Lezard's Triumph

Lezard found that now that he had her, he couldn't get enough of Lenneth. One taste simply wasn't enough to quench his desire. He had to have her, again and again, knowing not who to thank as she gave in each time, allowing his touches, even welcoming them. He loved her passionately, intense fervor that had him chasing her from room to room, laughing and catching at her body, swinging her around to press against his front as they explored the many grand rooms of Valhalla.

He still hadn't been able to locate a bedroom, but that didn't matter. Any room was good enough, indeed they christened many rooms with their intense adoration of each other. Lezard kissed her breathless, hands roaming all over her body as he sought to make up for lost time. So many days wasted, so many experiences lost when they could have been together.

The only blight on an otherwise joyful day was her refusal to say that she loved him. Lezard spoke to Lenneth often of his love for her, whispering heartfelt proclamations over and over, sometimes shouting out his love for the world to hear. His voice echoed in the hall, speaking of love, and all she would do was look away as though refusing to acknowledge his heart.

Lezard told himself it didn't matter, that her heart was bound to follow her body and surrender to him. He shoved his uneasiness downwards, locking it away, concentrating on her and the delightful way she moved against his body. He lifted her up, holding her effortlessly against the wall, feeling Lenneth wrap her arms and legs around him. Her legs crossed over each other, locking in place over his back, the heels of her shoes digging into his rear.

Lezard groaned into her mouth, his hands under her skirt, body sliding into place with hers. Lenneth cried out, feeling him bury himself deep inside her, Lezard's mouth against the front of her throat, lips biting and sucking at the tender flesh there. Deep kisses against her pulse point, he began to move, slowly grinding himself in and out of her, hearing her gasp and moan. Her fingers wound themselves in his hair, gently massaging his scalp, her hips starting to move in a rhythm that matched his own.

They were lost to the feel of each other, Lezard grunting out Lenneth's name, when a voice suddenly coughed. A loud clearing of one's throat, Lezard and Lenneth freezing, her blue eyes looking wide and startled. Lezard didn't miss a beat, still continuing to move in and out of Lenneth, even as he turned to glance at the one who intruded on their very private moment.

It was a a man, a deeply tanned youth barely out of boyhood, with short black hair who leaned against the door frame, eyes amused as he watched the lovers go at it. "Loki!" Lenneth gasped out his name, face blanching of all color, moments later letting out a cry. She turned her face, ashamed and glancing away from the Trickster God. Lezard looked him over, eyes narrowing as he studied the youth.

"Do you mind?" Lezard gritted out through clenched teeth, fighting back a moan.

"Oh by all means, please don't allow me to interrupt." smirked the God. It made Lezard growl, the man fighting back the urge to destroy this grinning fool on the spot. He could hear Lenneth inhaling, sharp breaths as she tried to stifle her moans and it drove Lezard all the madder to think that someone else was privy to hearing her most private sounds.

With a loud curse that startled the smirk right off Loki's face, Lezard was pulling out of Lenneth, hastily easing her skirt downwards to cover her legs. He had the presence of mind to stuff himself back in his pants, and then he turned, face enraged as he advanced on the Trickster God.

"Calm yourself, oh Lord of Creation." Loki said, hastily throwing up his hands in surrender. "I meant no disrespect to you or your lady."

"Could have fooled me." muttered Lenneth, staying plastered against the wall, avoiding looking at Loki.

"Lord of Creation?" Lezard said, some of the anger dying down in his eyes. He smiled, liking that title very much indeed.

"You are the one that has overthrown Odin, are you not?" Loki asked. "The God who surpasses all others in strength and cunning..."

"I am." Lezard nodded, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Lord Lezard..." Loki shocked them both by dropping down to his knees, arm swept out before him as he bowed his head. "Allow me to be the first..." He jerked his head up, sharp eyes looking at Lenneth over Lezard's shoulder. "The second to welcome you to your new kingdom."

