He was too conscious of her, not wanting to do anything that would cause her to back off. The last thing he wanted was Lenneth too close into herself!

But it was difficult to remain unaffected, to not be overcome by her nearness. She smelled good, and tasted even better, her sweet mouth prime pickings for his tongue. He wanted to groan in pure delight, Lezard struggling, warring with his own urges that told him to seize hold of her. Somehow he remained with his arms at his sides, the only connection between him and Lenneth being their mouths. It was why he first failed to notice just how badly she was trembling, Lenneth frightened and trying to hide it.

He put real feeling into the kisses, trying to impress upon her the love hidden inside his heart. Trying to warm her, to melt the ice she put up around her. She continued to hold herself still, her body stiff and unyielding where Lezard would have her grow soft and pliant. The clumsy way she returned his kiss spoke of Lenneth's inexperience, and Lezard was charmed all the more by her.

Some of his tension eased, Lezard losing that nervous edge. In the moment of their lips brushing together, he had put aside his troubles, trying to give himself over to the here and now. Nothing else mattered just then. Nothing and no one could touch them here in this moment, not the war, not his manipulations, not even his betrayals. There were all just excess baggage he briefly put aside. Here in this room, only Lenneth mattered. She was both his reward, and the goal he strove for, Lezard willing to do anything to gain her. To keep her.

He bowed his head against hers, forehead lightly resting against hers. The kiss had been broken, Lezard closing his eyes to listen to the sound of Lenneth breathing. It was heavier than normal, and he felt inordinately pleased with himself to have rendered her breathless. He still wanted to touch her, to sink his hands into her unbound hair. To see if it was as silk soft as he had imagined. Hard warrior that she was, Lenneth was still a woman, retaining all the pleasing softness of her body.

There was nothing stopping him from touching her. He knew that. Just as Lezard knew Lenneth wouldn't fight him, not now that they were married. And still he had to nerve himself to move, to force his hands to touch her sleeve covered arms. She seemed to jolt back in reaction, Lezard tightening his grip in instinctive reaction. Even as he did that, he was shifting, bringing his lips to one corner of her mouth. Pressing the softest kiss there in an attempt to reassure her.

Lezard could tell he had failed by the trembles that shook through Lenneth's body. His eyes opened, Lezard fighting back a frown. He got his first good look at his bride since the kissing had started, and what he saw made dissatisfaction rock through him.

Lenneth had her own eyes closed, a single tear drop clinging to her lowered lashes. She looked pale rather than flushed from enjoyment, a tension about her that strained the corners of her down turned mouth. She was shaking badly in his hands' hold, and yet for all her fright, Lenneth was trying to endure. All to go through with her duty to her new husband. He never once thought her a coward, even in the face of her fear. Lezard thought Lenneth was the utmost in brave, going forward to confront that which scared her most of all. He thought then how terrified she must be, and realized this was not the way he wanted things to be between them.

A breath Lezard hadn't realized he had been holding, expelled out of him. He had made a decision. The only one he could given their circumstances. Lezard let go of Lenneth's arms, bringing his hands up to cup the sides of her face. Her eyelids trembled but did not open, staying closed for the feather light kisses Lezard pressed over them. He followed those gentle kisses with a grazing of his lips over her forehead, Lezard then dropping his hands to her shoulders.

Her eyes did not open immediately, not until it became apparent he wasn't about to continue kissing her. Lezard was hit with that sad blue, a questioning look in her eyes as Lenneth stared up at him. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth, words lost before he could speak them. What could he possibly say in this moment? How could he find the right words that would be reassuring and not the slightest in insulting?

"Lezard?" Lenneth's uncertain voice, his divine bride studying him with a worried expression of her own. He was aware of his hands resting on her shoulders, Lezard not wanting to give up that slight contact between them.

"I'm sure you must be tired after today's excitement." He finally said. For one brief instant his fingers exerted pressure on her skin, Lezard loathe to let go of Lenneth. "You should rest Lenneth..."

