Lezard's Triumph

Alicia stirred, slowly coming awake, vaguely aware of something touching her. It was a feather soft touch, just a light ghosting of fingers against her cheek. She fluttered open her eyelids, a face coming into focus, tanned skin framed by dark emerald tresses. "Rufus..." She said sleepily, smiling up at him.

"Hey..." He was propped up on his side, just watching her as his fingers played with the golden strands of hair that teased against her cheek. "Morning."

"Hmm...morning..." She was raising her arms then, languidly stretching out, toes pointed towards the edge of the bed. The act helped her to further wake, and she lowered her arms, resting her hands on the bed sheet that covered her.

"How are you feeling?" Rufus asked, concern in his green eyes.

"I feel great." Alicia answered, watching as Rufus began brushing her bangs away from her eyes.

"No aches or pains..." He sounded almost anxious, his fingers making nervous movements across her face.

"No..." She cocked her head to the side considering her body. Except for a dull ache between her legs, she felt fine, and even that was tolerable. She smiled again, thinking it a reminder of the pleasure they had shared, one she couldn't begrudge him for causing. "Not really."

"I didn't hurt you or anything did I?" A guilty look in his eyes just then.

"Rufus..." She touched his hand, pressing down to stop his movements. "Really, I feel fine."

"That's good...!" He said relieved.

"What about you?" Alicia asked. "How are you feeling?" A big, silly grin was her answer, the half elf beaming down at her. "Silly question, huh?"

"Heh..." Rufus chuckled, lowering his face towards hers. His mouth pressed against her lips, gentle but firm, Alicia lifting up her arms to wind them around his neck. She clung to him, pressing him against her in need. Her fingers touch his hair, feeling the softness of his emerald strands, and she skirted them down the long length of it. Finding the tie that kept it held back, she pried it off, wanting his mane loose and wild. Once freed it fell like a curtain to sweep forward over her, tickling against her skin. Over and over she ran her fingers through his hair, all the while enjoying his kisses against her mouth.

Lips smacking against Alicia's, Rufus dropped his hands to her shoulders, her skin soft against his calloused hands. He wasn't content to let them remain in such an innocent place, already they were on the move, seeking to ease down the coverlet that hid her breasts from him. His eyes on her face, he touched her with his hands, feeling out her curves, the touch of her triggering the memory of how she had looked the night before. It was a vision he treasured, a special moment reserved for only him, and Rufus kissed her harder as he recalled the special way she had called out his name.

Hands warm and flexing, molded the supple flesh of her chest, causing Alicia to make a breathy little sound deep in her throat. Rufus' lips caught at her lower lip, a gentle nibble as he prepared to go lower. She giggled and moaned against him, hands petting the back of his head. "Rufus..." She said his name almost breathlessly, causing the half elf to pull back and look at her. "Do we really have time for this?"

"We probably don't..." He said with regret in his voice. "But I find myself not giving a damn! How about you?"

"I..." She moaned, his hands continuing to fondle her, seeking to coerce her with gentle touches. "I'm in no rush either."

He smiled then. "Good...because I plan to take my time with you..." He positioned his mouth by her ear, a husky whisper of breath that tickled. "Nice and slow Alicia...nice and slow..."

She shivered, liking the sound of that.

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The air shimmered before her, Lenneth Valkyrie's booted feet touching down on the crushed crystals that littered the ground. They crunched under foot with each of her movements, a noisy announcement of her arrival. She looked around, a frown on her face, the girl not recognizing her surroundings. It was different, far different from any of the many areas she had passed through the last time she had visited Lezard's world.

Crystals were everywhere, gleaming, shining with a blinding light when moonbeam touched down on them. Translucent jewels that were fashioned into hard copies of trees and rocks, even a frozen pond made of the thick material. Odd creatures roamed the plain, made of the rock, her sword forced to chip away piece by piece against the monsters' crystallized skin.

