Lezard's Triumph

The air at the inn was electric, lively and full of good cheer. There was plenty of laughter, and even some singing, people stamping their feet in time to the music. Alicia and Rufus danced in the center of the room, the girl still wearing her veil. Rufus dipped and twirled her, swinging her around to the fast beat of the song, hearing a man let out loud excited whoops. Other people danced, but the two barely noticed them, grinning and gazing into each other's eyes.

The people of Solde had come to celebrate the wedding, coming from several blocks in either direction, lured by the siren call of a good time. Ale flowed freely in the tavern that was adjoined to the inn, rum and vodka being consumed in record numbers. The inn keeper was all smiles, making a tidy profit on the party, not minding the rowdy raucous the party goers were causing.

Arngrim was sitting at a table in the corner, watching the married couple dance. He caught Rufus' eye and raised his mug, toasting the union. Dallas sat next to him, rapidly drinking goblet after goblet of the hardest rum the tavern had. His speech was already slurred, and he kept repeating the same stories over and over again. Arngrim was nodding, only half paying attention, his eyes focused on the pretty serving wench who wandered in between the tables.

One last twirl on the dance floor, Alicia's face flushed from the exertion of having danced to five songs in a row. Rufus dipped her, brushing his lips against hers, and she giggled, fingers clinging to his shirt. She noticed the tiny wedding ring on her finger, looking so small and unobtrusive next to the ring of Mylinn. She stared, mesmerized, and Rufus slowly straightened them back up.

"Are you okay?" He asked, seeing her still staring, still holding on tightly to his shirt.

"Yes! Just happy!" She smiled brightly at him, and allowed him to lead her over to Arngrim's table. Their spot on the dance floor was immediately filled by another couple, the pair doing hopping and skipping as the music turned to a traditional folk music song that sang of Solde's former greatness.

"I thought you two were going to dance the night away!" commented Arngrim with a grin as they sat down.

"We plan to!" grinned Rufus, slinging an arm across Alicia's shoulder. She touched the bouquet on the table, feeling the soft petals of the roses, just smiling to herself.

"Have a drink princess...you must be thirsty." Arngrim said, pushing a small mug towards Alicia. She nodded her thanks, sipping at the apple cider that had just a hint of tangy sweet alcohol to it. "So..." Arngrim smirked, his eyes playful. "I bet you two won't be getting up early tomorrow."

"Arngrim!" gasped Alicia, turning red, almost choking on her cider.

"Just saying." smirked the warrior. "We can have a lazy day tomorrow. Take it easy. We don't have to be on the road any time soon..."

"Yeah...It'll be nice to kick back for once." agreed Rufus, gulping down some rum. "We can take a few days, see the sights, and then be off for Crell Monferaigne. After that who knows..."

"I'd like to get a ship..." mused Arngrim out loud. "Might be good to return to my pirating ways..."

"Careful..." Rufus' eyes twinkled with mirth. "You're an einherjar now. They toss you in prison, it'll be for life!"

"I won't get caught!" Arngrim slammed a fist on the table, rattling the mugs, unsure if he should be insulted or not. "I won't!" He said insistently.

"You could always come with us." Alicia said, feeling bad for the warrior. "We could always use your sword for protection."

"Hey Alicia!" Rufus was quick to protest. "I kinda like to be alone with you for a while! At least for the honey moon period if not beyond that."

She blushed, shyly lowering her head, holding her mug to her mouth.

"Naw..." Arngrim laughed. "I know when I'm being a third wheel. I think the time'll come soon enough where we'll have to part ways. Fun though it's been. And hey...I'll still come visit you two. After all..." His lips spread into a wide grin. "Got to make sure Rufus is keeping you satisfied!"

"I know perfectly well how to satisfy Alicia!" Rufus snapped, a heated blush on his face. He was astonished to hear Alicia giggling, though she avoided looking at him.

"Did I ever tell you about the time..." began Dallas, hiccuping loudly.

"YES!" snapped Arngrim, long bored with the mage's stories.

"Oh..." Dallas sighed, pouting at his empty cup.

