Lezard's Triumph

The chapel of the Valkyrie was large, a building of smooth white stone with colorful stained glass windows set high in the center of the wall overlooking the pulpit. Row upon row of dark wood benches lined up on either side of the church, over two dozen in all, with a thin red carpet with gold edging on it's sides lining the way down the middle. A statue was at the entrance of the church, a much smaller version of the grand one of Hrist that was perched on the roof of the building.

It was carved out of granite, with blood red jewels for her eyes, the stone polished to a shining gleam. Her hair was caught in an eternal breeze, flying to the side of her body, while wings with numerous feathers were spread open wide. A spear was held in her hand, thrust out before her like a beacon of light, her pose welcoming not threatening.

Alicia stood before the statue, staring wistfully at the Valkyrie. She bowed her head in reverence, offering up a prayer for the lost souls of Hrist and Silmeria, thanking them for their sacrifice so that she might live and be happy. I know you're watching over me...where ever you are... She thought, staring into the empty eyes of the statue. I want you to know I'm happy...for the first time in my life, I'm really, really happy...Silmeria. A sigh then, a guilty flush on her cheeks as though it was wrong to be happy when Silmeria was lost to her.

Over by the benches, Arngrim stood arguing with several of the priests. They bobbed their heads up and down, waving their hands around anxiously. Rufus was next to the warrior, trying to keep him calm, keep him from drawing his weapon in this holy place. Arngrim was letting out angry growls, pulling open the pouches on his belt, revealing more and more gold coins, the priests' eyes shining in amazement. There was just a hint of greed to their eyes as well, and even from a distance, Alicia could spot how they were starting to warm up to the idea of holding an impromptu wedding ceremony here.

"Do you miss her?" Dallas asked from over her shoulder, startling Alicia. She turned and found him standing right behind her, close enough that her body brushed against his chest when she moved.

"Er yes...of course I do." Alicia said, taking a step back away from him.

"Really?" Dallas offered her a humorless smile. "I remember you as a child...crying, frightened by the Valkyrie inside of you. You always seemed eager to be rid of her spirit, wishing you could be normal."

Alicia sighed, remembering those times well. "Yes...of course I was scared...I was young and didn't understand what was happening to me. People shunned me, my own family abandoned me..."

"My fault I'm afraid..." Dallas said, looking sad.

"It's okay..." She shook her head. "I can't hate you for that...I wanted too, but I just don't have room in my heart for that kind of negativity." She huffed, her breath rustling her bangs. "For the longest time I was alone, alone except for the voices in my head."

"Voices?"

"I could hear the einherjar within me..." She explained, hugging her arms close to her chest. "They talked to me and comforted me, made me laugh. They were my friends though I could not see them before me. And Silmeria...Silmeria was more than a just a friend, she was like a sister, the family I did not know. A confidant and a teacher, she taught me many things, instructed me in skills I hoped I'd never have to use." She touched the sword on her hip, fingers rubbing the handle. "It feels...it feels empty without her in my head."

"I see..." murmured Dallas.

"I don't think you do." Alicia commented. "It was great to finally meet her in person, brief though our time together was. I wish she was still here, still with me in some tangible form. But I know I'm not alone. Not anymore." She smiled brightly. "I have Rufus now...and Arngrim, and you Dallas."

He smiled back at her, though there was a hint of pain in his expression. "Alicia, I...I..."

"Yes?" Wide blue eyes stared at him unblinking, the girl patiently waiting for him to finish what he was going to say.

"It's nothing." He said at last. "I'm glad you have found your happiness at last."

"Thank you Dallas." She smiled again. "And don't worry. I'm sure you will find happiness too."

"Ah..." A loud exhalation of air from him. "Do you really think so?"

"I know so." Alicia said warmly. They both turned to peer around Hrist's statue, gazing at the men conversing. The priests' voices were excited, and they were bowing to Arngrim, who laughed and looked uncomfortable. Rufus turned and smiled at Alicia, gesturing her over with a wave.

"Good news." He said with a laugh. "Looks like the wedding is happening today after all!"