She wondered why she had been dumped in this strange place, why she had not arrived in the woods, or better yet in that hallway of innumerable doors. Lenneth thought she had been very specific when she accessed the water mirror, using it to traverse to Lezard's world once more. It had been a simple enough task, the dimension welcoming her eagerly, practically demanding her presence within it. She had been sucked into the mirror, air whooshing about her incredibly fast, a loud pop of air as she vanished from Valhalla's treasure vault.

She took her frustrations out on the creatures that dwelled in this crystal plain, driving her sword against a green ogre's skin. It's flesh was tough, not brittle as one might expect, forcing her to work at carving out it's heart. The ogre roared in pain, taking a swipe at her with a meaty fist, but she easily dodged his attack. Even with the delays at reaching it's all too tender organs, Lenneth soon reached it's heart, piercing that vulnerable muscle with her blade.

The creature fell dead at her feet, the passage of it's fall rustling her skirt. She huffed, impatient, a hand going to her bangs. Must she be forced to battle her way to Lezard, navigate his twisted world for countless hours before being allowed to deliver her message? Her frown deepened, and Lenneth shook her head. NO! She would not play his game. He would meet with her, and he would meet with her now.

"Lezard!" Lenneth called out, marching forward, braid swishing behind her as she walked determinedly. "Lezard Valeth!" She reached the edge of the pond, aiming her sword at a tree situated at the other end. She concentrated, sword tip glowing with light, shooting out a blast of photons. It hit the crystallized tree, the weeping willow changing into a thick block of ice. Another burst of energy from her sword, and Lenneth was changing places with the tree, appearing across the pond.

"Lezard!" She all but snarled out his name. "Come out you miserable little toad..." She muttered under her breath, angrily swiping her sword against a small boulder. She took a few more steps forward when she felt the change in the air, heavy pressure that stilled the wind, made it hard to breathe. A flicker before her, the air seeming to distort and waver, and with a chime of bells Lezard stepped forward, nonchalantly pulling at the white lace over his hands.

"Ah Lenneth Valkyrie..." He was fidgeting with his clothes, now fastening close the buttons of his oil black jacket. The white of his cravet gleamed against the dark coat, Lezard the picture of Victorian elegance in his black suit and cape. "I've been expecting you."

"It's about time you showed up!" She exclaimed, angry to find herself in his world once more. "How long did you intend to keep me waiting?!"

"Not long." He assured her. "I merely had to say my goodbyes to Lenneth." He smiled then, causing the Valkyrie to shudder as she wondered just what that good-bye had entailed. If he noticed her reaction, he gave no sign of it, stepping closer to her. It took all of Lenneth's will power not to step backwards, memories flashing unbidden of the last time she had encountered Lezard. "I do thank you for your patience..."

"Patience?" An angry snort from her which he ignored.

"Well...?" Lezard arched an eyebrow at her, folding his arms over his chest.

"Well, what?" She demanded, placing one hand on her hip, the other still tightly gripping hold of her sword.

"If I am to understand your arrival here, it means Freya has made her decision." Lezard replied. "I am most eager to know what she has to say. Unless..." He smirked at her then. "You have come to tell me you've changed your mind about joining me and your counterpart in this paradise I've created?"

Lenneth blanched and became all blustery. "I would never agree to such a thing! I'm here only as a messenger, NOTHING else." She added firmly. "I wouldn't even be here if I had a choice in the matter, but seeing as only I can travel to your world freely, it left us with little choice on who to deliver the news."

"Oh." He almost looked disappointed. "And here I thought you couldn't wait to see me once more." Lezard moved even closer to her, hand reaching out towards her face. This time Lenneth did move, stifling back a gasp. Her unease at his nearness was apparent, plain to see written on her face.

"You are full of yourself." Lenneth told him, holding up her sword between them. "Entirely too confident of the charm you lack." She pressed the blade against the hollow of his throat in warning.

"Put down your sword Lenneth Valkyrie." Lezard said. "I am in no mood to fight you."

