Lezard's Triumph

He stood at the edge of the dais, Loki gazing at Lezard contemplatively. The man didn't look like much at first glance, one would hardly think to look beyond the glasses and thin frame of his body. But there was an aura of power that surrounded him, one that had nothing to do with the divine strength he had stolen, and everything to do with the way he carried himself. Lezard exuded confidence, and when he wanted to, he was oddly charismatic. He was smart, both street wise and book wise, keen intellect that not only bordered but surpassed the kind of genius that only came with being insane.

Of course Lezard had to be smart, devious and sly to pull off what he had done. Loki and the other Gods still found themselves marveling at his accomplishments, wondering how a mere mortal could pull off the slaying of Odin. And Lezard wasn't speaking, refused to share the secrets to his success. Many questions circulated through Loki's mind, wondering where the mage had gotten the power to defeat Odin, wondering how he had gotten the knowledge to know what to do to take his power for himself.

Lezard was no fool, he certainly wouldn't reveal such a key detail, leaving Loki to puzzle it out for himself. He tried to trick Lezard into talking, hoping that through conversation with the new God, something would slip. But...there was one problem with this plot. And that was...Lezard's inability to concentrate on anything but Lenneth!

It was maddening, this obsession he had with her, constantly steering the conversation back to the Goddess. Lenneth this, Lenneth that, Lenneth all the live long day. There was no doubt about, Loki thought with a sigh, the man was obsessed with Lenneth Valkyrie. It could almost work in his favor, and for a time Loki had thought to take her place, use his shape changing abilities to appear as the Valkyrie maiden. But listening to Lezard now, hearing the depths of his persistent preoccupation with the woman, Loki realized how very bad an idea that would be.

He shuddered to think this, realizing as Lenneth he would have to put up with Lezard's devoted adoration of her, and all that entailed. He was disturbed by the thought, realizing Lezard was not the type of man to keep his hands to himself, and as much as Loki wanted to manipulate Lezard's rule, there was only so much the Trickster God was willing to do.

Listening to Lezard prattle on, Loki decided it was a very smart move of his to go with his second plot. It would cause Lezard great distress, leave the man open and vulnerable to Loki's schemes. Loki hid a smirk behind his hand, thinking how if all went according to plan, Lezard would be putty in his hands, ready to be molded into the kind of leader that best suited Loki. A figure head and nothing more, with the Trickster God being the real power behind the throne.

Now he need only be patient, and wait, counting on Brisbane to play his part. Like a puppet, Loki continued to nod his head, feigning interest as Lezard spoke on his great love of Lenneth. It was almost sweet, sickening so, the man truly in love and desperate for her to love him back. It was almost laughable how much Lezard wanted Lenneth's love, the man foolish enough to let everyone know his true weakness was the lady of his heart.

Did Loki feel any remorse for what he was about to do? Did he feel bad for claiming to be friend to Lezard when he secretly plotted to stab him where it hurt? No, absolutely not. Loki had no feelings of loyalty, not to anyone, be they Aesir, Vanir, or a new breed of God. Only to himself was he true, and woe to those foolish enough to trust him.

"Lenneth..." Lezard was sighing, steepling his fingers together as he gazed morosely at the floor. "Just before I took her to see Eir...we...we had a fight."

"Oh?" Loki tried not to look bored, arching an eyebrow at Lezard. "What about...?"

"It was foolish, really...I said something to her...something that upset her greatly." Lezard shook his head, brown bangs falling across his eyes. "I didn't mean to but..." Another sigh. "Women are such complicated creatures. I expect...Goddesses even more so?"

"Oh yes..." Loki smiled. "Goddesses are a higher form of woman, and with her come all the pleasures and problems that have plagued man, both mortal and immortal for an eternity."

"Do you have a woman Loki?" asked Lezard, and Loki blinked in surprise.

"Oh no..." Loki shook his head, fighting back a scowl. He knew none of the Goddesses would give him the benefit of their attentions, viewing his mixed blood with disdain. "I'm a proud bachelor." A lazy shrug of his shoulders. "I'm afraid I won't be able to tell you much about unlocking the heart of a Goddess. Such things elude my skill."