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed Alicia, feeling excited. One of the priests broke away from the small crowd, dashing down the aisle pass the pulpit. Alicia watched him, curious, seeing him disappear through a door. "Where's he off to in a such a rush?"

"Well you see..." began Arngrim. "Since you don't have any female friends...the priest has gone to gather up some of the nuns to attend to you."

"Oh!" Alicia wondered what they were going to do to her. She had never been to a wedding before, and had little idea of what to expect. A loud, excited chatter was heard, the door opening as a trio of young women appeared. Their heads were covered, their dress plain, colored in grays and navy blue, with white aprons around their waist. They saw Alicia, and immediately descended upon her, clucking excitedly over the girl.

Rufus laughed to see the look on her face, the girl looking overwhelmed as the woman surrounded her, and began excitedly tugging her away from him. "Rufus?!" Alicia called out, sounding a bit panicked.

"Relax...the bride and the groom have to be separated before the wedding. I'll see you in a bit." He blew her a kiss, and she blushed, still frowning as she was led away. He could hear the nuns talking, one of them reaching forward to stroke Alicia's hair, commenting on the color and sheen of it, finding it beautiful. Another was commenting on what a pity it was that the girl had no family or friends here to tend to her on her special day, while the third warmly promised to take care of everything for Alicia.

Alicia cast one last look at Rufus, and then she was dragged through the door behind the pulpit, disappearing from sight. Arngrim was still with the priests, his expression sullen as he handed over the last of the gold coins. The priests smiled widely, and bowed hurrying off. The beserker watched them go, silently mourning the huge amount of money it had taken to arrange the ceremony.

"I'll find a way to pay you back." Rufus said, coming to stand behind Arngrim. "Count on it!"

"You'll do nothing of the sort!" snapped the warrior. "Just accept it as my wedding gift to you, and be done with it."

"All right...since you asked so nicely...I will." grinned Rufus, ducking under Arngrim's playful swipe.

"Hey...what's with him?" Armgrim nodded at Dallas, who was quietly sitting in one of the pews, a sad expression on his face. "He's not gonna wear that glum look to the ceremony is he? He'll bring down the whole place with that sour expression!"

Rufus sighed. "I haven't had a chance to tell you but...the damn fool is against this union."

"What?" Arngrim's eyes widened in disbelief. "No way!"

Rufus nodded. "He won't admit it, but he's in love with Alicia too. He actually tried to get me to break the engagement." Arngrim opened his mouth ready to swear, remembering at the last second he was in a holy place. He settled for whistling instead. "I don't trust him. Can you keep an eye on him during the ceremony to make sure he doesn't cause trouble?"

"It's what I do best." Arngrim grinned, flashing his teeth in a feral smile. "If he so much as twitches during the vows, I'll chop off his OTHER hand!"

"Thanks." Rufus smiled. "But you needn't go quite that far. I wouldn't want any bloodshed on Alicia's special day. Just...clobber him with your fist or something."

Arngrim nodded. "Hey we need to get you ready too..."

"Oh that reminds me...the surprise I went out for..." Rufus reached into his purse, shaking out the two rings. He held them up before Arngrim's face, and the man whistled.

"Nice."

"As best man, you've got to hold onto these for me." Rufus said, pushing the rings into Arngrim's waiting hand. "Don't lose them now!"

"I'll guard them with my life!" promised Arngrim, placing them in his pocket. "Now what say we have an early drink to celebrate you becoming a married man?"

Rufus laughed, and nodded. "I think my nerves would like that very much indeed!"

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Lezard shifted in his seat, fighting back the urge to sigh. His arm was bent, head resting on the palm of his hand, Lezard lazily staring off into the distance. It was quiet in the throne room, no persons to rule, no subjects daring to come forth and petition him. It was just a lot of waiting, Lezard sitting bored out of his mind, wishing something, anything would happen.

I'd rather be with Lenneth. He thought wistfully, picking at an imaginary speck of dust on his black leather pants. But I promised I'd let her visit with Freya alone for a while. He frowned, not liking having to share her with others, practically seeing green over the thought of Freya being in Lenneth's presence. He thought to the vial in his pants' pocket, thinking how Lenneth would have no need of others should he give her the potion. But again he found himself hesitating, thinking back to Lofn's warnings.