There was a slow blinking of her eyes, that unshed teardrop coming close to falling. But Lenneth didn't look as though she wanted to cry in the moment, the former Goddess more interested in figuring out what his words meant. For her, and for them. Lezard thought to help her in that regard, the man stiff as he forced himself to take his hands off of Lenneth, and step back.

Uncertainty flared stronger in her eyes, but Lenneth did not try to follow after him. "You want..me to go to sleep?" She spoke as though she couldn't believe it, as though Lezard had introduced a concept to her that was truly out there. He couldn't blame her. Sleep was the last thing he wanted Lenneth to do! But as badly as he wanted her, Lezard knew he couldn't force either one of them to go through with it. Not when Lenneth was so badly shaken, so disturbed by the mere thought of love making.

A long beat of silence followed, and then Lezard gave an almost curt nod. She didn't quite frown, Lenneth studying him as though she could fathom the workings of his mind through sight alone. Lezard tried to give her a calm expression, not wanting to betray how tortured he felt over keeping things from progressing any further. He still wanted her so badly, it was frightening this desire of his. The strength of it, strumming through his awareness, his body having grown hot in such a short amount of time.

"Yes." He finally said, words almost hissing through clenched teeth. Lenneth gave him a disbelieving look, and Lezard supposed he couldn't blame her for that. Lenneth had to be aware on some level that he wanted her. Especially if she were to go on the past days, where he had tried to kiss her, and even attempted worse when he had been drunk. But never did he believed the former Goddess was aware of just how badly he yearned for her. He didn't think she would still be standing before him if Lenneth had known.

Another one of those long pauses, as though Lenneth needed the time to process his answer. Brave being that she was, she still surprised him with her response. "Are you sure?"

He wasn't sure of anything but that he didn't want to hurt her. No more than he had already, Lezard fighting not to curl his hands into fists at his side. He gave her another nod, the movement stiff. Lenneth didn't quite frown, but neither did she retreat to the bed.

"I don't understand." She finally said. He had to choke back a harsh sound, Lezard's words almost snapping at her in the moment.

"What is there to understand? It is late and I..."

"And you want me to go to sleep." Lenneth finished for him. "But why?"

"Why?" Lezard asked, and she nodded. When he made no attempt to answer, her frown became more pronounced. She'd actually reach up with her hand, tucking an unruly strand of hair over her ear. It was a gesture that betrayed some of her nervousness, Lenneth's cheeks pinkening slightly. It looked as though she was fighting the blush, but her eyes never strayed from him. Not even for the words she spoke, Lezard holding back a moan of frustration.

"It...it is our wedding night." Lenneth began, that brief bit of hesitation in her speech showing her own insecurity about what she was saying. "I thought..." Did her blush deepen in color? "There are expectations...things that must be done."

He drew in a ragged breath, Lezard in agony over how excruciating Lenneth was making things. The feeling was made even worse by having to watch her stumble about the subject of her inquiry. "Lenneth..." Lezard managed to speak, his head shaking in slight movement. "There is nothing...that is...we don't have to do anything. Nothing that you aren't prepared for."

He didn't miss the sheer relief that flashed in her eyes, Lenneth expelling a deep sigh. Truth be known, it hurt him to see her so relieved over the thought of avoiding being bedded by him. Just as it was one more reminder that let him know she wasn't anywhere ready to take their relationship to so intimate a level.

"You are a confusing man." Lenneth finally said. He wanted to laugh at that, a choked out sound that would hold a near hysterical edge to it. "You want me." She stated, ignoring the sound he made in response. "And yet now that you can have me, you deny yourself." Lezard didn't know what to say to that, merely nodding his head to show he had heard what she said. "This...YOU are not what I expected."

"Oh?"

"You don't act on your chance. Don't seize to take that which by all rights is yours. Other men wouldn't hesitate in your position." Lenneth told him, but it wasn't an accusation or an insult. She was simply stating a fact that surprised her.

"Maybe the other men wouldn't care about your feelings." Lezard said in response. "Maybe all they would see is a trophy, the beautiful Goddess that they had been given. But I? I don't want to treat you like mere possession."

A weird flash of emotion in her eyes, that was gone before he could properly interpret it's meaning. "You would be one of the few then."