"Hmm..." Lezard's brow furrowed, the man thinking hard. Loki didn't have to wonder about what, he knew Lenneth had seared her way into nearly every thought the man had. "Do you think she will be pleased with her gifts?"

"What lady wouldn't be honored to wear Brisingamen around her neck?" Loki answered his question with one of his own, inwardly smirking. The Trickster God couldn't wait for Freya to find out about her necklace, knowing the Vanir bitch would be devastated by it's loss. "You can cover the Lady Lenneth from head to toe with the jewels taken from the three Gods' halls."

"Ah...but Lenneth is not like other women...I am uncertain of her reaction." Lezard said, frowning. He put his hand in his pocket, removing the necklace to gaze upon it's brilliance once more. "She asks for so little of me...such simple requests that are near impossible for me to grant."

"You're speaking of her need for you to do good?" Disgust slipped into Loki's tone, the man scowling. Lezard nodded, and Loki grimaced. "She tries to change you."

"But is that wrong of her?" Lezard wondered out loud. "For her I could try...I would try to become a better person if it meant she loved me."

Love!! If this is what that emotion reduced such a brilliant mind too, than the others could have it! Sometimes Loki got the feeling that the driving force behind all of Lezard's many accomplishments had been his love for Lenneth, his overwhelming need for the Goddess. It may have allowed him to accomplish the near impossible, but it was also clouding his judgment, holding the potential to lead him to ruin.

"You must do what you feel is right." Loki said out loud, his expression not betraying the disdain he felt for what Lezard was saying.

"But I don't know what that is!" Lezard exclaimed, letting his hand drop, the necklace dangling limply from his fingers.

"What does your heart tell you to do?" Loki asked. "Does it tell you to cast aside everything you are, change who you are for her? Or does it demand you mold her to your will, make her submit to your desires...?"

"I..." Whatever Lezard was about to say was lost to the sound of bells, Vor appearing at the bottom of the stair case. Several thick ledgers were held in her arms, the Goddess almost struggling to hold them all.

"Oh look. Here comes Vor with more paperwork." Loki tried to keep the enthusiasm out of his voice, eager for the reprieve the Goddess offered him. He almost smiled to hear Lezard let out an annoyed groan, Loki turning to watch Vor's progress up the stairs. It was an interesting sight, his position at the top of the dais offering him a view down the front of the Goddess' blouse.

Vor frowned at the look Loki was giving her, innocently unaware of him ogling her cleavage. She clutched the books tighter, hurrying up the stairs, sweeping past Loki with her head held high. "Lord Lezard." Her voice was a haughty sniff, the Goddess still upset about their earlier discussion. "I have been going over your paper work, and you cannot be serious. Kvasir as God of War? He is a muse for heaven's sake!"

"He put in for the position." Lezard said with a smile. "I thought we could let him try it out for a few weeks."

"What does the God of Inspiration know about waging war?" She demanded, disgust in her voice. "And this?!" She flipped through the papers. "Nott has been given Baldur's title?! The Goddess of Night is now the Goddess of Radiance?!"

Loki burst out laughing. "I'm sorry." He said when the two looked at him. "It's just so ironic it's funny."

"It most certainly is not!" hissed Vor. "Lezard did you look at any of my suggestions, or are you pulling these assignments out of thin air?!"

"Your suggestions were taken into consideration." Lezard said, shrugging his shoulders. "But ultimately it is my decision to make. What is wrong with letting the Aesir try for positions outside their normal boundaries? They're bored Vor...bored and wanting to experience new things. I say let them."

"..." Her lips were a thin line, the Goddess angrily looking at her paper work. "At least you made a wise choice in making Forseti God of Peace. It is only right he inherits his father's title."

"Actually that was Lenneth's suggestion." Lezard smiled, proud of his woman. "She felt as God of justice and truth, peace was only a natural elevation of his abilities."

"You should listen to the lady more often." Vor retorted. "She gives good advice."

"Indeed." Lezard nodded his head in agreement, and Loki fought not to scowl. "Are you done criticizing my decisions, or is there more?"