"Barkeep! We need a refill here!" Rufus said, waving at the serving wench. She nodded, and hurried over. She bent over the table, Arngrim's eyes growing wide as he stared at her breasts, seeing them swell dangerously close to falling out of her tight blouse. She picked up the cups, and walked away, and Arngrim let out a sigh.

"Now there's a woman..."

"Gonna make your move?" Rufus grinned.

"I just might." Arngrim said, playing it cool. The serving wench returned, all smiles as she set down their mugs. She fluttered her eyelashes at Arngrim, and he winked at her, causing her to giggle as she scurried away.

"..." mumbled Dallas, rum dribbling down his chin as he tried to talk.

"What was that?" Alicia asked, peering curiously at her friend.

"Lezard..." Dallas sighed out the name, not noticing the way his three companions instantly froze.

"What about Lezard?" Alicia whispered, and Rufus could feel her stiffening under his arm.

"He was...He was..." Dallas sputtered angrily, waving his cup around. "I was threatened by him!" He managed to slur out. "So young, so talented...ingratiating his way into an apprenticeship...bah! When I had to work my ass off to get accepted as one of the three mages." He practically inhaled his drink, angrily muttering Lezard's name over and over again.

Rufus looked at Alicia, seeing her blue eyes were worried. "Rufus..." She said his name softly. "Arngrim...in all that's been going on...I'd almost forgotten..."

"No don't..." whispered Rufus, shaking his head. "Don't start that again..." He pulled on Alicia, embracing her tightly, his lips by her ear. "He's out of our lives for good...don't take this as a sign...it's nothing more than coincidence."

She sighed heavily. "But..."

"But nothing!" Rufus said, his voice louder than he meant it to be. A stray voice in the crowd laughed, insinuating the couple was having their first fight.

"Guess there won't be any loving in the inn tonight!" Another man cracked, and the room burst into raucous laughter. Rufus glared at no one in particular, petting Alicia's hair, a gesture meant to calm both of them down.

"I'm sorry..." Alicia sniffled, though her eyes were dry. "I'm ruining everything, aren't I?"

"NO!!" Both Rufus and Arngrim said, Dallas swiping the beserker's cup. He eagerly drained it dry, smacking his lips, looking around for more rum.

"Say...did I ever tell you..."

"YES!" snapped the two males angrily.

"Oh..." Dallas drummed his finger tips on the table, and then stood up, anxiously flagging down the serving wench.

"I think we better cut him off soon..." Alicia commented, watching him happily drink down his latest cup of rum.

"Let him keep going...at least until he can't talk anymore." pleaded Arngrim.

"Well...all right..." smiled Alicia, nodding in agreement.

"Hmmmm..." Rufus faked a wide yawn, stretching out his arms, one landing back across the princess' shoulders. "I'm getting tired...What say we turn in Alicia...?"

"Tired eh?" Arngrim was smirking, a knowing look in his eyes. "Is that what you're calling it these days?"

Rufus pursed his lips into a straight line, glaring at Arngrim while Alicia blushed.

"Sleep...slumber...nap..." mumbled Dallas. "Exhausted...weary...what else is there...?"

Arngrim patted him on the head. "You just keep on drinking you little lush. Don't worry your empty little head about it."

"Right...drink..." smiled Dallas, and suddenly he was toppling over, planting face first in the table.

"Dallas!" exclaimed Alicia moments before a loud snore erupted out of his mouth.

"Aw, he's fine." Rufus said, rising to stand. He tugged on her arm, Alicia joining him on the floor. "Come on..." He lowered his voice, whispering in her ear. "Let's go to bed."

She nodded, though she was still frowning, staring at the passed out mage. She allowed Rufus to lead her away from the table, and a cheer erupted from the crowd when they realized the newly wedded couple was heading up the stairs. A few lewd comments were made, a woman speculating about Rufus' size, another worrying the large man would break the tiny princess in half. Alicia stopped and gaped at the women, shocked outrage stealing her voice away. Rufus hurriedly ushered her up the steps, only pausing long enough to allow the girl to toss her bouquet over her shoulder.

It arced through the air, tumbling and turning over and over. Eager hands reached for it, batting it back into the air, the bouquet escaping the grabbing hands again and again. It made it's way all throughout the tavern, all the way to the table in the corner, slamming onto the surface, right in the crook of a sleeping Dallas' arms.