I just can't do it. He realized with a start. I can't destroy her personality for my own desires. The revelation lifted his heart, easing the burden he felt over the love potion. He straightened, sliding his hand into his pocket, removing the vial. The red liquid sloshed about, apple red, a vibrant hue.

"Loki!!" Lezard called out, eyes on the vial.

Black and red ether swirled around the dais, spinning like a tornado as they twisted around, gathering to take the form of a man. The ether drifted away, revealing the form of Loki, the Trickster God, dropping into a half bow, looking eager to serve. His eyes fell on the vial in Lezard's hand, and he frowned. "You didn't give her the potion yet?"

"No...no..." Lezard shook his head. "And I'm not going to."

Loki's eyes showed his surprise. "Why not?" He cocked his head to the side. "Did something happen between you two?"

"No...nothing's change. I just..." Lezard sighed. "I just want her to love me on her own, without the aid of potions or magic."

"But that may never happen..." Loki began, trailing off at Lezard's glare.

"It's a risk I'm willing to take." Lezard said. "I want Lenneth for Lenneth...not to be some brainless doll whose only will is to serve me."

"Ah...I see..." Loki shrugged. "As you wish." His tone was disapproving, thinking Lezard a fool to not use the potion.

"Dispose of this for me will you?" Lezard said, tossing the vial at the Trickster God. Loki hastily grabbed at it, the vial bouncing from hand to hand. He nearly dropped the potion on the floor, managing a last minute save.

"Of course." Loki said, slipping the vial into his pocket. He started to turn as though he meant to leave. Then paused. "A moment of your time if you will...?"

"Yes? What is it?" asked Lezard.

"What have you decided about Odin's family? His father and grandfather, not to mention his brother are still out there somewhere, lurking about in one of the other realms. They have ties to the frost giants...they could cause trouble if left unchecked." Loki said.

"..." Lezard leaned back in his throne, folding his hands across his lap. "You fear they might amass an army?"

"Yes. And without the Valkyries here to gather more einherjar...our forces would be weakened in the case of such an attack." Loki explained. "Unless...you will allow Lenneth to assume her duties as battle maiden?"

"No..." Lezard scowled. "Lenneth is my Queen...No more will she toil as a servant of the Gods. We will find other ways to renew our einherjar forces." He looked at Loki appraisingly. "Perhaps that can be a job for you. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands."

Loki did not look thrilled with the idea. "I am no chooser of the slain. I wouldn't know where to begin...But...if that is what you want of me..."

"Calm your mind Loki. It was merely a suggestion." Lezard chuckled. "Besides, I'm not looking to start a war anytime soon, regardless of what the surviving members of Odin's family may or may not do."

"My liege!" Loki exclaimed. "Surely that is unwise. You do not know them like I do. Borr, Buri and Vili can be relentless..." He trailed off as Lezard held up his hand.

"So can I..." He smirked. "Just ask Lennneth."

"At least a hunting party, small in size. Let us try to strike at your enemies while they still plot..." Loki said.

"Careful Loki. Begging doesn't suit you." retorted Lezard. Loki fell quiet with a hiss, his eyes angry. "Do you think..." Lezard suddenly spoke up, his voice quiet and contemplative. "Lenneth is close to those Gods?"

"My Lord?"

"Would she mourn their deaths?" asked Lezard.

"I...do not know the Lady Lenneth that well..." Loki said stiffly. "But if it is for her sake that you are so determined to spare Odin's family...then you would be a fool."

"Careful Loki...you tread on dangerous ground..." Lezard growled.

"A ruler cannot make decisions based on his lady's whims!" Loki said, his voice increasing in volume. "Tis madness!"

"I can afford a little insanity." Lezard retorted coldly. "I have enough power to hold my throne...to protect Lenneth." Loki was shaking his head no, again and again. He opened his mouth to speak when the doors to the throne room groaned, slowly creaking open. Loki saw Lezard's eyes light up in pleasure, a soft smile crossing his face as he gazed on the person passing through the large doors.