Flustered, she glanced at the ledgers, but shook her head no. "But there is still the matter of Odin's temples on Midgard...Will you allow the mortals to continue worshipping him?"

"Of course not." Lezard said. "If anything they should be worshiping me."

"...Are you sure that's wise?" She asked. "If the mortals learned that one of their own waltzed into Asgard and claimed Odin's power for his own...they could get ideas." She hissed the word idea out, eyes wide with disapproval.

Lezard laughed. "Fear not Vor. It's not as though the knowledge to become a God, the power needed to subdue one is out there, just waiting for someone else to discover. My case was...unique."

"Perhaps if your Lordship would care to share the details with us, we Gods would not worry so much." pointed out Vor. Loki looked back and forth between God and Goddess, waiting to see Lezard's reaction. His eyes narrowed, and his voice came out a hiss, his fingers gripping the arm rests of his throne.

"That is my secret to keep!" He roared at Vor. "Do not think to trick me into revealing it. I am no fool."

He wasn't, much to Loki's regret. But it was interesting to note that Lezard did not use force against the Goddess. Loki never would have imagined asking Lezard point blank how he had come into his power, thinking it a killing offense. And yet Lezard was merely angry, glaring with open hostility at the cowed Goddess.

"Forgive me...I did not mean anything with the asking." apologized Vor.

"Hmph." Lezard appeared mollified. "And what of..." His words were drowned out, the sound of a bull horn echoing over and over again. The grand hall shook with the tremors of the sound, Loki and Vor struggling to remain upright. Papers spilled on the floor, Vor dropping them in her shock. Loki saw her eyes were wide with worry, her lips parting to let out a gasp.

"What..." Lezard started to say, and then the horn sounded again, his words lost to the noise. Impatience was on his face, Lezard waiting for it to fall silent again. "What is that?" He demanded. "What is that blasted noise?!"

"Heimdall's horn!" gasped Vor. "Gjallarhorn!"

"I thought he was missing..." Lezard said, wincing as the horn was blown a third time.

"It appears he has returned..." Loki murmured.

"And just in time if he is blowing Gjallarhorn." Vor exclaimed, highly agitated. "Do you know what this means? Intruders my Lord!! We are under attack!"

"Really?" Lezard grinned, leaving Loki to wonder the reason behind his smile. "This will be an excellent chance to test out MY armies. Vor...ready the einherjar...Loki, come with me."

"My Lord?"

"We go to the rainbow bridge." Lezard was standing, ether glowing on his hand. It spread out in either direction, forming the double headed lance of Gungnir. "I would see with my own eyes these intruders."

For all outward appearances, Loki seemed uneasy with Lezard's idea, but inwards? Inwards he was grinning, thinking the plan was coming along nicely. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"I have Gungnir!" Lezard all but shouted. "I own three of the four sacred treasures! None can stand up to my power!"

"You're right, just making sure." Loki said, putting on a show of nervousness.

"Come!" Lezard shouted, flinging ether in Loki's direction. It hit the Trickster God, clinging to him. Loki watched as ether sparked around Lezard's body, watched as their surroundings blurred. They made the jump between realties, transporting from the throne room to the rainbow bridge. Heimdall's horn was being blown for a fourth time, and they saw Frei sitting slumped down on the ground, furious tears pouring out of her eyes. Her hands were shaking as she held the blood covered horn, the young Goddess blowing as hard as she could.

She appeared not to notice their arrival, near hysterics as she blew the horn. Lezard frowned and slapped his hands over his ears, shouting at the girl, but his voice was whisper soft compared to the sound of the horn. With a nod from Lezard, Loki was moving forward, coming to Frei's side. He knelt down, touching her on the shoulder, and she gave a start, turning wide, frightened eyes to him.

"Loki!" The horn fell out of her hands, the young Goddess throwing her arms around the God, hugging him tightly. Loud sobs followed her actions, the Goddess sniffling and sobbing in relief.

"Frei..." Loki awkwardly patted her on the back. "What has happened here? Why are you here? And where is Heimdall?"

"I...I don't know!" She wailed, still clinging to him, burying her head against his chest. "It was awful...so many killed! Kvasir! Kvasir is dead!"

