Lezard's Triumph

His footsteps stomped through the hall, loud and echoing, Lezard not bothering to be quiet as he roamed the corridors of Valhalla. Angry and out of sorts, the new Lord of Creation was seeking out the library he had spied earlier in the day, wanting to find solace in the pages of a book. He slammed open doors, startling Aesir and einherjar alike, offering no apologies, not even a word as he gave a cursory glance to the rooms, finding not what he sought.

He thought back to Lenneth, Lezard wondering if she was still hiding in the bathing chamber. The fight pained him, left him feeling drained and alone, and he desperately wished he could turn back time, make it so that Lenneth had not witnessed today's deaths. He sighed, Lezard not understanding why it bothered Lenneth so much. After all history was painted with the blood of countless coups, when the reigns of a kingdom were seized from the rightful heir, it was never without battle. Never without death. Even the Aesir and the Vanir's ten year battle was a bloody affair, with the death of countless Gods and Goddesses. As a Chooser of the slain, Lenneth should be used to death, even accepting of it.

"Damn it!" Lezard swore out loud, slamming his fist into the wall. The marble cracked, denting under his hand, the action doing little to make Lezard feel better.

"Problem my Lord?" A voice that was becoming quickly familiar asked, and Lezard glanced up, seeing red and black ether swirl together. A kneeling Loki appeared before him, head raised to stare into Lezard's eyes.

"It's nothing." Lezard told him, seeking to walk past the Trickster God.

"Are you sure Lord Lezard?" Loki asked, rising to follow his king. "When I left you and the Lady Lenneth..." He hesitated at the sharp intake of breath from Lezard at her name. "When I left the two of you, you seemed quite cozy and content...and yet...here you are..."

"All alone, is that what you are getting at?" demanded Lezard, whirling around so suddenly that Loki walked into his chest.

The God jumped back, shaking his head. "I mean no disrespect...I merely want to..."

"Want to what?" asked Lezard with a snort. "Are you suddenly a God of Love, here to play cupid for my woes?"

"If that is what you would have me do...then yes..." Loki nodded. "Is it...the lady you find fault with?" Lezard suddenly grabbed him by the throat, cutting off his air. "Lenneth is utter perfection...I'll not have you even insinuate anything is wrong with her, is that understood?"

"But of course..." croaked out Loki, and Lezard dropped his hold on him, the God sinking to the floor, taking in loud gulps of air.

"Now...if you must know...we had a fight..." His voice was sullen, Lezard fighting back a pout. "Today's...violence upset Lenneth..."

"I had no idea the battle maiden had such a delicate constitution when it came to such things." Loki murmured.

"Neither did I..." whispered Lezard. He sighed then, not knowing why he felt the need to confess to Loki. "She's very upset...she refuses to talk to me."

"And conversation is important to you?" questioned Loki, laughing nervously at the look Lezard shot him. "Ah of course. You are a man of intellect...you value the brain as well as the body..."

"Something like that." agreed Lezard.

"But what of the heart?" asked Loki. "Where does the lady's heart fit into the equation...?"

"That..." Lezard let out a deep sigh. "That my friend, is the problem. I don't have her heart...not yet at least...while she...she has mine..." He made a fist, bringing it to his chest, staring blankly at the floor.

"It is a simple enough matter to steal her heart." Loki smirked, gesturing Lezard closer. "You do realize...we have a Goddess whose specialty is love on the premise?"

Lezard jerked back, staring wide eyed at the Trickster God. "Who?! Tell me her name!"

"It is the Lady Lofn." Loki replied with a grin. "Her magic is powerful indeed. If anyone could mix you up a love potion sure to guarantee you Lenneth's heart, it would be her."

"Yes..." Lezard breathed out his reply, grabbing at Loki's sleeve. "Take me to her immediately! I must have that potion at once!"

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Alicia stirred, stretching out her arm, finding the space next to her flat. She frowned, eyes still closed, feeling around, searching for the body that should have been there. "Rufus?" She sleepily called out his name, rising up to a sitting position. She rubbed at her eyes, the princess blinking them open, noticing the moonlit room was empty aside from her.