Lenneth, a vision in pale lavender strode forth, Freya close behind her. She raised her hand in greeting, but Lezard was already rising from his throne, a shower of gold sparkles washing over his body. He teleported to her side, leaning in close to kiss her cheek. Freya scowled at him, but held her tongue, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Lenneth...you came to visit me..." Lezard said pleased.

"Yes..." She agreed. "I wanted to see how you were handling things." Her eyes turned worried. "You didn't kill anyone did you?"

Lezard laughed, taking her by the arm, urging her to walk with him. "Of course not. I've been good, just like I promised you." She smiled in relief, allowing him to lead her down the hall, the two walking and talking, their voices a soft murmur as they headed towards the dais.

Freya was left standing by herself, ignored. She sighed, staring after the royal couple, marveling at the differences between this Lenneth and the Lenneth she had known all her life. Much as she hated to admit it, she was grateful for her new position as handmaiden to the Queen, glad to be out of the dank and dirty prison of Valhalla. She just wished the job didn't put her into such close proximity with Lezard!

Red and black ether swirled before her face, and she stifled a groan, seeing Loki appear before her in a burst of light. His lips were spread in a wide smirk, white teeth flashing as he looked her over. "The stink of mortality is all over you." Loki said, pretending her scent offended him.

"Hello Loki." Freya said wearily.

"You are a fool...but..." He laughed. "I always did know that."

"What do you want Loki?" She said through gritted teeth.

"Why do I have to want something? Couldn't I just want to talk to my favorite former Goddess?" asked the God, circling around her. She turned to keep him in her sight, feeling dizzy as they twirled, an odd dance where she stood in the same spot. "It must be so humiliating for you." continued Loki, laughing. "To think you once held such power...and now you are nothing...little more significant than an insect. Heh...even einherjar have more power than you!"

"I'm bored of this conversation." Freya said, making a move to walk away. She cried out in pain, Loki's fingers suddenly gripping her arm, bruising her flesh.

"Well, I'm not bored of you!" Loki hissed. "You're going to stand here and listen to everything I have to say to you. And you'll do it with a smile. Or else." His fingers squeezed, threatening to break the bone, and she gasped, a strangled groan passing through her lips.

"Stop it..." She moaned, her eyes watering from the pain.

"Maybe I'll break your arm anyway...it would be amusing to hear your screams." Loki licked his lips, hissing out a pleased yes. "Yes, I like the idea very much indeed. Or how about you beg me? Hmm...Has the mighty Freya properly learned to grovel yet?"

"Go to Hel." She said through gritted teeth. Loki lifted up his hand, as though he intended to slap her. Lenneth's voice rang out, and he froze.

"Is there a problem here?" She demanded, looking curiously between the two.

"No...no problem at all my Lady..." Loki released his grip on Freya's arm, offering a half bow to the Goddess. "I was just curious about what it was like to be a mortal."

"If you are that interested..." A faint smile was on Lenneth's lips. "I'm sure Lezard could arrange for you to have first hand experience of your own."

"There will be no need, I assure you." Loki said, straightening up.

"All in all, I think it would be better if you stay away from Freya..." Lenneth's glance was sharp, her eyes piercing into Loki's, showing her suspicion at his sudden interest in the former Fertility Goddess.

"As you wish." Loki was quick to agree.

"I do..." Lenneth answered, and she gestured for Freya to follow her, exiting from the room. Loki watched them leave, and his hand slipped into his pocket, touching the glass vial. His eyes gleamed, ominous looking as he stared after the two women.

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It was over two hours later, and Alicia stood in front of the church's main entrance. The trio of nuns, whose names she had learned was Lydia, Angella, and Lorenta, still surrounded her. They fussed over her clothes, tsking that she had to wear her traveler's outfit on her special day. They had scrubbed her vest clean, washing away the dirt and grime from her clothes. She still felt a little chilly in the damp garments, but she didn't want to wait any longer.