"Dead...but who...?" Loki asked, looking over her head at Lezard. The God was staring at the bodies, frowning. He approached one body, an einherjar, toeing at the man's body with his foot. The body flopped listlessly at his touch, but did not rise, the soul long gone from the scene.

"The giants...they came...I know not why..." She pulled back to stare into Loki's face. "They did this Loki! Frost and stone, working together!"

Lezard had noticed Kvasir's body, and he gave a rueful shook of his head. "I guess the God really wasn't cut out for battle after all..."

Frei gave a start at the sound of Lezard's voice, turning her head in his direction. "Lord Lezard!" She pulled her hands free of Loki's shoulders, the Trickster God feeling the fine tremble in her body. She went to stand, Loki reluctantly letting go of her, watching as she ran towards Lezard. "I'm so sorry!" She dropped to all fours, head hangng low as she prostrated herself before the necromancer. "I couldn't stop them!"

"No one expected you too Frei." Lezard sounded amused, looking down at the crying Goddess.

"But...Lenneth..."

"What about Lenneth?" Lezard demanded, and Loki saw the narrowing of his purple eyes.

"She was here!" Frei was cringing, not looking at Lezard. "They took her!"

"WHAT?!" Lezard shouted, and was bending to grab Frei by her braid. He pulled on her brown hair, jerking her upwards so that she was on knees, staring up at him. Her tears flowed faster, but she didn't try to break free of his grip, a sniffling picture of pure misery. "What are you saying?! Who took Lenneth?!"

"The giants!"

"I don't understand!" He was speaking through gritted teeth, close to tearing out Frei's hair. "What was Lenneth doing outside Valhalla?!"

"She wanted to visit Vingolf!" Frei cried out in pain. "I accompanied her...I..."

"You what?!" demanded Lezard.

"I thought the fresh air would be good for her." Frei winced, and suddenly Lezard was throwing her down to the ground. She landed face down, and remained there, too scared to move. Lezard glared at her with such anger, such hatred, that Loki was moved to intervene.

"A moment Lezard..." He actually found himself standing between Frei and Lezard, hands raised as he tried to calm Lezard down. "Do not take your anger out on Frei. She is not the one who has taken Lenneth from you..."

Malevolent eyes of purple stared at Loki, Lezard lifting up his fist, ready to slam it into the Trickster God's face. Loki stood stone still, staring boldly at Lezard. "If it will make you feel better, hit me. But do not harm Frei."

The backhand across his face hurt, it sent him flying, crashing into a boulder. Loki laid stunned, not expecting Lezard to actually hit him. Dust was all around him, kicked up from the rocky remains of the boulder, and he coughed, choking on it. Footsteps sounded, Lezard approaching Loki, wielding Gungnir.

"Wait!" Loki raised a hand, trying to halt Lezard's attack. Gungnir slammed into him, Loki seeing blood fly. He realized it was HIS blood, and he winced. "Lezard, calm down! WAIT!!" The tip of Gungnir stopped just before his nose, Loki squinting his eyes closed. He could hear Lezard breathing heavily, and he cautiously looked at the angry God.

"Find her!" Lezard snarled out his command. "Do not come back until you have news of her whereabouts."

"Yes! Yes I agree!" Loki said, nodding his head rapidly. "Although I have my suspicions." Lezard glared at him, Loki hastening to explain. "It is as I said...Borr, Buri and Vili must have used their alliance with the Frost Giants to strike against you."

"If that is true, I will deal with them myself." Lezard said, an evil smile on his face. "All who had a hand in taking Lenneth, all who laid so much as a finger on my beloved will suffer the torments for all eternity at my hand!" Loki felt a shiver of fear, but he reminded himself that Lezard couldn't possibly guess at the truth. "Now go! Find her!"

"What about Frei?" Loki asked, cautiously sitting up. "You won't hurt her right?"

"..." Lezard appeared to be thinking about it, and at last he nodded his head. "Just go...bring me back the proof I need of her whereabouts!"

"At once my Lord." Loki didn't bother to stand up, letting the ether swirl around him. His last sight was of Lezard reaching up to his head, letting his shaking hand cover his face.