Stifling a yawn, Alicia shifted towards the edge of the bed, swinging her legs over the side. The floor was chilly against her bare feet, and she shivered, pulling the blanket tight around her body. She stood, noticing his clothes were gone, as was his bow and arrows. "Rufus..." She said worriedly, rubbing the jewel on the ring of Mylinn. "Where are you?"

She walked around the room, hoping for some sign, a note, anything to point to where he had gone. But there was nothing to be found and she frowned, sitting back on the bed. Muttering to herself, Alicia reached for her clothes, shrugging into her blouse, quickly doing up the buttons. She slipped on her skirt, and not bothering with her vest, she walked out of the room. Pausing in the hallway, she glanced to the left and to the right, seeing the door to the bathroom was open. Torch light flickered it's flames, showing an empty space.

More frowns from the princess, Alicia tip toeing across the hall, reaching the room Arngrim had taken for himself. She paused, knocking on the door. "Arngrim?" A loud snore was her answer. "Arngrim!" She hissed, knocking harder. She heard a door being unlatched, the wood creaking open.

"Alicia?" Dallas stood in his robes, looking sleepy eyed. "What are you doing up so early?" He yawned, and shook his head, offering an apology for the sleepy state she found him in.

"Dallas!" Alicia exclaimed, then clamped her hand over her mouth, looking around guiltily. She stepped closer to his room, her voice a hushed whisper. "Rufus is gone!"

"Gone?" echoed the mage.

"He's missing. He's not in his room, he..."

"How do you know he's not in his room?" questioned Dallas.

"Oh I uh...I was...I couldn't sleep and I thought to um...talk with him..." She finished lamely, glad it was too dark for him to see the blush on her face.

"Alicia, you weren't thinking of being unchaperoned with your fiancee before the wedding!" gasped Dallas, scandalized by the thought.

"Um...no...uh...we were just gonna talk..." She said, stumbling over her words.

"Right..." Even to her, Dallas's tone sounded doubtful.

"Anyway he's not here!" Alicia said, quick to get back to the main point. "His clothes are gone, and so is his weapons. And he didn't leave a note!"

"Really now...?" Dallas smiled, knowing Alicia couldn't see his expression due to the dim light in the hall. "Do you think he left us?"

"I don't know..." Alicia was wringing her hands together, feeling helpless and on edge. "I'm trying to wake up Arngrim to ask him, but..." She sighed. "Get him in a bed and nothing short of Ragnarok can wake him!" She sighed. It was hard to believe what a heavy sleeper the normally alert warrior could be.

"Hmm...well I would advise you to go back to sleep." Dallas said. "We can't do anything about this until morning. We can start our look for him then."

"But morning might be too late!" protested Alicia.

"It's only hours to go until the sun rises." pointed out Dallas. "We won't be able to track Rufus down without Sol's light to guide our way."

"I know that but..." Alicia sighed, feeling helpless.

"Rest." urged Dallas, his smile widening. "I think everything will be better come morning."

"Right..." Alicia sighed, and turned away from his door. She felt his eyes on her, and she dutifully walked back to her unused room. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her, leaning against the wood. She counted to ten, and then she was creeping back into the hallway, heading towards the room she and Rufus shared. "I've got to find him!" She whispered to herself, reaching for her vest.

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To say Lofn, Goddess of Love was startled to see the Lord of Creation on her doorstep, would be understating the case. She stared wide eyed at Lezard, her green eyes showing her nervousness as she gestured for him and Loki to enter her apartment. She nervously ran her hands through her vibrant red hair, smoothing down wild curls, brushing her hands over her pink night gown.

Her living quarters were painted in hues of pink, red and white, hearts and bouquets of flowers spread throughout the room. She guided Lezard over to a heart shaped couch, urging him to sit. Lofn glanced nervously at Loki, seeing the dark skinned God leaning in the door frame. He once again wore an expression of intense amusement, and she frowned to see it.

"My Lord...Loki..." She nodded at the Trickster God in acknowledgment. "What brings you here at this time of night?"

"..." Lezard opened and closed his mouth, finding it dry. He coughed to clear his throat, fingers sliding his glasses up his nose. Lofn's eyes widened as she watched the all powerful God fidget before her, suddenly too nervous to speak. "It...it is a matter of grave importance." He said at last. "Loki?"