"Then make sure to keep your distance!" She hissed, sword not moving from his throat.

"Still so cold, so unfeeling..." He murmured, fingers reaching to push the blade away from his neck.

"My feelings have nothing to do with why I am here...with anything that concerns you!" Lenneth snapped back, watching as he effortlessly moved her sword. "If you continue to toy with me, then I will leave, regardless of what I came here to do!"

"Ah but you forget!" Lezard wagged a finger at her, tsking. "You are here only because I allow it...and only through my good will are you allowed to leave."

"Don't remind me!" She said stiffly, aware she had taken a great risk in coming here.

"I think a reminder is in order." Lezard retorted. "Lest you grow too bold." He gestured with his fingers, and a sound was heard, a keen howling. The high pitched whines came closer, the sound of running feet accompanying the howls. Lenneth was turning, eyes scouting the area behind her. From across the pond she could see three shadows, of medium builds. Without hesitation, they ran across the pond's crystal surface, sliding on it as though it was ice.

Closer they came, until Lenneth could make out that they were wolves, a small pack of them. She bent her arm, sword held at the ready, eying the lupine creatures. They charged her as one, leaping over that last bit of distance, intent on bringing her down. She dove to the ground, feeling the furry bodies pass over her head, heard them land behind her. Even as she scrambled up to her knees, turning with her sword, one leapt at her, teeth flashing. Lenneth slashed her sword across it's throat, feeling a spray of blood splatter against her front.

Lezard stood off to the side, calmly watching, amusement in his eyes. The two remaining wolves looked uncertainly at him, the God nodding his approval. With a growl they ran towards her, and Lenneth held up her hand, firing a photon blast at one. Quick as lightening, Lenneth fired again, changing spots with the ice encased wolf, her sudden disappearance confusing the remaining beast. From it's behind she attacked, leaping forward, driving the point of her sword into it's side. It let out a whine, and took off across the pond, trailing blood as it escaped with it's life.

Watching it go, she felt a shadow fall on her, and she turned, whirling her blade at Lezard's chest. Her sword missed, passing a hairsbreadth away from his cravet. "And just what was the point of that little exercise?!" Lenneth demanded, blue eyes flashing with anger.

"Just proving a point." Lezard told her.

"And that would be?"

"Only who is Lord and Master of this realm." Lezard replied with a grin.

"Fine...you succeeded...can we get on with it now." She all but snarled at him.

"By all means." Lezard agreed. "I am most anxious to hear what Freya has decided."

"I think you can already guess." Lenneth said, reluctantly sheathing her sword. "I would not be here otherwise."

"Hmm..." He smiled then, pleased. "Then Freya has agreed to my demands?"

"Yes."

"She accepts me as the new ruler?" Lezard wanted to be sure he understood her properly. "I am to sit on Odin's throne? I am to rule over all the Gods?"

"Yes, damn you, yes!" shouted Lenneth, her expression stone cold anger.

"Then prove it..." Lezard smirked. "Kneel down before me."

"What?!" She blinked, staring at him aghast.

"You heard me." Lezard pointed down at his feet. "Kneel." She was hesitating, the look in her eyes pure poison as she processed his words. "Kneel or I will doubt the sincerity of Freya's surrender."

"Fine..." Lenneth said through gritted teeth. She moved forward, standing right before him. He started to smile, even as her scowl deepened. Slowly Lenneth crouched down, resting on her knees, the crystal scratching against her flesh.

"Good girl..." He purred, touching the top of her head with his hand. She flinched, leaning back her head to glare up at his grinning face. "Now swear fealty to me, and to me alone..."

She opened her mouth to protest, eyes narrowing. "You go too far!"

"Perhaps." A quick nod of his head. "But is it not the Valkyrie's sworn duty to serve the ruler of Asgard? To be at his---MY command." Still Lenneth hesitated, Lezard's staring down at her, focus unwavering. "Or did you lie to me when you agreed I was to rule over all the Gods?"