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Their party of four had grown by one, and Dallas found that Lydia was a welcome addition. He watched her with open fascination, not being at all subtle about the glances he shot her way. Fortunately for him, Lydia was currently conversing with Alicia, the two blondes openly laughing at some private joke they shared. Dallas sighed wistfully, thankful that he could be around to see such a sight, to see two beautiful blondes sitting side by side with happy smiles on their faces.

Lydia. He thought her name as beautiful as the girl, hardly able to believe she was an einherjar like Rufus and Arngrim. There was a vitality about her, a zest for life that most mortals never achieved but Lydia had an overabundance of. He found himself wanting to know everything about her, and not knowing how to ask. How did one go about broaching an einherjar's former life? Did one just blurt out the question, how did you die? He frowned, shaking his head. He would not be so blunt, so crude. Surely there was unpleasant memories associated with her death.

He was not really taken aback to learn she had been chosen to be a warrior spirit of Valhalla. He had seen her skill with the bow first hand, the woman impressing on him her command of the weapon. He felt she must be as pure a soul as Alicia to have been chosen, even as a nagging thought reminded him that someone like Arngrim had been made an einherjar as well. He wondered about the einherjar roaming the land, free to do as they pleased, but he didn't dare ask.

Instead he sat there, sipping at his skein of water, gazing at Lydia. Even her eating was graceful, her slender fingers delicately handling the food, the girl careful to keep crumbs from spilling onto her clothes. He watched as she let out a squeal, seeing Alicia's wedding ring. The princess blushed and held out her hand, allowing Lydia to touch the gold band on her finger. Lydia glanced at Rufus as though doubting the news, the half elf giving her a nod and a grin.

"Congratulations!" Lydia hugged Alicia. "I always thought there was a spark between you two."

"Oh it's more than a spark." Rufus said boastfully. "It's an open flame!"

Alicia giggled at this, a blush on her cheeks as she nodded her agreement. "What about you Lydia? Have you found anyone since your release?"

As if Dallas hadn't been paying close attention already, his ears perked up, the mage listening with bated breath for the female archer's answer. Lydia sighed, and shook her head, glancing down at her lap. It seemed a sore subject with her, one that left Alicia flustered and desperate to come up with something to say.

"What do you do in Crell Monferaign?" Dallas asked kindly, seeing Alicia flash him a grateful look.

"I mostly run a training seminar." Lydia said, looking up at Dallas. Her chestnut color eyes flared with excitement as she launched into a discussion about her passion. "I give lessons to would be archers several times a week. I also craft and sell bows." She tapped the large bow that rested by her feet, a proud look in her eyes. "I made this one myself."

"It is exquisite." Dallas complimented her, seeing her smile and nod at him. He found himself wanting to tell her SHE was exquisite, fighting to keep the longing out of his eyes. Dallas would be horrified to know that his love sick glances were not going completely unnoticed. The women were oblivious to the looks, but the men? The men studied him from afar, hiding their smirks.

"Hey..." Arngrim stood, gesturing for Rufus to follow. The half elf nodded, excusing himself, and stood. He paused only long enough to give Alicia a quick kiss on the cheek, and then he was walking, following the beefy warrior into the bushes. Arngrim was leaning against a tree, his muscled arms folder across his chest. "So what do you think of the pretty boy and his latest crush?"

"He's got it bad." Rufus laughed. "Even for Alicia, he didn't gaze so openly at her."

"I guess he's got a thing for blondes." chuckled Arngrim.

"Or royalty." Rufus pointed out. "Lydia was the daughter of a Queen."

"Yeah, but don't tell him that." Arngrim shook his head. "Else he'll close up and be back to acting all stiff and proper like he does with Alicia."

"You really think it's Alicia's royal heritage that keeps Dallas from ogling her the way he is doing to Lydia?" asked a surprised Rufus.

"Yeah...yeah I do." Armgrim nodded. "He's too caught up in the politics of the court, too enamored with their ideals...he looks up to the royals, respects them. He'd never to think to approach one on a...romantic level..."