Angella was fussing with her hair, bobby pins in her mouth. "Hold still." came her garbled words, lips moving around the pins. Alicia could feel her sliding the pins into place, securing the translucent veil to the top of her head. Her long hair was done up in a soft bun, several long strands of hair trailing down the sides of her face, a slight curl to her normally straight hair. Lydia had reasoned that though she may not have a proper wedding dress, she could still wear the veil and have her hair done extra special for the ceremony.

Lorenta was fidgeting with a bouquet of colorful flowers, purple iris and blue tulips amidst white and pink roses. She was tying a gold ribbon around the base of the flower's stems, making sure the bouquet stayed together. "There." She said, tying off the ends in a flourish of large looping coils. "It's perfect!"

"Thank you..." Alicia said gratefully, accepting the flowers from the young lady. She felt another pin ease into place in her hair, Angella nodding to herself. She touched the gauzy material, bringing it down to cover Alicia's face. Lorenta stood behind her, fluffing out the half of the veil that covered the back of her head.

"I think we're ready." Lorenta said, eyeing Alicia critically.

"Okay." Alicia said, feeling her hands start to sweat as she held onto her flowers. "Now what do we do?"

"I'll alert the choir at once!" Lydia said, hurrying off into the building. She opened the door just a crack, careful to keep Alicia from seeing inside. A harp string rang out, someone testing it's tune, and then a hush seemed to settle over the church. Alicia stared expectantly at the doors, ignoring the curious passerby who strolled slowly past the front of the church. She could hear them whispering, seeing a small child point at her, wanting to know what the pretty lady with the flowers was doing, making her smile.

The church door opened, wider this time, Lydia dragging Arngrim outside by the arm. The warrior looked comical being led by the small woman, her voice high and chattering non stop at him, giving him instructions on how to properly walk Alicia down the aisle.

"You look good." Arngrim said, when as last Lydia released his arm.

"Thank you." Alicia blushed.

"Shall we?" Arngrim asked, holding out his arm to her. She gratefully took it, hooking her arm around his. He started to move, and she nearly fell, being dragged forward by his quick step.

"No no no!!" shouted the nuns, and they surrounded the pair, Angella hastily touching Alicia's hair, seeing an imaginary hair out of place.

"Slowly...you must guide her down the aisle slowly...in time to the beat of the music. Like this." Lorenta demonstrated with Lydia, the one nun giggling, while the other's face was deadly serious. "Now you try."

Arngrim, red faced started to walk with an exaggerated slowness. The nuns nodded to themselves, satisfied. Lydia and Angella hurried to the doors, gesturing the pair forward. They waited until they were in front of the double doors, and then pulled them open. "You ready?" whispered Arngrim.

"Ready..." Alicia said, feeling as though the smile was frozen on her face.

The wedding march started up, as they reached the statue of Hrist. Alicia paused, tugging on Arngrim's arm. "What's the matter?" He hissed out the side of his mouth.

"I...I feel sick...like butterflies are in my stomach." She confessed.

Arngrim smiled. "Is that all? You're supposed to be nervous on your wedding day!"

"Really?"

"Really." He nodded and began walking again, Alicia slowly walking arm in arm with him. She concentrated on her breathing, trying to ignore the feelings in the pit of her stomach. She glanced around curiously at the church, seeing a few parishioners had decided to stay for the ceremony. Dallas was at the front of the pews, sitting on a bench, and he offered a kind smile to her.

She looked away, spotting Rufus at the pulpit, his back to her. She concentrated on the color his hair, her fists clutching her flowers so tight, her knuckles turned white. Stiff step after stiff step she moved forward, and suddenly Rufus was turning, smiling at her. She felt the flickers of nervous excitement start, and she nearly swooned to see him smile at her. Suddenly the nauseous feeling was gone, Alicia feeling confidant and bold. I can do this! She thought, and began impatiently wishing they could go faster.

It took several minutes, but at last they reached the pulpit, Arngrim carefully guiding Alicia up the three short steps to the altar. "Who gives this woman to be wed?" asked the minister, clad in gold and white robes, a large pointed hat on top of his head.