"Yes my Lord..." Loki turned to close the door, but Lezard was calling his name once more.

"I think I'd rather speak to her alone...if you don't mind." Lezard said.

Loki's eyebrows raised in surprise, and for a moment a displeased frown crossed his lips. He quickly steeled his face to be neutral, bowing to Lezard. "As you wish my King. Lofn." He stepped out of the room, softly closing the door shut behind him.

Lofn found her nervousness increased ten fold to be alone with Odin's slayer, and she stared wide eyed at him. "Well don't just stand there." Lezard snapped, gesturing at a chair. "Sit down!"

She found herself plopping down on soft white leather, hearing it rustle and groan under her weight. Lezard smiled, amused by how fast she had moved, and that seemed to break the ice between them.

"I hear you are the mistress of all things concerning the heart..." Lezard began, leaning forward, his amethyst eyes intent on her face. She nodded, and his smile widened. "Good...I have need of your services...there is a lady I very much wish to...to love...Can you help me with that?"

"I can." Lofn agreed with a nod.

Lezard sighed, feeling as though a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "I'm glad to hear it."

"How is it you wish to win her heart? Through great feats? Presents and sonnets? What manner of courtship have you attempted...?" asked Lofn, conjuring a pad and feathered pen to her hand. She stared intently at Lezard, ready to write down a plan of action.

"No no no...none of that...I heard you could help me bypass all that." Lezard said. "With a potion."

"A potion..." She frowned, disapproval in her eyes. "Yes...I can do that." With a sigh she set down her pad, shaking her head. "But it's not right..."

"Oh?"

"A potion only inspires a superficial sort of love...It's not a true love..." She explained.

"Well what is the difference?" asked Lezard.

"On the outside?" She shrugged. "There's no discernible difference. The person acts and behaves just as though they really were in love. But it's nothing more than a lie. Don't get me wrong...you can have bliss...far too much of it in fact! The person afflicted by the love potion will never know hate or anger towards you, she'll always be docile...always loving, always happy...the perfect doll in fact..." Lofn sighed. "She'll lack free will, no thoughts of her own. As you can see it's far better to win the heart, and have the love be true."

Lezard was quiet, his hands curling into fists, clenching his fingers so hard his knuckles turned white. "But she would love me...isn't that true...?"

"Yes...if you can be happy with the side effects that come with the love caused by the potion..." answered the Goddess. "Please...try another way." She urged him. "Don't go down this dark path..."

"But I'm so tired of trying..." whispered Lezard. "Everything I do seems to make her unhappy...Lenneth...Lenneth may never come to love me on her own..."

"That may be...but I can help you in other ways..." offered Lofn. "It wouldn't hurt to try again with her first..."

"But the potion..." Lezard said, seeming to grasp at it as though it was his last hope.

"The potion..." She said curtly, cutting him off. "Is a one way trip. Once administered, it cannot be taken back. You'd have to be really sure about it before using it..."

"Sure? Sure about what?" asked Lezard. "I want her to love me, more than anything else in the nine realms, I want that!"

"But are you willing to risk losing her personality, that spark of life that made you fall in love with her?" questioned the Goddess.

"Yes..." Lezard bowed his head, shutting his eyes closed. "Gods help me, yes...!"

"All right..." sighed Lofn, raising from her chair, a disgusted look on her face. "I shall prepare the potion immediately."

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The sun was just rising, Rufus adjusting his hood, letting it cast shadows over his eyes. He listened to the sounds of the day, hearing the rooster's crow, and people start to rise. The working class was already up, heading off to their day jobs, brushing sleep filled eyes, mumbling discontentedly to themselves. Rufus watched the people go by, seeing them cast curious glances at him.

Street urchins wandered the pathways, winding in and out of the crowd, pilfering wallets and whatever oth they could get their hands on. Rufus kept a tight grip on his purse, listening to the sound of his coins jangling. It has to be enough. He thought to himself. I couldn't wake up Arngrim to get any more money. He sighed, and if he had been a praying man, the half elf would have whispered a prayer to whatever God looked over the fortunes of man.