"Wow...that's some insight." Rufus said.

"I've spent quite a few hours with the guy while you and Alicia were honeymooning." Arngrim made a face, torn between a grin and a frown. "He can be interesting when he's not playing the part of a depressed lover pining away for the princess."

"Interesting...yeah that's one way to put it." Rufus said.

"So...think he'll make a move on Lydia?" Arngrim asked.

Rufus shrugged. "Why so interested?"

"I'm bored, and thinking of livening things up some." grinned Arngrim.

"Uh oh...what are you plotting now?" Rufus asked, eyeing the warrior warily.

"How about we make a friendly little wager on whether or not Dallas has the guts to ask her out." suggested Anrgrim. "Put some money on the outcome."

"..." Rufus was silent, thinking it over.

"I bet you could buy Alicia a real nice present with the oth you could win from me." Arngrim said, trying to lure Rufus into the bet.

"All right...you got a deal. But I get to choose first..." Rufus said, holding out his hand. "And I say...he does ask her out."

Arngrim unfolded his arms, reaching out to grasp the half elf's hand. "Just remember, it doesn't count if he has to get drunk first to do it!"

"Fine." agreed Rufus, shaking Arngrim's hand.

"I hope you keep that confidence when I'm walking away with your oth." laughed Arngrim, and the two began haggling the amount of gold they would gamble with. Their long absence from the gathering went pretty much unnoticed, Dallas and the girls figuring the men were patrolling the area, doing sweeps for monsters. Alicia and Lydia were still happily talking away, and Dallas had used the excuse of startng a fire to sneak closer to them.

"And then we traveled to the Ancient Forest of Spirits..." Alicia was saying, Dallas holding his hand out to the fire, letting it's heat warm his skin. "It was there that we entered the Elven village, seeking out the Dumas flower. The flower was the main ingredient that cured Dallas and I."

"I'm glad to hear you are cured of the ghoul powder curse." Lydia said smiling. "Being one of the cursed undead is no way to live."

Alicia and Dallas both nodded in agreement. "And the Elven village is a beautiful place." Alicia's eyes turned distant, the girl thinking back on the natural splendor of the village. "It's also where Rufus and I..." She started blushing, ducking her head shyly. "It's where we first confessed our love to each other."

"It must be a special place to have worked it's magic on you two." Lydia commented.

"Oh it is! I wish we could have stayed! At least for a little while longer." exclaimed Alicia.

"Why didn't you?" Lydia asked curiously.

"Well..." The princess was hesitating, Dallas wondering if she would tell the archer about the Dragon Orb. "We had to go back and cure Dallas. But..." She smiled. "I just know that someday our path will take us back there again."

"I'm sure it will." agreed Lydia, smiling.

The bushes rustled, Arngrim and Rufus returning to the clearing, nonchalant expressions on their faces. "Everything is all clear..." Rufus announced with a yawn. "Neither hide nor hair of any monsters to be found near our camp. And Arngrim has set up some fire flares to ward them from getting too close during the night."

"We'll sleep in shifts." announced Arngrim. "Dallas...you and I can take the first one, all right?"

"Uh...yes..." Dallas agreed, glancing at the warrior. "Just don't try to talk me into gambling with you!"

Arngrim laughed. "You have my word that I will be strictly business while on watch."

"It's still early...we don't have to turn in yet do we?" Alicia asked, wanting to talk some more with Lydia. It was nice having a woman around for a change, Alicia finding there were just some things she could not discuss with the boys.

"No...we can still stay up." Rufus said, laying out his bedroll. "Lydia...you can use my bedroll..." He smirked. "I'll be sharing with Alicia."

"Thank you." Lydia said, hearing Alicia giggle. Rufus and Arngrim watched Dallas, both amused to see him putting his bedroll so that he was close to where Lydia would sleep. They shared a side long glance, smirking at each other over how obvious the mage was being.

Now... Rufus thought with a side long glance at Dallas. If he can just continue to be this forward...I'll be racking in Arngrim's oth in no time!