"The men you speak of are a fool if that is how they view a wife." Lezard told her. "Especially one that was once a Goddess, a Valkyrie warrior!"

Her lips actually twitched then, as though she was fighting a smirk. "I have often been of that same opinion where men and their...appetites are concerned." Another intent look, as though she was trying to see into his soul. Whatever she read off him relaxed her, Lenneth losing some of her tension.

"And you...know much about men's appetites?" Lezard couldn't help his curiosity. Lenneth didn't quite blush, relaxed enough to look away from him now.

"I have heard the stories." She said at last. "Even among the Valkyrie, there is talk." Another brushing back of her hair, Lenneth seeming frustrated how it continued to fall forward in it's loose state.

"Talk?" He prodded, and she nodded.

"Yes." She looked back at him. "We Valkyrie have always known one of two fates await us. Death...or to be given away in marriage. Many welcome the former to a life spent under a man's thumb. But there is an abundant curiosity about the expectations of duty a wife would have."

Lezard wondered then what sort of stories the Valkyries told each other. He didn't think they could possible paint an accurate picture of married life. Not when the Valkyries knew little beyond the battlefield.

"The Valkyrie fear little." Lenneth continued. A sigh escaped her then. "But the idea of being made useless? To be so hurt that no other option is left to you, but to be given away to play housewife to some man? To many, that is a fate worse than death."

"Including you." He noted.

She didn't deny it. "I made no pretense over my feelings in this regard."

"You are honest." Lezard praised her. Again that quick flash of something in her eyes, Lenneth appearing uneasy over his praising words. "It is a trait to be admired." He added, trying to chase away her unease.

"I suppose it is." She abruptly turned from him, and even that was a sign of how much she had relaxed around him. Lenneth no longer felt as though she had to be on constant guard, watching his every move. She'd actually walk away, going to stand by the open window. The breeze from the outside blew back her hair, Lenneth crossing her arms over her chest as though to warm herself.

He wondered what she was thinking. Lezard didn't know her nearly well enough to guess. He wanted to change that, wanted to start work on building trust between them. Talk would help in that matter, the words they spoke pivotal in building a relationship based on a deeper understanding.

Smoothing his slightly damp palms over his jacket's front, Lezard walked over to Lenneth. He didn't stand too close, not wanting to annoy her with an invasion of her personal space. But it was close enough for her to be aware of him, Lezard studying the side of her face as she gazed out at the night sky. She was lovely with the moonlight casting down on her, but then Lenneth was always beautiful.

As always, he was reminded of just how much he delighted in simply looking at her. It was a delight that transformed his expression, though to what he did not know. Lezard was aware of how uncomfortable he could make Lenneth, and thus he tried to control it so he wasn't outright staring at her. He turned his attention to the view outside the window, though his every sense was attuned to the woman besides him.

The silence stretched on between them, the two together but standing apart. Lezard longed for contact of any kind, and yet held himself still so that not even his arm would brush against hers. And all the while he thought furiously on how to ease them into some kind of conversation, a task he was failing at, and failing most spectacularly. He wasn't used to being tongue tied around women, but then never had a woman held his attention the way Lenneth did. It left his normally intelligent mind fumbling, unable to quite think on what to say to her that wouldn't cause her upset or offense.

It was very fortunate for him, when Lenneth shifted besides him. He saw the flash of her blue eyes as she gave a sidelong glance to him, Lenneth taking it upon herself to break their silence. "I couldn't help but notice..." She began, only the slightest of hesitation in her voice.

"Yes?" Lezard said the word a bit too quick, inwardly wincing at how eager he had come off as.

Lenneth was without comment about his eager reaction, the woman turning to look not at him, but up at the ceiling. "Those runes." She said with a nod at the symbols painted in bronze. "I can sense the powerful spell upon them. The protection it offers. It makes me wonder...what?" She had noticed his reaction, Lezard staring so shocked and surprised at Lenneth.

"As ever you continue to amaze..." Lezard finally said, and meant it. And all because the spell he had painted into the ceiling, was such that not many would be able to sense it, let alone recognize it for the type of magic it was.