"Tis no lie..." She muttered.

"Then swear!" commanded Lezard.

"Fine I swear it!" hissed Lenneth, taking hold of his hand. "I swear myself to you, Lord Lezard..." She quickly brushed her lips against the back of his hands, fighting back the urge to spit. "My sword is yours to command..."

"Excellent..." Lezard smiled, reaching up to pat her cheek. Lenneth forced herself to be still, to not flinch away from his touch, though she gritted her teeth angrily. "Come my dear..." His hands were on her, Lezard bending down to take hold of her arms. He tugged her upwards, urging her to stand. "Let us leave for Valhalla at once."

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Bodies entwined, Alicia sighed happily, tightening her arms around Rufus' waist. She was happy, deliriously so, body sated with pleasure. The princess wondered if her expression mirrored the joy that was in Rufus' eyes, the half elf smiling at her lazily. His hand was in her hair, stroking his fingers through her golden tresses, the repetitive motion combined with the vigorous activity they had just completed, making the girl want to sleep once more.

"I keep waiting for this to end..." Alicia said suddenly, wanting to confess her fears. "I've never known such happiness before. I..."

"Shhh..." His other hand touched her mouth, fingers brushing against her lips to quiet her. "Don't wait for something that's never gonna happen. I'll be with you Alicia...always..."

"Promise?" She whispered.

"I promise." He smiled tenderly at her, then laughed. "You're stuck with me Alicia, like it or not."

"Like it? I love it!" She told him. "I love you..."

"Good. Cause I love you." Rufus followed up his proclamation with a kiss, stealing Alicia's breath away.

"We really shouldn't..." She managed to get out between kisses. "Every time we start, I find it hard to stop..."

"Good..." Rufus actually smirked at her. "If I had my way, I'd keep you in bed all day..." He was following up that sentence with another kiss, tongue probing forth to delve into her mouth. The half elf fed greedily from her lips, letting a groan slip free against her mouth. He could feel her hands moving, touching his back, tracing her fingers against his shoulder blades. It made him press harder against her, grinding his hips against hers, feeling her gasp into his mouth.

Rufus kissed his way down to her neck, feeling Alicia's hands go lower, the princess having grown bolder in her touches. "Alicia!" He laughed as she pinched him, looking up at him mischievously.

"Sorry." She said, golden eyes unapologetic.

"Liar." He told her, dropping his hands to her rump, squeezing her back in retaliation. She gasped, and was then following up with a squeeze of her own, the couple soon erupting into a light hearted war of pinches and tickles, joyous laughter filling the bedroom. Alicia let out a wild shriek, sitting up, trying to scoot away from Rufus' hands. The half elf easily held on to her, hands moving over her, twisting, poking and prodding. Alicia narrowed her eyes, hand reaching out, grabbing him in a place that left him gasping, a half moan escaping his lips.

They were so caught up in their play fight, they almost missed the sound of the knock against the bedroom door. Laughter stifled but not gone, it threatened to bubble up to the surface at any moment. "Go away!" called Rufus, pulling Alicia across his lap. She squirmed, belly pressed down against his thighs, feeling his fingers caress her rear.

The knock came again, more insistently. "I said go away!" Rufus barked, trying to hold Alicia down, If only she would stop that delightful squirming of hers!

Still again the knock sounded, louder this time. "You better go answer that..." Alicia said, crawling free of Rufus' legs. He let out a frustrated sound, watching as she wrapped the blanket around her body.

"Yeah yeah, I'm coming!" He shouted as the visitor banged on the door a fourth time. He paused, bending over to pick up his pants, Alicia enjoying the view very much so. He shook out his pants, easing his legs one after the other into the tight leather. With a growl he stalked forward to the door, wrenching it open. "WHAT?!" He all but snarled, then stopped up short.