Lezard heard Lenneth make a scoffing sound, glancing at her to see her cheeks red with embarrassment. "Hmm..." His hand glowed, Lezard reaching into the ether, peeling back realities to find the spot that Gungnir was kept in. "I've been offered such welcome before. By your comrades..." He saw Loki's eyes widen in appreciation of Gungnir. "It was in fact nothing more than mere deceit meant to lull me into defeat and death. Why should I believe any different of you?"

"My Lord, surely you can tell that I am earnest when I say I had nothing to do with those traitor's plans. I myself fled Valhalla rather than face you in a fight." answered Loki.

"And yet here you are. Ready and willing to pledge allegiance to me now? Convenient that." noted Lezard.

"We all felt the tremors of Yggsdrasil dying..." Loki quickly explained. "Many sought to investigate such an occurrence. I myself volunteered to be the first to witness what has occurred." He remained on his knees, though his eyes were boldly locked onto Lezard's. "Gungnir itself has the power to tell if one speaks the truth or not. Ask it if I willingly follow you...If I lie, it will strike me down where I kneel."

"Is this true?" Lezard wondered out loud, turning to glance at Lenneth. "Has Gungnir the power to tell truth from lie?"

"Yes." Lenneth said. "Merely stab it's point into Loki's body." A faint smile was on her lips, Lenneth liking the thought. "If he speaks true, than Gungnir will pass harmlessly though him. If not...well..." She broke off with a shrug, not needing to paint a picture of what will happen.

"Fine then..." Lezard tightened his grip on Gungnir's handle, pressing the blade against Loki's throat. "Answer me this Gungnir. Is Loki really ready to debase himself and follow my lead?"

"I swear it..." whispered Loki, not quite hiding the wince as Lezard thrust the blade into his skin. It passed easily through, ether glowing around the tip, immaterializing the weapon's edge. All seemed to sigh in relief as Lezard drew back the weapon, Loki lifting his shaking hand to his throat, feeling for an injury that was not there.

"Well, then..." Lezard grinned. "It seems I have my first loyal subject. Rise Trickster God, rise and hear my commands."

"At once Lord Lezard." Loki said, straightening to stand.

"I want you to gather up the missing Gods. Urge them to return to Valhalla." Lezard grinned. "It's time they met their new King and Queen."

"Queen?" Loki turned surprise eyes at Lenneth. "Her?!"

"Is there a problem Loki?" Lezard demanded, tone curt.

"Nothing my Lord." Loki shook his head, once again all eyes for Lezard. "It's just we've never had a Queen before."

"You'll find my reign is one of many firsts." smirked Lezard. "Now go. Gather your brethren and let them know they need not return to Asgard should they harbor any traitorous thoughts."

"At once my Lord." Loki agreed, and did a half bow. He nodded at Lenneth, still bent over. "My lady..." And with a shimmer of red and black ether, he disappeared from the room.

"He's not to be trusted." Lenneth spoke up, voice quiet in the room. "No matter what Gungnir says, Loki will eventually betray you. He..." She fell quiet as Lezard raised a hand, turning to smile at her.

"I know all about Loki's traitorous ways." Lezard stated. "He is the one to cause Ragnarock, is he not?" She nodded, and he merely grinned at her. "Fear not Lenneth. He won't be causing the end of the world on my watch." A laugh then from the mage. "Not when I have so much to lose." He stepped closer to her, hand raising up to touch her face, back of his fingers grazing her cheek.

Lenneth sighed, eyes still troubled. "You're going to do something bad again aren't you...?" He merely laughed, shaking his head as he refused to answer her. Lezard stepped closer to her, free hand reaching for her waist, pulling her against his body. He lowered his head, kissing her, seeking to distract her from asking any further questions.

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It was eerily quiet in the underground cavern of Dipan, silent except for the sound of their footsteps, and the soft murmur of Alicia keeping up a steady stream of conversation. Rufus tried not to be obvious as he walked, fighting back the constant need to turn around and stare at his fiancee and the mage. Dallas walked side by side with the princess, looking dazed by what she was telling him. Rufus couldn't help but notice the blush on the man's face, the mage clearly happy to be next to Alicia.