Lenneth seemed to have misunderstood his words, not quite laughing in response to his strong surprise. "Do not react so surprised, my Lord." She told him, looking very much like she wanted to smile at him. "Did I not tell you I had some training in magic during my time as Valkyrie?"

"Ah yes, I remember." Lezard quickly said. "I believe you said you dabbled in healing magics."

"Just a few minor spells." She confirmed. "For healing wounds and removing poison, that sort of thing."

"It's more than I can do." Lezard murmured, his tone almost wistful then. He quickly shrugged off the mood, glancing from Lenneth to the ceiling. "But yes, I am surprised. Not many, not even some of the most educated in the realm of magic, would be able to sense the spell, let alone what kind it is." He turned his attention back to Lenneth, seeing the surprise in her eyes. "I suppose it could have to do with what you once were, your divine nature lending itself to your abilities. I find it impressive either way... He meant it too, his mind already shifting into possibilities, Lezard wondering just what Lenneth could be capable of when it came to magic.

"Is it really that impressive?" Lenneth asked.

"Oh it is!" He quickly assured her. "In addition to the protection spell the runes hold, I've also placed an enchantment on them meant to hide not only the power of the spell, but the existence of the runes painted on the ceiling. It would be invisible to all but the most accomplished of magi."

"I see." Lenneth has cast her gaze up to the ceiling again, studying the runes. He took advantage to stare at her, studying her not only with his eyes, but with his magic in an attempt to test what untold powers remained inside Lenneth. She felt his magic probing at her, Lenneth suddenly tensing, her body shifting away from his in a none too subtle attempt to get away.

"Ah forgive me." Lezard said, a bit sheepish in the moment. "I couldn't help but be curious."

"Curious?"

"About how much...potential you hold for magic." Lezard explained.

"I am a warrior, not a mage." Lenneth told him, then her expression turned frustrated. "I WAS a warrior..."

Guilt flared in him, Lezard reminded of how it was his fault Lenneth was no longer a Valkyrie. It was just one more thing he had to make up to her, somehow someway. Even if she should never discover the truth of his machinations, Lezard would hold himself accountable for the life in which he had stolen Lenneth from.

"You may no longer be able to wage Odin's war...but there are other ways for you to lead a fulfilling life." The look Lenneth gave him bordered on rude, a stern disbelieving of the words he had just said. Lezard forced a smile, trying to project a positive cheer he did not truly feel in the moment. "You just have to give your new life a chance. To find what fits you best." He blew out a nervous breath, glancing up at the protection spell again. "You know some healing magic...And you've shown a remarkable awareness in even noticing the magic I placed on this room. It makes me wonder just how much you are capable of..." His gaze lowered, Lezard seeing Lenneth was giving him her full attention. "If it would please you, I would not be against helping to further develop you magic abilities."

She considered this a long moment, before Lenneth's expression turned guarded. "I won't learn any dark arts." She was adamant about this. Lezard was not at all surprised she wouldn't want to sully her soul by learning the worst of the spells Hel had granted his people.

"I would never even attempt to teach you those kinds." Lezard reassured her. "But a few offensive and defensive spells would do nicely to accompany your healing talents."

Again that long pause, Lenneth giving careful consideration to what Lezard had proposed. "I suppose...I would not be against it." She finally agreed. It was almost grudging, Lenneth locking eyes with him. "If I am to make a life here among the mages of Flenceburg, it might be best to adapt to your ways."

"Is that a yes then?" Lezard teased, already knowing the answer. Her nod earned a smile from him, Lezard not only happy but excited at the thought of teaching her. The lessons would offer an excuse to spend even more time with her, and might very well bring them together in ways that had nothing to do with learning magic. "Wonderful!" He exclaimed out loud, and meant it. "Tomorrow I will put aside some thought to what sort of spells to teach. I think it would serve you well, to have a mix of healing, attack and defense spells. Of course..." He frowned then. "I will have to find someone to tutor you should you wish to expend your repertoire of healing spells."