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It was quiet up in Valhalla, Lezard stalking through the halls, a book under one arm. The various occupants of the great hall were careful to stay out of his way, having been quick to realize Lezard's moods were based on whether or not Lenneth was allowing him to touch her. Right now all signs pointed to no, his face lacking his usual smile.

Lezard could feel the eyes upon him, though whenever he turned he saw no one. He inwardly laughed, ruefully thinking how transparent he had become. I'll have to work on schooling my expressions in the future. He thought, turning the corner that led to the landing before his bedroom. He paused outside the door, letting out a deep breath of air, feeling nervous. He wondered what Lenneth's mood was like, thinking back to her surprising visit earlier in the day. His lips quirked, a hint of smile to them as he reached for the door handle.

Golden knob turned, he stepped into the bedroom, eyes sweeping across the floor. Lenneth was on the bed, laying on her side, paging through a book. She glanced up briefly at the sound of the door opening, offering him up a small smile. He nearly blinded her with the dazzling smile he flashed her with, allowing the door to fall close behind him.

"How was your day?" He asked, trying not to hurry straight towards the bed. He paused by a rack, undoing his cape, hanging it up by a hook.

"It was fine." Lenneth answered, returning her eyes to her book.

"Did you and Freya enjoy yourselves?" He poured himself a drink, quickly draining his cup dry.

"Kinda..." Lenneth glanced up at him, seeing the question in his eyes. "It was awkward..." She said. "Almost like getting to know a new person."

"Well...keep at it, and I'm sure you'll be old friends in no time." advised Lezard.

"Hmm..." Lenneth murmured, turning her attention back to her book. Lezard bit back a sigh, and headed towards the bed. She glanced up quickly as he sat down, but other than that she paid him no mind. Lezard had his own book, and he opened it, pretending to read the first page. But his mind refused to concentrate on the words, he kept glancing at Lenneth out the corner of his eye.

All too soon, he was turning his head, staring longingly at her back, fingers itching to touch her hair. She had it bound back in it's familiar braid, and he long to unravel it. Lezard much preferred she wore her hair down and loose, loving to bury his hands in her silk like strands. He let out a wistful sound, hearing the pages of her book rustle as she turned them.

The silence stretched out between them, Lenneth staring at her book, focusing all her attention on ignoring Lezard. She could practically feel him staring at her, not making any attempt at reading his book. She was not at all surprised when his hand landed on her shoulder, Lezard shifting onto his side, pressing close to her body. He leaned in closer to her, she could feel his front plastered against her back, his hand moving to touch her hair, playing with the strands that had escaped being trapped in her braid.

"Lezard..." Her voice held a hint of warning to it, Lenneth keeping her eyes on her book. "What are you doing...?"

"Nothing..." He sighed loudly, pressing his face against her hair, inhaling her scent. "You smell good..."

"Hmm..." She fidgeted in place, conscious of him next to her.

"I mean really, really good..." added Lezard, trying to engage her in some form of conversation. She didn't respond, continuing to page through her book. Another sigh from him, his nose still buried in her hair. His hand was back on her shoulder, playing with the edge of her sleeve. He started to nudge his fingers under the material, testing to see if she would allow him that. He felt Lenneth stiffen, but not say anything, Lezard growing bolder as he playfully pushed the sleeve downwards on her arm.

Her shoulder bared, he pressed his lips to the back of it, trailing kisses over her flesh. "Lezard..." Lenneth slightly squirmed, trying to dislodge his lips from her shoulder.

"Yes Lenneth?" He murmured against her skin, tongue darting out to taste her.

"Stop that..." Lenneth hissed, fighting back the temptation to slam her book into his forehead. He ignored her command, lifting up her hair to kiss behind her neck. She made a sound, annoyance that distorted into a pleased gasp as he laved attention onto her neck.

"Lenneth..." His breath was warm against her ear, lips kissing along the curve. "Are you still mad at me...?" His mouth caught at her lobe, biting and nibbling gently.