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She was freezing, an unbearable cold chilling her to the bone, seeping in underneath her clothes. Lenneth could feel her body shaking, hear her teeth chattering, and she let out a moan. The sound seemed to echo over and over again, and she turned, hearing something clank. She couldn't put a name to the sound, frowning, fighting her way back to consciousness. It was a struggle, her body didn't want to respond to her demands, wanting to stay in the black abyss of sleep.

But little by little she awalened, fingers twitching, eyelid fluttering open. White light greeted her, and for a second the room was too bright, Lenneth crying out even as she shut her eyes. "Hmmm..." Another moan from her, Lenneth lifting her hand to her face. She cautiously opened her eyes, hand shielding them from the light. She blinked rapidly, trying to let her eyes adjust to the light.

Slowly Lenneth lowered her hand, frowning at the unfamiliar room. White was all around her, think blocks of ice that were clouded instead of opaque. They made up the walls, lifting up higher and higher to enclose all around her. The floor was gray marble, and white powder littered the floor. Powder she was quick to realize was snow, and her frown deepened.

Lenneth pushed up, rising to a sitting position, hearing the clanking sound again. She ignored it, studying the room. There was little in the way of decorations, the walls pretty plain and bare, and no windows to be found. A table was pushed to one corner, with two chairs situated before it. Lenneth herself lay on a thin pallet, a long bed suspended off the floor, mounted to the wall by silvers bolts.

"Where am I?" Lenneth wondered out loud, though a sinking feeling in her stomach gave her a good idea. She tried to think back to the last thing she could remember, recalling how she had been cradled in the fist of the Frost Giant who carried her. At some point he must have rendered her unconsciousness, because try as she might, she could not recall the details of how she arrived in this room.

"Why am I still alive...?" She muttered to herself. "Why didn't they kill me like all the others?" She found herself wondering what their game was, wondering why they took her hostage instead of killing her. She thought back to her companion, relief that the giant's interest in her, had spared Frei's life. At least the young Goddess was safe, and able to summon help. For once Lenneth found herself glad of Lezard's obsession with herself, knowing the man would be relentless in his pursuit of the giants. Not that she was content to sit around and wait to be rescued.

Lenneth looked around the room again, trying to see if she had failed to notice any details. Nothing stood out, and she sighed, even as she was moving. She went to swing her legs off the bed, and nearly fell when something pulled tight against her leg. The clanking sound occurred again, a strained rattle and she frowned. "What in the...?" She pulled up her skirt, and gasped. There was a manacle on her right foot, silver with gleaming gold runes inscribed on the metal. A thick length of chain was welded to the manacle, it's coiling loops cemented to the wall.

Lenneth growled, grasping hold of the chain, straining the muscles in her arms as she attempted to pull the chain free of the wall. Her struggles were futile, it did not budge. She then focused on the manacle itself, touching the gold surface with her fingertips. A shock of electricity assaulted her, making Lenneth scream. Her fingers fell away from the cuff, and she winced, biting down on her lips to keep from crying out. Okay...won't try that again. She thought to herself, frowning.

It wasn't that she couldn't stand the pain, Lenneth feeling she could weather a stronger bolt of electricity than the one she had recevied. But fear for the baby inside her made her hesitate, stayed her hand from trying again. It was only one zap, yet she feared it was one zap too many, worried over what it could do to the baby growing inside her. "Be safe little one..." Lenneth murmured, hands on her stomach, caressing her flesh. She shivered again, thinking the cold was also not good for her pregnancy.

What am I going to do? She thought furiously, gathering her knees up close to her body. She hugged them, resting her head on the top of her arms, not liking the helpless feeling that overcame her. She sat like this for some time, Lenneth going over and over the events leading up to her abduction. She cursed herself a fool for leaving Valhalla in the first place. She hurled insults at herself, Lenneth maddened to think she had foolishly rushed off to an unknown battle, knowing full well she was pregnant. Idly Lenneth wondered if any of this would have happened if she had just told Lezard she was pregnant from the start. So many what ifs ran through her head, and she had no definitive answers.