Arngrim cleared his throat. "I do." He handed her off to Rufus, the lovers taking hold of each other's hand. Arngrim hurried to Rufus' side, standing awkwardly to the left of the altar.

"We are gathered here today...to witness these two as they are joined together in the sanctity of marriage." The minister said, looking back and forth between the lovers. "Marriage is a sacred union, a vow to love, cherish and honor each other. It is a step we do not enter into lightly, and we call upon the blessing of the Lady Frigg to cement these two bonds together."

Alicia felt Rufus' squeezing her hand, and she glanced shyly out the corner of her eye at him. The minister continued to speak, calling on the Goddess Frigg again and again. "Oh Lady Frigg grant us prosperity...grant us peace...guard this union as you would guard all lovers who join before you in the name of true love. Lady Freya..." Alicia felt the pull on her hand, Rufus jerking back, startled at the mention of the Goddess' name.

"We call upon you..." continued the minister not noticing the half elf's reaction. "To over see this match, to guarantee it is a ripe and fertile union." Alicia blushed at that. "We ask you oh Goddess of Love, to bless these two with the wealth of many children, and we ask again of Lady Frigg to bring nothing but joy and laughter to this marriage."

"But it is not all happiness, is it not?" The minister said, asking a question he did not expect an answer to. "There will be times of turmoil...of strife. You two will have to pull together through times of sickness and low fortune, but if your love is strong you will get through it just fine." He turned to look at Arngrim. "Do you have the rings?"

"Yes..." Arngrim said, his voice solemn as he dug out the rings. Alicia's eyes widened in surprise, staring as the minister urged them to put the rings on each other.

"Now...Rufus...repeat after me..." continued the minister.

"Yes..." nodded the half elf, holding onto Alicia's hand.

"I Rufus..." Rufus' voice was an echo of the minister's, smoothly repeating the vows. "Take you Alicia, to be my lawfully wedded wife. Through sickness and in health, for richer and poorer, for better and worse. I promise to love, honor and cherish you, through and beyond death itself." Rufus startled the minister with his last words, changing his vows slightly. Alicia smiled at him, knowing it was a special kind of promise he made to her.

"I Alicia..." She dutifully repeated after the minister. "Take you Rufus, to be my lawfully wedded husband. Through sickness and in health, for richer and poorer, for better and worse. I promise to love, honor and cherish you..." Her smile widened, and she mimicked Rufus' vow. "Through and beyond death itself."

The minister coughed, unsettled by those words. "Er yes...Now we come to my least favorite part of the ceremony. Who should ever have just cause to deny this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace?" Alicia and Rufus were all eyes for each other, though Arngrim and the minister turned to sharply gaze out at the crowd. Arngrim's eyes bore into Dallas' figure, the mage sighing loudly, but otherwise being quiet. One of the nuns, Lydia broke out into loud sobs, boo hooing into her handkerchief. Even Lorenta looked a little teary eyed, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

"Well then..." said the minister, obviously relieved. "In the name of Frigg, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"

"Don't have to ask me twice!" Rufus grinned, and stepped forward, raising Alicia's veil. His hands gripped her by the arms, and he pressed against her, bending down to reach her face. She met him halfway, shooting up on tip toe, firmly pressing her lips against his. They kissed long and hard, seeming to go without the need for air, the minister coughing impatiently.

At last the couple pulled apart, and everyone could see their reluctance to be separated. Together as one, they turned to face the pews, and the people rose to stand, breaking out in enthusiastic applause. Music started up, urging the couple to move, and Alicia and Rufus walked down the steps. They broke into a run when they reached the lowered floor, dashing through a crowd of confetti and rice.

Arngrim was slow to follow, pausing long enough to shake the minister's hand. Dallas was easing out of the pew, looking lost and confused over where to go. Despondent he turned to look at Arngrim, who offered him a sympathetic smile. "Come on..." said Arngrim, patting him on the back. "It's time we head back to the inn for the party..."

"Party?" echoed Dallas with a lift of his eyebrows.

"We're gonna celebrate this wedding pirate style." grinned Arngrim, walking Dallas down the aisle. "Which means lots and lots of rum!"