"You cannot do it yourself?" Lenneth asked, and he sighed, shaking his head no.

"I believe I mentioned to you once that I knew nearly every type of magic there is." Lenneth nodded to that. "Alas, healing magics was a subject skipped in my training."

"Whatever for?" Lenneth asked. "I would think healing magics would be the most useful of all to learn."

"It depends on your area of interest." Lezard said, then launched into an explanation. "There is a great cost to oneself where magic is concerned. Especially with the types of magic. The blacker the spell, the higher the price, until one finds they are no longer able to do even the small white magics." He grimaced then. "I'm sure you already know, healing spells are the whitest of the white...and all but useless to one such as me."

Her eyes flickered with emotion, Lenneth uncomfortable of the reminder of what sort of magi he was. "Why would you ever sacrifice your ability to heal?" She asked, voice a soft demand. "What possible allure could magic that black hold?"

He couldn't keep the sullen look from his eyes, Lezard abruptly turning away from Lenneth. "You speak as though I would have had a choice in the matter!" He was harsh then, words rattling out before Lenneth could respond. "Once my potential was realized, my life was mapped out before me. I was purposefully groomed for my position in Hel's kingdoms. To be a warrior on the front lines, rather than a healer."

"Lezard..." He heard the rustle of her clothing behind him, Lenneth approaching him.

"I don't often regret having my choices taken from me in that regard." Lezard turned before she could nerve herself to touch him. He gave her a smile that was described as sickly as best. "The life Hel's given me, has given me money, power, status."

"But at such a high cost." Lenneth reminded him. His smile immediately faded. "Never mind that you can never truly trust the people around you, it's placed your soul in jeopardy."

How well he knew that! But Lezard didn't speak out loud his agreement. "It's also...brought you to me." He pointed out. Her own expression turned troubled, but Lenneth didn't argue against it. "If I wasn't holding this position, we would never have met..."

"We are both...puppets of our circumstances." Lenneth said in reply. "It seems we both had little choice when it came to the course our lives would run." She sighed

then, her blues eyes holding that troubled look. "Like you, I was given little choice when it came to my life. I too was groomed, destined to become one of Odin's warriors from the moment of my birth."

"Do you ever regret that you didn't have a say in what you would become?" He was truly curious then.

"No. Not then. Not until recently." Her gaze lowered, and even though she said no more, Lezard knew what she meant. Her one regret being that which had led her to become mortal, the situation that had led to her being given to Lezard. His guilt flared in him, Lezard struggling to overcome the feelings it stirred inside. "For as far back as I can remember, I WANTED to be a Valkyrie."

Her words didn't quite distract Lezard from his guilty feelings, but it roused him enough to be surprised. "Wanted to? Even as a child?"

"Even then." Lenneth agreed. "I can remember watching my older sister Hrist, and feeling both excited and resentful. I resented that my father wouldn't allow me to begin my training sooner, I wanted to hold a sword so badly. To feel it's weight in my hand, to know what it felt like to swing it through the air. I used to spend hours just watching my sister train. Watching and waiting for the opportunity to do the same."

"That day couldn't come soon enough for me." She continued with the faintest glimmer of a smile. "Such excitement I felt! Even as I cut my hand on my first sword, I still couldn't lose that elation. The sight of all that blood was nearly enough to get my father to refuse to teach me any further. But even he could recognize the thirst I had for the sword. And just as I wouldn't be denied for much longer, my father knew it would be the same of Lord Odin. That eventually the time would come when Odin would demand I come to the heavens and fight in his name."

"Ah, and I bet your father realized it would be better to have an experienced Valkyrie, rather than send an untrained daughter up against Odin's enemies." Lezard noted and Lenneth nodded.

"My father loved all three of us. Maybe more than he should have, considering how hard it was on him to part from each of us. As much as he wanted to protect us from the future awaiting us, he understood what was required of him." Lenneth frowned. "It would have been easier on him if my mother had given him sons instead of daughters."

"If he had sons he wouldn't have had to give them up to Odin." Lezard said, and Lenneth nodded while still maintaining her frown.