"I..." She found it hard to think with his lips on her, and she abruptly jerked away from him. Her book crashed to the floor, a loud thud even as the bed groaned, Lezard lashing out to catch at her wrist. Lenneth stood, not looking at him, arm stretched out as far as it could go.

"Lenneth?" Lezard was tugging on her wrist, trying to urge her back to the bed. He sighed, and his voice sounded sad. "I guess that's a yes..." His fingers started to let go of her wrist, and she was turning, whirling to look at him.

"No! No..." She said no more softly the second time around. "I'm not mad at you...not really...disappointed perhaps..."

"Disappointed?" Lezard sat up, leaning back on his knees. "In me?"

"...maybe..." Lenneth shook her head and sighed. "In myself is more like it."

"Yourself?" He frowned, not understanding.

"Yes...for..." She was slumping down on the edge of the bed, leaving her hands folded over her lap. Her fingers were fidgety, pulling at the thread on her skirt, Lenneth not looking at him. "For starting to...well to...believe in you..." She shook her head, braid whipping about. "Perhaps I was a fool..."

"Lenneth no!" He moved closer to her, hands reaching for her. One hand landed on her arm, the other taking hold of her chin, lifting her face so that he could stare into her eyes. "You're not a fool...not at all...I want you to be able to believe in me...to trust me..."

"It was easier to believe you were something you are not, when it was just the two of us." She said tiredly. "Seeing you around the other Gods...reminded me of your true nature...of the person I fought against for so long and so hard..."

He wondered if his face showed the panic he felt at her words. Anxiety was eating away at him, but instead he tried to make a joke. "Next thing you'll be pointing and calling me a defiler of souls..." She just stared at him, a hint of frustration in her blue eyes. "Okay...so not the time for jokes. But Lenneth...I can be a better person...I can change..."

"What if you can't...?" She asked. "Then what?"

"It won't be an issue." Lezard said stubbornly. "Because I will change...I'll do it because I have to...I'll do it for YOU." He was pulling on her then, hugging her tightly. "So...just...just cheer up...and let me...love you..." He felt her rest her head on his shoulder, arms returning the hug, Lenneth drawing comfort from the closeness of his body.

"Lenneth..." He nuzzled his face against her hair, that familiar ache of longing flaring up in his body as he held her. "May I kiss you...?"

"..." She lifted her head, and turned to look at him, seeing the earnest expression on his face. Slowly, the breath catching in his throat as he waited, she nodded her head yes.

"Close your eyes..." He whispered, watching as she complied. His fingers touched her lips, tenderly tracing over them before dropping down to grip her chin. He tilted her face upwards, Lezard leaning in to gently claim her mouth with his own. It was sweet, something to savor, Lezard enjoying the fullness of her plump lips. His mouth curved, molding around her lips, teeth lightly grazing her lower one.

His hand slid along her skin, easing along the side of her face, reaching for her hair. He gripped her hair almost fiercely, tangling his fingers in platinum strands, pushing her hard against him. His tongue came out, delighted to meets hers halfway, Lenneth hesitantly stroking the tip of hers against his. Passion built up, tongues mingling together more furiously, Lenneth let out a muffled whimper as they kissed.

At last they broke it off, Lezard planting kisses along her cheek, kissing towards her ear. "Please..." He whispered into her ear. "Let me show you just how much I love you..." Lenneth was sighing then, hesitating even as she leaned in to his kisses, feeling him working over her neck. Again she was nodding, and he spoke around his kisses. "Want to hear you say it...Need to hear you say yes..."

"Yes Lezard..." She said when prompted, allowing him to ease her back down onto the mattress. He crawled on top of her, staring into her eyes, delighted to see her looking back at him with growing desire.

"Lenneth..." Kisses on the front of her throat, not a single solitary space being neglected by his mouth. "I'm going to love..." Kiss kiss. "...every..." A lick just then, hearing her gasp, making things on him twitch in reaction to her sounds. "...luscious inch of your body."

Lenneth couldn't help shuddering at the promise in his words, feeling him lick down to her collarbone. Her fingers gripped his arms, even as she felt his hands start to tear open her dress, Lezard intent on being true to his words.