An old woman was heading his way, her clothes finer than anything he had yet seen this morning. Her snow white hair was pulled back in a tight bun, not a single strand out of place. Her face bore the brunt of many smile lines and wrinkles, and her pale blue eyes shined with alertness. She hobbled with a cane, smacking aside the filthy children who tried clinging to her skirts, trying to pick her pockets. Rufus pushed away from the wall, hurrying towards her.

"Need any help grandmother?"

"It's all right dearie...I may be old, but I'm still spry..." She shook her cane at a towhead boy. "Get! Get you filthy vermin!" Rufus continued walking next to her, noting the many rings she wore on her fingers, the strands of necklaces around her throat. She was a walking advertisement for her store, and she headed towards the shop Rufus had been standing in front of.

"Let's see now..." She murmured to herself, reaching into the pocket of her skirt. "I know they're here somewhere...ah! Here we go!" She smiled brightly, removing a ring of keys from her dress. Her hand was steady as she brought the key to the lock, turning it to open the door. "Are you coming in lad?" She asked, shooting a coy look at Rufus.

"Er yes..." Rufus nodded, and bent to fit under the archway of the short door. She hobbled towards the window, undoing the curtains, and the store flooded with light, and for a second Rufus was blinded by the gleaming jewels that littered the walls of the store.

"All right...let's get a good look at you..." The old woman commanded, nodding at Rufus. The half elf was surprised, but pulled back his hood, hearing her let out a breath. "Well...I haven't seen hair that color since...since well never." She smiled. "It's good to know there are still firsts in the world for one my age."

"Er...I'm here to..."

"You're here to buy rings aren't you?" The old woman laughed at the shocked expression on Rufus' face. "Oh don't be surprised. When a young man is anxiously waiting outside my shop at the crack of dawn, there can be only one reason." She sighed, expression wistful. "Love."

"That's right." nodded the half elf. He reached for his purse, dumping his gold coins out. "I want your two finest wedding bands that this amount can buy."

She tsked. "You're not an experience haggler are you...? The first rule of business is never let them see how much you're willing to spend. Lucky for you I'm a soft touch, and won't rip you off. I'll help you find the rings that best suit you and your sweetheart."

"Thank you." Rufus said gratefully, scooping his gold back into his purse.

"Now tell me about the lass...what is she like...what does she look like?" urged the old woman.

"Well...she's about this high..." Rufus said, gesturing to his body. "With long blonde hair, that's as golden as the sun. Piercing blue eyes, and a smile the likes of which I've not seen before. She's a princess..." He sighed.

"All girls are princesses at heart." laughed the old woman, thinking Rufus was speaking figuratively. "Is she kind?"

"The kindest. And brave too. She's been through a lot of hardships, a lot of pain in her life. Her family is all dead." Rufus said, and the old woman made sympathetic noises. "She's suffered so much, and through it all she shines, finding the will to pull through."

"Sounds like a very special girl indeed." The old woman was gazing at the glass counter, carefully shifting aside pillows of rings. "I think a diamond would suit her best. Diamonds are a very special stone...they go through a lot to shine and become the brilliant gem that they are...just like your girl." She held up a gold ring, with a sparkling array of three small diamonds in the center.

"It's perfect!" breathed out Rufus, staring at the ring.

"And for you, I think a simple gold band would be most effective." The old woman was reaching for his hand, slipping a ring on his finger. "I find men don't need a lot of fluff and jewels. They just need a symbol to show their love. Wouldn't you agree?"

Rufus stared at the ring on his finger, and nodded. The old woman smiled. "Then I'll be taking my gold if you please."

"Oh of course." Rufus said, thrusting his purse to the old woman. She opened the leather, shifting through the coins, counting out the pieces until she was satisfied with the amount.

"Are you sure that's enough?" Asked Rufus, removing the ring from his finger.

"More than enough." The old woman assured him. "I wouldn't have you starting a marriage with no money to your name!" She laughed. "Now you be careful with those rings. Don't lose them!"

"I won't." promised Rufus. "Thank you!" He turned to leave the shop, the old woman's good-byes ringing in his ears. He was carefully tucking the rings into his purse, when a body bumped into his. "Hey! Watch it!" he snapped annoyed, at the same time the girl gasped out an apology.

"I'm so sorry!" The blonde figure was bent over, bowing profusely. "Please forgive me."

"Alicia?" Rufus said, surprised.