A sound then, keys in a lock, and Lenneth lifted her head, staring at the door. She straightened out her body, sitting up as regal as she could. She would not give her captors the satisfaction of cowering before them. She would face them head on, with her head held high, and her courage as a shield against whatever they would do to her. The door slowly opened, and footsteps sounded on the marble. Slow and steady, and she held her breath, expecting to see a giant enter her prison.

What she got was most definitely not a giant. He was too short for one thing, and he had a divine aura about him. He was also smirking, looking far too pleased with himself, and Lenneth snarled out his name. "Loki!!"

"Ah...Lenneth Valkyrie..." He said her name gleefully, letting the door swing shut behind him. "How do you like your new surroundings? Comfortable, is it not?"

"Go to Hel!" She snapped, and he tossed back his head, laughing at her. She frowned, catching the sight of blood pooling out one corner of his mouth. He noticed her attention, and raised his hand, wiping the blood away.

"Lezard was most...distraught to learn of your taking." He flicked his fingers in her direction, blood drops scattering to the floor. "Your...paramour packs quite a punch."

"You won't get away with this!" She said furiously. "Lezard will come for me!"

"Of course he will! I'm counting on it! But you see...he will never find you..." Loki grinned. "Poor, poor Lenneth...destined to wither away in the depths of Jotunheim..." He tsked. "It will be a glorious slaughter...Lezard won't leave any of Odin's family alive in his attempts to find you."

"What is your game Loki?" demanded Lenneth. "Why do you bear such a grudge against Odin's family!?"

"They are in my way."

"Your way?" She frowned then gasped. "You want Odin's throne for yourself! This is why you're doing this...you want Lezard to get rid of the competition! And then what? You'll take the throne from him?" She laughed then. "You will fail. Lezard's too powerful for you to take on."

"I would be a fool to try." He agreement startled her, and she stared at him confused.

"No...I know my place. The other Gods would never accept me as their ruler." A scowl then, Loki looking angry. "No...you arrogant Aesir, you stuck up Vanir, neither one of you accepts me...oh you keep me around, you let me amuse you with my pranks, content to elevate me no higher than the position of glorified court jester!"

"How can you do this?" Lenneth demanded, slowly standing up. She was careful not to move too quickly, seeing the chain allowed her some leeway to get off and away from the bed. "You swore on Gungnir's tip to be true to Lezard's rule."

"Gungnir can only sense the truth at the moment, it cannot divine the future." explained Loki. "I meant it at the time, but that was before I saw how...easy it would be to manipulate Lezard." He was grinning again, his teeth as white as the snow on the floor. "And it's all thanks to you my dear."

"Me?"

"Yes you." Loki moved closer to her, eyes intent on her face. "You're his one weakness...he actually listens to you..,,he would try to do good, try for a benevolent rule to please you. Such as spare Odin's family, the rightful heirs to the throne. But...if you were out of the picture, that leaves him vulnerable. Open to suggestions, without his little sweet lipped conscience to whisper no in his ear."

"What are you talking about?!" Lenneth asked.

"I long since figured out the real power behind the throne is the one who has the King's ear. And with you gone...that will be me." Loki's smirk died down at Lenneth outright laughing in his face. "What are you laughing at?!" He snarled, leaping forward. "Stop that! Stop that infernal racquet!" He grabbed her by the shoulders, digging his fingers into her, and still she laughed.

"You think to make Lezard a mere figurehead. But that will never happen. Never!" Loki growled, and tossed her against the bed, Lenneth hitting it with a cry. But she continued to laugh, openly scorning him. "Lezard is too smart for you. He'll figure it out, and when he does..."

"Lezard will be too busy worried about you to think of anything else!" Loki shouted. "He'll be grateful for my advice!"

"He will kill you when he finds out what you have done. This I promise." Lenneth said, face serious, now lacking her bitter amusement.

"Oh he will, will he?" Loki arched an eyebrow at her, and then was turning on his heel. "We'll just see about that, won't we!" He was marching out of the room, his voice coming back to her, taunting. "Do try not to freeze to death in the meantime!"

Lenneth let out a wordless scream of rage, rushing forward as far as the chain would let her. She got only a mere two feet before it was pulled tight, holding her well away from the door. "Curse you Loki!" She screamed, and his laughter echoed back to her.