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Alicia was sitting in front of the room's sole mirror, her hands touching her hair. Alicia carefully tugged on the end of a bobby pin, feeling it slide free of her hair. She could see her husband in the mirror, warmth coming to her cheeks as Alicia realized that was what Rufus was to her now. My husband. She thought with possessive pride, smiling at his reflection, seeing him sitting impatiently on the bed.

"Almost done." She called out to him, removing another bobby pin. "I just want to get this veil off. I'd like to save it..."

"Huh?" He was watching her, just memorizing every detail about her as she sat illuminated by torch light, the flames casting a flickering glow about her hair. "Save it? What for?"

"Well..." She blushed then. "Maybe someday we will have children. A daughter even. I'd like to be able to give her something from this day."

"But Alicia!" Rufus said, panicked. "We don't even know if we can have kids!"

"What?" The last pin slid out of place, and she was turning, tugging the veil off her head. "What do you mean?" Her expression was crestfallen. "Don't you want to?"

"It's not that..." Her husband was clearly uncomfortable with where this was going.

"Then what...?" Alicia asked, fighting not to fidget with the delicate veil.

Rufus sighed. "It's just...for all intents and purposes I am dead. I'm a ghost for crying out loud!" He threw his hands up in the air, exasperated. "We don't even know if everything uh...works right with me..."

Both of them were blushing now. "Rufus..." Alicia started to stand, pausing only long enough to set the veil down on top of the chair. "The rest of your body works...why not this..." She was really red now, choosing her words carefully. "Besides...we won't know until we try...lots and lots of time!"

"Oh believe me, I don't mind the trying." He grinned, eyeing her up and down as she walked towards him. "It's your being disappointed over the results that now have me worried..."

"Don't be..." She reached him, his arms going around her waist. From the way he was sitting, she had an easy time kissing him, merely leaning in to press her lips against his. "And hey..." She smiled as they pulled apart. "We can always adopt...can't we...?"

"Yes...yes we can." agreed Rufus, his hands going to the front of her chest. He grazed over her breasts, fingers nimbly working open the buttons of her vest. "Though I hope...I pray we have children of our own too."

"I'd love a big family..." Alicia whispered, watching as he got her vest open. She helped him ease it down her arms, eyes on his hands as he touched her white blouse. She shivered as he began tugging on it, wanting it off her right away. "So our children need never feel alone..." Like I did was her unspoken words, her blouse joining the vest on the floor.

"Sure..." Rufus said, only half paying attention as his fingers undid the clasp of her bra. He leaned forward, ready to kiss the peaks of her newly revealed breasts, Alicia biting back a moan as his lips wetted her nipple. "Although..." He paused, looking up at her, even as his hands cupped and squeezed her breasts. "With you as a mom, I don't think our children would ever feel lonely."

"Do you think so?" asked Alicia, arching into his hands with a pleased sigh.

"I think you'd be a great mom Alicia..." A lick then, hard and fast making her gasp and wiggle against him.

"And I think you'd be a great dad." She replied, closing her eyes as his lips sucked on her nipple. She touched him, fingers touching his hair, fisting the emerald strands as she stood before him, softly crying out over the sensations of his mouth on her. His mouth seemed to draw on her whole body, tugging on things within her that fueled the fire of her arousal.

"Ah..." He released her nipple, glancing up at her. "I don't know about that..." He frowned. "I don't think I'd be much of a good role model for any kids..."

"What are you saying? You're perfect!" protested Alicia.

"Perfect eh?" He grinned. "Now you're just inflating my ego!"

"I am not, it's true!" She let go of his hair, touching his face. "You're warm and kind...brave and strong...you'll be great father to our children, I know you will!"

"All right, all right, I believe you!" He was laughing, not wanting to argue with her. His hands dropped to her waist, and his eyes twinkled with a hint of mischievousness. "But...if you really wanna see something that's perfect..." He tugged on her belt, unbuckling it. "Let me just..." The coil of leather fell to the floor, Rufus trying to unfasten the half skirt she wore over her leather mini.

Alicia waited impatiently for him to finish, watching as he unzipped the sides of her leather skirt. His fingers were grazing against her panties, and he chuckled. "You wear too many layers of clothing!"

"Rufus!" She didn't know if she should blush or laugh. "So do you..." She said at last.