"Rufus?!" Alicia gasped, and a variety of expressions crossed her face. Relief, joy, anger. "Just where have you been?!" She slapped him on the shoulder, blue eyes angry.

"Hey! That hurts..." Rufus laughed, then shook his head. "Okay, not really."

"Stop avoiding the question!" She stamped her feet, hands on her hips, glaring at him.

"I didn't expect you to be up so early..." Rufus began.

"Obviously!" She snapped.

"I just had some early morning business to take care of." Rufus explained.

"What couldn't wait till we all got up and came together?" asked Alicia, still glaring.

"Let's just say...it's something to do with our wedding and leave it at that." Rufus grinned as the glare faded from her face.

"Our wedding?" She blinked and he nodded.

"I really didn't mean to worry you Alicia." Rufus added. "I just wanted this to be a surprise and thought I could slip out during the night and be back before you woke up." He frowned. "What are you doing out here alone? Solde is dangerous at night."

"I know that!" Alicia retorted. "I was looking for you...I couldn't wake up Arngrim, and Dallas...Dallas wanted to wait until the sun came up. But I couldn't wait." She grabbed at his hands, squeezing them tightly. "When I woke up and saw your clothes and weapons gone I feared...I feared..." She trailed off, a hint of tears to her eyes.

"Alicia..." Rufus said softly.

"I feared you had left me!" She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. His hands found their way to the back of her head, the half elf petting the princess in an attempt to calm her down. "Oh Rufus, don't ever do that again...not without at least leaving me a note."

"I promise Alicia...I'll never leave your side again. So don't cry okay..." He was wiping at her cheeks, easing her tears away. She sniffled and nodded. "Good...Let's go back to the inn, before Arngrim wakes up and causes a fuss over both of us being gone."

Alicia laughed. "He might think we've gone off and eloped!"

"Heh...that's not a bad idea." Rufus said, also laughing. He took her by the hand, lacing his fingers with her, and together the pair walked off, heading back towards the inn.

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Upon returning to the bedroom, Lezard discovered Lenneth had finally vacated the bathing chamber. She was snuggled on her side, covers drawn up to her waist, breathing lightly as she slept in Odin's bed. Our bed. He corrected himself mentally, softly stepping closer to the mattress. He stared down at her, hand in his jacket pocket, feeling the tiny glass vial against his fingers. He imagined he could hear the red liquid sloshing about, a sound that had him flinching, feeling guilty.

Lezard sighed, removing his hand from his pocket. He reached towards Lenneth, touching her hair, letting the strands escape through his fingers. She sighed, cuddling closer to her pillow, Lezard touching the back of her head. He carefully petted her head, leaning over her to kiss her cheek. "I love you Lenneth..." He whispered against her skin, and then was backing away from the bed.

His fingers unfastened the buttons of his jacket, Lezard removing it, carefully setting it down to drape across the top of silver backed chair. He paused, staring at the pocket where he knew the love potion lie, sighing heavily. His hands fumbled with the buckle of his belt, undoing the leather, and he kicked off his boots, cringing at the sound of them hitting the floor. Lenneth made a sound, but did not awaken and he sighed in relief. He pushed down his pants, and clad only in his shirt he returned to the bed, easing back the covers.

The mattress groaned as his weight was added to it, Lezard sliding in easily over the silk sheets. He moved closer to Lenneth, pressing his body up against hers, wrapping his arms around her. He buried his face against the crook of her shoulder, kissing against the flesh there, sighing out her name. She wiggled and moaned, trying to break free of his embrace, but he merely tightened his arms, holder onto her harder.

Lenneth relaxed and sighed against him, Lezard quiet as he held her. His mind was racing, and he didn't know if he'd be able to get to sleep. Once again he thought of the love potion, and the words of Lofn drifted through his mind. She won't have her personality, that spark of life that made you fall in love with her in the first place. She'll be nothing more than a doll, lacking free will and thought... The thoughts came faster yet, mercilessly repeating over and over again. She'll love you...she'll never know anger or hate towards you again. Only love and happiness.

She'll love you... His arms almost crushed her to him, Lezard crying out her name, "Lenneth!" She'll love you. repeated Lofn's voice, and a single tear slipped down Lezard's cheek.