"Sons would have been better for him all around. Even the idea of training them to the sword would have been an easier idea to swallow. Especially during that time!" exclaimed Lenneth, her frown fading. "Back then, it was practically unheard of for a woman to fight. The einherjar we Valkyrie gained for battle? They were ALL men when I first began my tenure as Valkyrie. Women were expected to be home makers. To stay behind and birth babies while their men went to fight wars."

"What was it like growing up then?" Lezard asked. "To be so different from what was expected of women at the time?"

"Everyone knew what we were." Lenneth explained. "They knew my mother had once been a Valkyrie. And they knew what was expected of her three daughters. They more than tolerated us, they celebrated. They felt blessed to have not one but three young Goddesses living in their city." A strange sort of half smile crossed her lips. "I remember people leaving offerings on our front door. Sometimes the bolder ones, or the more desperate, would come to see us. Hoping for a blessing, for a miracle. But that wasn't what Valkyries do. We save lives and preserve the peace through fighting. We are not the ones people pray to for miracles and guidance."

"But still they had to try." Lezard said, and Lenneth nodded. "It couldn't have been a very normal upbringing. Between all that training and the people downright worshipping you."

"It was all I ever knew." Lenneth stated simply.

"But did you ever have time for anything else?" Lezard asked. She looked confused, as though Lenneth couldn't imagine what that anything else could be. "Did you not ever..." He shrugged. "I don't know, have time for fun? Did you have friends beyond your sisters? Did you do the things a teenager would want to do? Did you not ever want to rebel from the life Odin set out before you?"

"No, never." Lenneth answered instantly. "I was dedicated to training for my duty."

"I see." Lezard murmured, then couldn't help from speaking plainly his thoughts. "It must have been hard on the neighborhood boys." Lenneth immediately frowned, her eyes showing her confusion over that statement. "I mean, if your sisters look anything like you, then there was three very beautiful Goddesses living among them. Unapproachable, driven by their duty. Unable and unwilling to make any type of commitment to a suitor hoping for a chance. You must have broken a lot of hearts back then..."

"I would not know." Lenneth said, tone and body having gone stiff.

"Trust me." Lezard smiled at her. "You most definitely would have. A beauty like you? Smart, talented, dedicated? They would be unable to resist falling for you." He couldn't keep from chuckling then, knowing any of those men would long be dead by now. "I dare say your father had no end to amount of volunteers when it came to men wanting to help train you."

Lenneth seemed to be considering this, before allowing a grudging agreement. "I do remember there being quite a revolving door when it came to the men who would spar against me and my sisters."

He was curious, and feeling the stirrings of jealousy towards those men. Lezard found himself hoping Lenneth had thoroughly whipped them in their sparring sessions. "Did you ever..." It was a delicate question to ask, Lezard finding he was driven to know. "Did you ever fancy any of the men who came to train with you?"

"Fancy?" She gave him a disbelieving look, before making a scoffing sound. "You mean to know if I was attracted to any of them? No. I neither had the time, nor interest for a suitor."

"What did you have time for then?" Lezard asked.

"I..." Lenneth looked like she really had to think about the question. "When I was not training, I spent much time with my younger sister Silmeria. Especially when she was not yet old enough to train with us."

"So you basically lived and breathed your training." Lezard mused, and she nodded. "Pardon me for this, but it seems to me, that you haven't really lived at all."

"Not lived?" She took insult to that, Lenneth glowering at him. "I have been alive for centuries! I've fought and killed for longer than you've been alive! I have watched and seen the shaping of the realms and their people. I have done my part in protecting their peace, ensuring that the people can go on safely living. I..."

"You've only known fighting and death." Lezard interrupted her. "Even when you lived among the mortals, you kept yourself apart from them. It sounds to me as if you never gave yourself a chance to really feel, let alone enjoy the experiences of a life beyond the battlefield. What's more, I don't think you wanted that chance. Why? Were you afraid of finding out there could be something beyond the fighting? Something that would be equally fulfilling if not better than being Odin's battle maiden?"

Her jaw had dropped, Lenneth looking as stunned as she was incensed. "How dare you!"