Melusitane stood before him, a package folded up neatly in her hands. She did a double take, looking at the bare chested half elf, eyes not failing to notice how low his pants rode on his waist. A tiny hint of red appeared on her cheeks, the elf forcing her eyes back up towards Rufus' face.

"Melusitane...what brings you here so early in the morning...?" Rufus asked, leaning against the door frame.

"It's not so early...it's already half past noon." She told him, peering over his shoulder at Alicia, who hid under the bed's covers. "Everyone is waiting for you, including your companion." Her tone was chiding, reproach in her eyes.

"We're sorry..." Alicia called out. "I hadn't realized it was so late."

"It's all right Guardian...just please hurry." Melusitane urged.

"What's the rush?" Rufus wanted to know. "We're safe at the village...aren't we?"

"Ordinarily yes..." Melusitane said slowly. "But the Dragon's Orb presents too great a risk this close to Bifrost." She sighed. "I would love to invite you to stay, it would be a great honor for our village to help guard the orb. But in this time of crisis, having it where Gods tread is just asking for trouble. Your friend Arngrim explained to me how Gungnir is missing, stolen away by the one who murdered Odin. I fear the remaining Gods won't hesitate to sacrifice Midgard to save their own realm."

"We would all be better off if the Gods just ceased to exist." muttered Rufus.

"Rufus!" Melusitane was shocked by his words.

"Well it's true!" He said, unabashed.

"To speak thusly is blasphemy!" He snorted at her words, unimpressed. Melusitane sighed. "Here..." She thrust her arms forward, pushing the pack into his chest.

"What's this?" Rufus asked curiously, as he took hold of the package.

"The guardian's clothes." Melusitane explained. "Our best seamstress was up all night working on mending their tears."

"Thank you," called out Alicia, grateful for the assistance.

"You're welcome." answered the elf with a smile. "I'll leave you two to get dressed." She arched an eyebrow at Rufus, a knowing look in her eyes. "Do try to hurry."

"All right, all right, geez..." muttered Rufus, moving back to slam the door shut. "First they don't want me to go, now they can't wait to get rid of me!"

"Rufus, it's not like that and you know it." Alicia said, as the half elf approached the bed.

"I know that..." He said with a sigh, handing her the pack. "I just want to spend more time with you..."

"You said it yourself...You're staying with me...it means we have all the time in the world to be together." She smiled, opening the pack, pulling out her clothes.

"So I'm impatient and greedy for your attention. Sue me." retorted Rufus, gathering his clothes up off the floor. Alicia merely giggled in response, rising from the bed to get dressed. She slid on her blouse, nimble fingers quickly snapping close the buttons on it's front. Her vest was next, and then her two skirts. She sat down on the edge of the bed, about to put her boots on when Rufus approached her, fully dressed.

"Allow me." He said, dropping to his knees beside her.

"Okay..." She agreed, brow furrowed. Rufus smiled, and touched her bare foot, fingers caressing her instep. She gasped in surprise when he placed a kiss a top the front of her foot, and then began sliding the brown leather boots onto her leg. He stretched out the leather, working it upwards, the boot stopping at mid thigh on her. He then turned to her other leg, similarly kissing her foot before sliding on her other boot.

"All set?" He asked, rising to his feet. He reached for her hands, giving her a gentle tug forward.

"Wait..." Alicia said as he pulled her to her feet. She glanced back at the bed, seeing it's rumpled state. "I should make the bed first..."

"They have servants for that sort of thing..." Rufus pointed out, as she began pulling on the sheets, attempting to straighten them.

"But it's rude to leave a mess behind." Alicia replied, fluffing up the pillows. Rufus just sighed, shaking his head, amused at her antics. The princess also paused long enough to scoop up the elegant gown she had worn the night before, arranging it and it's sleeves onto the mattress. "There..." She said satisfied. "Now we can leave."

"Heh...finally..." Rufus chuckled. He walked over to the bedroom door, holding it open for the princess. She walked past him, the scent of her hair drifting past him, teasing him with the aroma. He sighed happily, inhaling deeply and followed her out onto the walkway.