"But my clothes come off quicker than yours." He retorted, and then was tugging down her panties. She dutifully lifted her legs, allowing him to guide the cotton material off her feet. She made a move to help him remove her boots, but his hands stopped her. "No no...leave them on..." Again that impish twinkle in his eyes. "It's...sexier this way..."

She shot him a look, and he laughed, pulling on her waist, her nude body against his clothed one. "Look Alicia..." He gestured to the mirror, and she turned, seeing a side view of her body. "Now that...that is pure perfection..." A happy sigh from the half elf, her husband running a hand down her stomach.

Alicia blushed and shook her head. "I'm not perfect."

"To me? Yeah...you are..." Rufus said, and he reached up to touch her bun, fingers unwinding her golden locks from their prison. Her hair tumbled downwards, carressing her shoulders and for a few seconds he just stared at her. "Beautiful." He said at last, his tone husky. "Perfect and all mine..." He caught at her hand, lacing her fingers with his, their wedding bands gleaming. "And these rings symbolize that we belong to each other."

"Yes..." She turned back in his arms, looking into his eyes. "Each other. I like the sound of that very much indeed." She was touching his shirt, bunching up the material under her fingers. "Now...how about we peal back the layers of your clothing...?" She was blushing, but she very much wanted to see Rufus as naked as she was.

"All right...if that is what my pretty little wife desires..." He planted a kiss on her stomach, and chuckled. "Although I don't know if I can keep myself off of you long enough to undress...!"

"Just be patient..." Alicia urged him, and he lifted his arms, letting her pull off his shirt. She tossed it onto the floor, taking a moment to gaze upon his chest. She reached out tentatively, rubbing her hand across his muscles, smiling to feel his warmth.

"Alicia..." He groaned out her name, arms tightening around her waist. "If you pause to touch me, then I really won't be able to control myself!"

"Sorry..." She bent over, her hair sweeping forward to brush against him, and he inhaled deeply, finding she smelled of strawberries. Her hands skirted along his waist, touching his belt. He let go of her, his large hands covering her much smaller ones, eager to help her with freeing him from his pants. He shoved downwards, easing the tight spandex along with his briefs over his thighs. They slid down past his knees, and he was grabbing at her once more.

"Okay...undressed enough..." He said, and then was falling backwards, pulling Alicia with him onto the bed. He heard her let out a giggle, and Rufus rolled onto his side, staring into her eyes. His hand came forward, the half elf tenderly brushing back her bangs. "I love you Alicia."

"I love you Rufus..." She whispered back, and they came together, winding arms around each other as they kissed, intense and numerous times. Alicia wrapped her legs around Rufus, trying to pull him closer to her, the princess grinding her body against his erection. Rufus moaned, eyes looking wild from her bold move, and he kissed her harder, growing more excited by the minute.

They rolled around on the bed, hands roaming over each other's bodies, kisses falling everywhere. Without warning, Rufus seized the moment to slip inside Alicia, feeling his wife arch into him, enthusiastically calling out his name. They clung to each other, Rufus beginning to move, locking his green eyes onto her blue ones, hips moving with a deliberate slowness that made Alicia moan and wiggle beneath him.

"Faster Rufus...faster!" She urged, feeling as though the slow pace he set would make her go mad. He continued to tease her, slow and patient, bending his head down to nip at her neck. Alicia whined and whimpered, gyrating her hips against him, and with a sharp exhale, Rufus began to move faster, harder, pounding into her. He could feel her nails scratching at his back, leaving light marks across his skin.

She was calling out his name between whimpers, thighs clinging to his waist, Alicia trying to melt into him. One last ecstatic scream, and she was spasming all around him, and his body reacted to that, shooting his seed deep into her. Alicia didn't let go of him right away, still holding on, still wanting to enjoy the special closeness that came with being connected to someone like this.

"I love you..." Rufus said, panting against her ear. She was nodding her head, Alicia finding her voice had been stolen away along with her breath. He kissed her, almost bruising her lips with the force of his passion, finding Alicia's hand in his hair. He grinned, and thought to himself how thankful he was, glad the night was still young, and that they could enjoy themselves many more times before morning came.