"Lenneth. I do not say this to be unkind, or to upset you. I just want to understand you. More than that, I want to help you. To get you to see there is more to life than what you have had to give up." He didn't quite smile at her, not trusting her reaction to such an expression at this point and time. "You might even find that you can be happy here."

"Happy...here?" She repeated, then scoffed at him. "As if it would be that easy!"

"It might be far easier than you're willing to let yourself believe." Lezard argued. "I know Flenceburg seems like little more than a viper's nest, full of ambitious people willing to back stab and betray. But that is only one side to the city. Get to know it. Learn the city, and it's people. We may surprise you."

Lenneth hesitated. "You really think there is merit to this land and it's people?"

"Of course I do!" Lezard quickly assured her. "I would not champion it so strongly if I didn't!" He stepped towards her, cautious as he reached for her hands. "Lenneth, this is my home. I grew up loving this land, enjoying this city, wanting to make it and the people here my own."

"And you succeeded." Lenneth noted, actually letting him hold her hands. "You are Flenceburg's ruler after all..."

In the moment he didn't try to remind her that he was ruler so long as Hel permitted, so long as no one toppled him from his position. It wouldn't have been the right thing to say, would have served only to remind Lenneth of the worst aspects of being in one of Hel's kingdoms. For now, he wanted her only to see the good, the positive Flenceburg had to offer.

"Becoming Lord of Flenceburg is more than I ever dared dream of as a child." He told her out loud.

"What did you want then?" Lenneth asked, expression curious, words soft. It was as though she feared pressing him for so private a memory, but Lezard smiled to reassure her. What's more he gave it to her, answering her question honestly.

"I wanted a home. A home that was different from the orphanage, and even different from the mansion my talents would land me. I wanted a real home, full of warmth...I wanted parents who loved me, who cared what happened to me..."

"You wanted family..." Lenneth whispered. "You wanted to know the love and comfort of it."

"What child doesn't?" Lezard asked her. "Money is nice...but it can't replace the parents who threw you aside. It can't give you the answers as to why you've been abandoned." He felt vulnerable in the moment, naked and exposed before her. He tried to turn away, but it was Lenneth who seized hold of his hands now, stopping him from completely the turn.

"I don't know why your parents did what they did to you." She began. "I don't know the reasons that motivated them, or if they were good people. But I am...sorry for the hurt they caused you."

He didn't even try to deny that they had indeed hurt him. An indelible scar had been left on his heart, his soul. One he had never healed from, not after all those uncertain years as an unloved child. For all his power, the potential the others had seen in him, they had never once stopped to love the child he had been. They had been too greedy, too quick to curry favor with Hel through the use of Lezard.

"We can't change the past." He finally said. "We can only try to move on from it, to learn from our experiences."

"Those experiences shape us." Lenneth agreed. "Whether we won't them to or not." Her eyes lowered briefly, Lenneth looking at their hands held together. He didn't try to break free of her grip, and Lenneth didn't let go of him either.

"Good and bad, what experiences shaped you?" He asked, and Lenneth hesitated before answering.

"I will share a few with you, but only if you tell me about yours in return." The look she gave him could have passed for a teasing smile, Lenneth almost challenging him to further open himself up to her. Hesitant as he was, Lezard found himself nodding. He could think of no other way for trust to be built between them, for the foundations of their relationship to be laid, then through this sharing experience.

"All right." He said out loud, nervous but returning her smile. She'd give him that glimmer of a half smile in return, Lenneth allowing Lezard to lead her over to one corner of the room. A recently acquired love seat stood waiting for them, Lezard guiding Lenneth to sit on one end. He would take the other, the distance between them not as wide as it once would have been. As Lenneth's legs brushed against his, Lezard felt real hope that the time would come when the distance between them would be abolished.

----------------------------------------------------

To Be Continued...

This chapter took me nearly a week to write...I dread the next chapter too. I know some people will probably be disappointed, but I never saw them as having sex at this part of the story. I had imagined they would spend the night talking...even if it was a pain on me to come up with all that dialogue! X_X

Michelle
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