"Yo!" Arngrim's voice greeted them, the pair looking over the railing to see the beserker waving up at them. "It's about time!"

"Sorry Arngrim." Alicia apologized, waving back at him.

Arngrim met Rufus' eyes, a twinkle of mischief in his pupils. "And just what have you two been up to that kept you so late?" asked Arngrim with a smirk that hinted he already knew to the answer to his question.

"Uh..." Rufus laughed nervously, placing a hand behind his head. Alicia blushed, and looked away, suddenly fascinated by the rainbow in the sky.

"Didn't mean to break your brains with that question." laughed Arngrim. "Hurry down you two, I'm eager to leave before it gets too late." He frowned, thinking of the time wasted. At this rate it would take an extra day to reach the boat. "Melusitane has kindly agreed to give us an escort to our boat."

"That's wonderful news!" exclaimed Alicia.

"She's extra cautious, given the treasure we carry." Arngrim patted Alicia's pack, the orb entrusted to him for safekeeping during the night. "The sooner we get this back to the mainland, the better."

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Their footsteps echoed against the marble of the floor, startling loud in the otherwise silent hall. There was no sign of any other living person, only Lezard and Lenneth traveled through this hall, passing by many a stone statue. Lezard drew his eyes away from Lenneth's back, gazing about in mild fascination at the splendor that was Valhalla. The walls were gold glided, shiny reflective material that sent distorted reflections of the two on all sides.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, a myriad number of lit candles held on top of the glass. They had passed numerous staircases, blood red carpeting inching it's way down those marble steps, leaving Lezard to wonder just where they led to. Lenneth kept on walking, guiding him on a straight pathway past beautiful works of art, the splendor of which mortals could not even dream of.

They passed by an open doorway, Lezard's eyes catching sight of row after row of bookcase, much to his delight. Valhalla surely held a wealth of knowledge in it's library, and he couldn't wait for the chance to feast his eyes on the words it guarded.

"Lezard?" Lenneth has paused when he had, turning to look at him.

"Ah...forgive me...I was momentarily distracted." He drew his eyes away from the library, nodding at her to continue. "I must say..." He frowned. "I am disappointed that Freya and the other Gods weren't there to greet me upon our arrival."

"I thought I already explained to you, they wait for you in the throne room." Lenneth replied, then sighed. "There is only a handful of the Divine left...the others have fled in the wake of the disasters that rocked Asgard."

"They abandoned their home?" Lezard tsked. "Such action is hardly befitting the Gods."

Lenneth wasn't about to let him know she agreed with him! Instead she said, "They will return once they know stability has been brought to Asgard."

"Yes..." A slow smile spread across his face. "A stability only I can bring."

"And what of the Lady Lenneth?" She asked, the hall shaking as another earthquake rocked Valhalla. "Why have you not brought her with you?"

"Just a precautionary measure." answered Lezard. "I want to make sure it is safe before I allow her to leave my world."

"Safe?"

"I cannot know what will happen outside the branches of my world tree." explained Lezard. "There is no influence of time in my world, but here?" He let out a nervous laugh. "Here anything could happen. Time itself might protest the two of you existing simultaneously. It's a risk I cannot take."

"Oh..." Lenneth murmured softly. "It is good that you are cautious."

"Yes..." He said, falling silent as he followed her. They passed by many more rooms, seeing the doors tightly shut against prying eyes leaving Lezard to wonder what secrets were housed behind the stone. He realized he would have much to do in Valhalla, much to explore of his new home.

They reached a carpeted stair case, footsteps growing muffled against the royal purple material. Upwards they walked, reaching a landing. Lezard's eyes widen just a tad, the necromancer staring at the gigantic doors, seeing the wall relief carved into their stone surface, that of two angels their hands entwined. Lenneth raised her hand, and with a flex of her fingers the doors swung inwards, slowly laboring open with a loud groan of protest.