It made him bite back angry growls, his attacks extra vicious as he unleashed his arrows on what little monsters they did come across. Occasionally he caught sight of Arngrim's face, the man smirking knowingly. Rufus gave him a look, muttering to himself that he was most certainly not jealous of Dallas.

"And then we reached Asgard..." Alicia was saying. "Oh Dallas, if only you could see it. It truly is the most beautiful sight in the world..." Her eyes shined in remembrance, recalling the beauty that had been laid out before them when they had finally exited Bifrost.

"I'd like that Alicia. I'd like that very much." A morose sounding sigh from Dallas. "But I fear my time as one of the undead has forever stained my soul. I fear Nifleheim awaits me upon my death."

"Don't say that!" Alicia protested. "Nothing is set in stone. Nothing!" She grabbed at his remaining hand, lacing her fingers with his. "Your soul is that of a good man's. I know it is..."

"Thank you Alicia." Dallas smiled faintly, and Rufus scowled.

"Heh..." A deep chuckle from Arngrim, the warrior's shoulders shaking as he tried to repress his laughter. "Glad I don't have any women trouble to worry about."

"What are you saying?" demanded Rufus, whipping his head around to glare at the beserker. "Alicia and I aren't having any problems..."

"Yeah, but from the look on your face..." Arngrim grinned. "Let's just say your skin is as green as your eyes!" He tsked. "Careful there, women don't like jealous guys."

"What would you know?" demanded Rufus angrily. "I don't see you with any girls around."

"Hey I get plenty of action with the ladies." Arngrim was quick to retort. "I'll have you know in some parts of the world I am a very wanted man."

"Yes, where your pirating ways caught up with you." Rufus shot back.

Arngrim gave him a look. "That's not what I meant and you know it!" Rufus merely smirked in reply, and Arngrim took a playful swipe at him with his fist. "Keep a girl in every port, that's my motto."

"Yeah, but that's not my way." Rufus shook his head. "Haven't you ever felt a connection with someone...a deeper one that meant you knew she was the one?"

Arngrim was quiet as they walked, thinking it over. Time passed enough for them to confront three monsters, the party of four easily dispatching the fiends with their attacks. "There was a woman..." He admitted at last. "I thought there could have been more but..."

"But what?" asked Rufus.

"She turned out not to be who I thought she was." Arngrim said.

"What do you mean?" Rufus demanded. "Arngrim tell me! Who was she?!" Arngrim mumbled something under his breath, then coughed to cover his embarrassment. Rufus' eyes widened, and he gasped. "Don't tell me you just said Leone!?" Rufus started laughing, hard enough to draw Alicia's and Dallas' attention. He waved at the two of them, signaling it was nothing. Alicia nodded, and resumed her conversation with the mage, though she kept glancing at her fiancee curiously.

"Leone...Hrist Valkyrie...Ha ha ha!" Rufus still could not quite contain his laugher, making Arngrim growl with impatience. "No wonder she was in such a hurry to take you to Valhalla with her. Couldn't get enough of her big ole' stud muffin!"

"Quiet!" snapped Arngrim, eyes narrowed into a glare. "This is the last time I share anything with you!"

"Ah...don't be that way." Rufus said, sobering up slightly. "It just...it makes sense in a way now, some of the things Hrist did. She was sweet on you..."

"I guess..." Arngrim admitted reluctantly. "Whatever." He shook his head, his intent obvious to change the subject. "What are we gonna do with him now that we've cured him?" He jerked his thumb at Dallas, and Rufus sighed.

"Dunno...I suppose Alicia will want to help him settle into a new life."

"You sound thrilled about that." noted Arngrim.

"That obvious, huh?" Rufus nodded, sighing once more.

"Heh...I can read you like a book." retorted Arngrim. "You're just lucky Alicia doesn't notice how you really feel about her childhood chum."

"Yeah...I know." agreed Rufus, and he glanced over his shoulder at his bride to be once more. She was still talking excitedly, her face animated as she gestured with her sword. Dallas was watching her intently, nodding his head occasionally.