"We are here..." She said, gesturing him to proceed her into the room. Lezard brushed past her, striding into the room as though he owned it. He glanced about, seeing more gold, pillars and gauzy curtains of purple and red decorating the room. Two large stone gargoyles sat in the corner, silent guardians that watched over all.

"So this is the throne room of Odin..." He murmured to himself, already losing interest with gazing upon the room's furnishing. Instead his eyes went to the throne, seeing it situated up high on a dais, the large seat carved from the very wall itself. Stairs led down from the dais, several figures standing before the steps. Lezard studied them, recognizing the golden haired woman from the two times he had previously seen her. Freya, clad in green, her lovely face holding a tension that did not belong on it's surface, had turned at the sound of the doors opening. So had the two men besides her, one with short cropped blonde hair, a neatly trimmed beard on his face and storm blue eyes that were narrowed in resigned anger. The other man had bright red hair, like blood freshly spilt, and dark brooding eyes, his face baring a cross shaped scar on his right cheek. Lezard frowned, thinking Lenneth had not exaggerated when she had said there was only a few Gods left to greet him.

"Lenneth...welcome back..." Freya said, green eyes sliding from the Valkyrie to gaze on Lezard. She kept her face expressionless, hiding her pain and reluctance at Lezard being there. "And you...you are Lezard Valeth...?"

"That's Lord Lezard to you." He replied with a smirk, noting the way her eyes narrowed in anger. "And you are Freya, yes?" He glanced at the two men, a question in his eyes.

"This is Lord Thor..." She gestured to the blond, who bowed his head in acknowledgment. "And Lord Tyr." The red head's turn, the man raising his sword in mock salute at Lezard. "They are the Gods of..."

"Thunder and war." interjected Lezard. "Both admirable positions. It does not surprise me that the most powerful of Gods have not fled in this time of crisis." Wisely, no one pointed out that Lezard was at fault for the present situation. "Well..." A slow smile spread across Lezard's face. "Shall we get on with the coronation?"

"Er yes..." Freya exchanged sidelong glances with the two male Gods, before stepping forward, hands held before her chest. "We thought a simple affair was best..." Her hands glowed, a gold circlet appearing, floating between her spread hands.

"We can always have a full coronation once the other Gods have returned." Lezard told her, watching as she approached him.

"If you like." She said, and he nodded.

"I do." Lezard grinned, eyes gleaming as he looked at the crown in her hands. "I very much want my Queen present for such an affair."

"Wait Freya..." Tyr touched her, hand resting on her shoulder.

With a scowl on his face, Lezard dragged his eyes away from the gold treasure the Goddess held, turning to glare at the War God. "What is the meaning of this?!"

"Just a moment Lezard..." Tyr said, careful to leave off the honorific title. "We've a question for you."

"Where is Gungnir?" Thor suddenly demanded, crossing his arms over his broad chest. He stared steely eyed at Lezard, clearly not impressed with his thin frame. "How do we know you really possess the divine lance?"

"Gungnir is safe and in my possession, I assure you." Lezard replied, eyes narrowed as he stared back as the Storm Lord.

"I think my associates would feel better if we could see the lance." suggested Freya. "It would do much to ease tensed minds about the future stability of our home."

"Is my word not enough?" demanded Lezard, seeing from the expression on their faces it was not. He sighed. "I will bring it out momentarily, but first I require something of you three."

"And that is?" asked Thor with a growl, still glowering at Lezard.

"You must swear your loyalty to me." The three Gods opened their mouths to protest, aghast looks on their faces. Lezard laughed. "Why are you so surprised. Is that not part of the deal when I assume the throne?"

"Er yes..." Freya said, shooting dark looks at the male Gods. The look in her green eyes caused them to fall silent, mouths pressed tightly together. "However we would really like to see Gungnir first."

"And I want to know my subjects are loyal to me, and me alone, before I bring out the sacred treasure." Lezard replied. "So get on your knees."

"I beg your pardon!" gasped Freya, shocked.

"Did you not agree to submit to me?" demanded Lezard. "Make me your ruler? I think a show of groveling is in order, as is swearing your obedience to me."

"You can't possibly expect us to do this!" snarled Tyr.

"You go too far Lezard!" snapped Freya.

"Gods do not grovel!" added Thor.

"Such a pity. I guess you weren't serious about me becoming your leader." Lezard turned his back on them, as though he meant to walk away. The Gods were silent, watching him go. Faintly they could hear the sound of rumbling, feel the slight tremor in the ground as some far away part of Asgard fell to the ever increasing earthquakes.

"Wait!" Freya called out desperately.

"Yes?" Lezard glanced over his shoulder at her, expression mocking.

"Fine..." She hissed through gritted teeth, dropping down to her knees, much to the shock of the other Gods. "I...submit to you Lord Lezard."

"Excellent..." Lezard came forward, holding out his hand to her. She took it, pressing her lips against his knuckles, a quick kiss against his skin.

"You are our liege and sovereign..." Freya said dully, staring at the floor.

"The rest of you..." Lezard said, smirking. The two men exchanged glances, unease on their faces. "Choose quickly now." Lezard urged, hearing the sound of the earthquakes grow closer.

"Damn you." muttered Thor, going down to his knees. "I submit to you, Lord Lezard." He grounded out the words as though they were glass in his mouth, his tongue choking on the syllables.

"I...submit to you, Lord Lezard." mimicked Tyr, kissing Lezard's hand. Still wearing that smirk, Lezard gestured for the three to rise. He bent slightly, allowing Freya to place the circlet over his head, crowning him king. He reached up to brush his fingers against the gold, feeling a slight thrill to have been made their ruler.

"And now to take my throne." Lezard grinned, walking past the three Gods. He gestured for Lenneth to follow him, the Valkyrie silent as she accompanied him up the stairs.

Upon reaching the top, he paused, turning to peer down at his three subjects. "Now to give you what you want." He said, even as the room began rocking from an immense tremor. He concentrated, hand held out before him, ether glowing white and gold, spreading out to form the shape of the divine lance. His fingers closed around thin air, even as he peeled back the realities, summoning forth Gungnir from it's resting place.

The effect of the sacred treasure was immediate, the tremors ceasing at once. The Gods looked around, relief on their faces, and Lezard turned, heading towards his throne. With his free hand he caressed his fingers against the arm rest, touching the throne with wonder on his face. He let out a laugh, joyful and giddy, turning to ease himself slowly onto the hard seat.

"Ah..." He settled back with a sigh, staring at the room laid out before him. He knew he had things to do, measures to take before he could bring Lenneth here, and yet he delayed, wanting to savor this moment of victory. He slowly closed his eyes, a benign smile on his face as he laid Gungnir across his lap.

"Lezard Valeth!"

His eyes flew open at Freya's sudden shout, shock in his purple eyes to see the Goddess floating before the dais, ether glowing in her hands. "Freya, what is the meaning of this?!" He demanded with a snarl.

"Your reign shall be a short one, this I vow!" shouted the Goddess, aiming a blast of ether at Lezard.

"Betrayer!" shouted Lezard, holding up a hand, causing the ether blast to bounce harmlessly off of his flesh. "Tyr, Thor! Arrest her!"

"I think not, Lord Lezard!" Thor's voice was mocking, the Lord a snarled hiss. Lezard risked taking his eyes off of Freya, to see Thor and Tyr advancing up the staircase, their weapons drawn.

"Lenneth! Do something!" shouted Lezard, starting to rise from his seat.

"I plan to." She said quietly, and he heard the sound of her blade drawing free of her sheathe. He gasped, suddenly finding the sword at his throat, forcing him back into a sitting position. "Prepare to die Lezard!" She pressed down on the sword, forcing all her strength into her arms, blood appearing on the necromancer's neck.

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To Be Continued...

Michelle