"Alicia..." Dallas said her name, interrupting her mid sentence. "You still wear the Ring of Mylinn, do you not?"

She paused, expression surprised. "Yes...yes I do..." A fond smile was on her lips, and she caressed the ruby red stone with her fingertip.

"But you've been cured of the ghoul powder have you not?" asked Dallas. "Surely there is no need to wear it now...?"

"It's a symbol of a promise..." Alicia explained. "Two of them actually..."

"Promise?"

"Yes..." Still smiling, her cheeks turning pink. "I'm going to be the guardian of the Dragon Orb. But what's more..." She let out a giggle, face radiating happiness. "Rufus and I are to be wed!"

"Wed?" Dallas blinked, trying for a neutral expression. "Oh um...how...happy I am for you..."

"Thank you!" Alicia said, and she rubbed the stone one last time.

"When will the marriage take place?" He asked, curious.

"Oh...I...I don't know." Her eyes sought out Rufus' back, and as though feeling her gaze on him, he turned, the half elf offering a warm smile to her. "As soon as possible I hope. Maybe even once we reached Solde!"

"How...nice..." Dallas said, his words slow and forced.

Alicia picked up on his discontent, slowing to a stop to gaze at him uncertainly. "You don't sound very happy for me..."

"Forgive me..." Dallas bowed his head, bangs brushing his eyes. "It's just...I don't know if that man is worthy of the Princess of Dipan."

"We've been through a lot together!" Alicia said, surprised to find her temper flaring up. "Rufus has more than proven his worth!"

"Ah...of course..." Dallas bit back a sigh. "You know best after all, your highness."

"Now don't you, your highness me!" She snapped, hands on her hips. "Don't go getting all formal on me just because you disagree with my choice in husbands."

"Sorry..." Dallas allowed himself a small smile.

"I'm a big girl now..." She continued. "Able to make my own choices. I don't need you deciding what's best for my life now." It was a subtle jibe at the decision he had made in telling her father to send her away.

"Again, my apologies." He said, intending to placate her.

"Right." She nodded, and resumed walking. "I hope you will come to the wedding." She smiled, seeing Dallas nod. "And we won't just dump you in Solde to survive on your own...Arngrim has lots of money..." She confided this with a whisper. "He never misses a chance to loot the gold off the monsters we slay. We can set you up in a comfortable life wherever you would like..."

"Hmm...Crell Monferaigne might be a good spot for me." Dallas considered out loud. "I could set up a potions shop. Peddle myself out as a magician for hire."

"Are you sure that will make you happy?" Alicia wondered. "I mean it's quite a leap from being a court magician to a lowly peddler of magic..."

"Yes, but look at where all that honor and prestige has gotten me?" He lifted up his arm, showing her the grisly sight of his missing hand. "A lost hand and homeless, exiled from my place of birth. I think a simple life will suit me far better than the one I have escaped from."

"You're right." Alicia nodded. "I hadn't thought of it like that...and...I'm sorry about your hand. It's my fault you lost it..."

"I would gladly lose both hands if it meant preventing my ghoulish self from doing permanent harm to you." Alicia's cheeks reddened at his words, and she ducked her face, shyly hiding behind her hair.

"We're almost at the end of the tunnel." Arngrim called out. "Stay sharp everyone...there'll be wolves in the woods that guard this path."

"We'll handle them just fine." Rufus said confidently. "And then we can stop at Solde for another rest."

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As Always To Be Continued...

Huh...short little chapter, but it moves the story forward. I had a hard time with the foursome scene. Spent like a day wondering what to do, but once I started writing it, it just flowed. I wasn't expecting another chapter this soon, but I have a bad cold, and been spending a lot of time in bed. And I found myself thinking about the story, and it gave me some ideas I had to try and write out. I'm not sure if I will come back and try to make this chapter longer. Sometimes short is nice, plus the next Lezard Lenneth scene should be with all the Gods coming back...and I'd rather have that in the next chapter, than tack it on to this one just to make it longer.

---------Michelle