Lezard's Triumph

Lenneth paced, turning in circles, her movements limited by the chain attached to her ankle. Muttering was heard, angry and under her breath, the Goddess glaring at nothing in particular. To say Lenneth Valkyrie was agitated would be understating the case, she boiled with anger, bristled with helpless rage, wanting to scream out her frustration. But she held her tongue, not wanting to give her captors the satisfaction of hearing her yells.

A scowl on her pretty face, she slumped down on her bed, the mattress hard and lumpy, a contrast to the soft cushions she had grown accustomed too. There wasn't even a pillow, the bed seeing only to the most basic of her needs. She was cold and had no blanket, but she would not, could not demean herself by asking her captors to grant her a favor.

With a sigh, Lenneth was pulling back her skirt to reveal her legs, staring down at her ankle. She frowned at the sight of the manacle closed around her right foot, it's silver and gold colors gleaming as it reflected the light of the room. She didn't touch it, wary of the sparks of electricity it sent coursing through her body, the power being sparked to life by the touch of her fingers.

Instead she studied it, staring at the runes inscribed on the silver, gold designs that spoke of power and age. The spell on the manacle was old, older than she, and powerful too. Runes that were divine in nature, a holding spell sought to imprison her, and stifle the use of her divine abilities. It rendered her helpless on a mortal level, unable to call her strength to tear the chain from the wall, or send out a summoning, a spell to alert Lezard to her whereabouts. The runes might as well have rendered her deaf, blind and mute, so vulnerable did Lenneth feel without access to her divine abilities.

With a sigh she was throwing her skirt down, letting it settle over her legs again. Her frustration at the situation was almost palpable, and Lenneth sighed, laying down flat on the bed. She stared up at the white ceiling, knowing there was little to do but be alone with her thoughts. And I thought bed rest back at the palace was boring. She almost thought torture would be better, at least then it would give her something to do, something to fight against. But here there was just the waiting, an endless amount of time passing her by, leaving her to wonder how long she had spent in this icy prison.

She didn't get any visitors, none save for Loki, and his time with her had been brief, limited to just the one time. She was glad of it, not wanting to suffer the black haired fool's presence for any longer than need be. But she had a feeling her luck wouldn't last, that the Trickster would return sooner rather than later. Lenneth entertained thoughts on what she would do when that happened, amusing fantasies of lunging at him when he was in reach, of clawing out his eyes. She'd like to tear out his lying tongue, get her hands around his tanned skin throat and slowly choke the life out of him.

Lenneth smiled, the violent fantasies making her feel better. As she imagined in great detail Loki's demise, she stroked her belly, the act of caressing where her unborn child lay, soothing her greatly. She lay like that for some time, until finally her hand slowed, and then was falling, going to dangle limply off the side of the bed as she slipped into sleep's embrace.

--

A rage boiled within him, a white hot anger that Lezard wrapped around himself, wearing it like a new suit. He didn't have to feed it to keep it alive, the anger burned all on it's own, keeping him up, keeping him alert. He wouldn't rest, he wouldn't sleep, not until he got Lenneth back. Not until she was safe in his arms, and everyone involved in her taking was dead by his hands.

His mind was full of fantasies of revenge, blood soaked daydreams that left him smiling. But it was a bitter joy he expressed, his smile malicious, eyes hungry to enact the brutality he so desired. Ether crackled around his body, power bristling forth, barely contained, barely controlled. It would take just the slightest push to get Lezard to explode, to unleash that power on someone, regardless of if they were deserving or not. Never had Lezard felt so out of control of his emotions, and it was all he could do to keep from screaming out his grief.

And so he sought to busy himself, formulate plans, one after another, trying to think of the fastest way to rescue Lenneth. Ideas took root in his mind, and just as quickly he dismissed then as useless. He paced, not content to remain in one spot for long, stalking through the corridors of Valhalla, a man sized predator on the prowl. Lezard didn't know it, but the mad gleam in his eyes unsettled all who looked at him, God and einherjar both hurrying to get out of his way. No one wanted to catch the attention of their ruler, fearing his wrath would turn upon them.

Rumours had a way of growing, spinning out of control. Already whispers of the scene at the rainbow bridge made their way through the Shining Realm. Whispering of Lezard's unquenchable anger, and the violent way he had vented it. Stories spun, the beating Loki having received growing worse in the retelling. Lezard knew this, and he did not care. Let them be scared of him, let them fester in their fear and do their damnedest to please him.

He turned a corner, coming across a group of einherjar. They gasped, breaths sounding sharp as they expelled them, flattening themselves against the wall as they made room for Lezard to pass. Ordinarily such a reaction would have amused him, but now he watched them scamper and flee with indifferent eyes. He continued to move forward, all but ignoring the scared witless einherjar, eyes straight ahead on the destination he had in mind.

Doors, their wood a dark brown, wide enough to be mistaken for walls, were flung open at his gesture. Wind rustled his cape, and he heard papers take flight, flapping before settling down as the wind died down. A handful of Gods looked in his direction, surprise in their eyes. Hasty was their movements, rising to stand, the men bowing their heads in acknowledgment, the women dropping into low curtseys.

Lezard nodded his head, glancing at the large table the Gods surrounded. It was round, and it held a map over every available inch of it's surface, the nine realms laid out in precise detail. Tiny miniatures carved out of ivory decorated key spots, houses and figures, Lezard wondering what they all meant. He cast his eyes away from the map, looking at the Gods gathered in this place of strategy.

There was Hlin, Goddess of Consolation, her amber eyes looking sorrowful as she gazed on Lezard. Vor was next to her, the Goddess of Wisdom's expression severely serious, and Forseti, God of Peace, Truth, and Justice to the right of her. On the other side of the table was Mani and Delling, Gods of the Moon and the Daytime, eyes looking expectantly at Lezard. And sitting in a corner, weeping silently was little Frei, the young Fertility Goddess wiping at her eyes with her gloved hands. It was an unusual bunch, hardly the best chosen for a counsel of war. But Lezard's options were limited, given the recent events, Gods being killed or made mortal, and Gods running away to defect to the family of Odin's side. He would simply have to make do with these Gods, and hope that their inexperience didn't lead to his downfall.

"Lord Lezard..." Vor began, the dark haired woman apt to be his best bet when it came to coming up with strategies. She was a wise woman, said to have all the knowledge of the world at her beck and call. "Our troops are armed and ready, awaiting your command. All we wait on is a destination, an enemy to fight."

"We make for Jotunheim." Lezard announced, striding forward to place his hands palm down on the map. "It was the giants who took Lenneth from me...it is from them that I shall get her back."

The Gods exchanged uneasy looks, and then Vor was speaking. "With all due respect my Lord, we don't know who took her or where Lenneth is. You cannot possibly expect us to just randomly charge into the Realm of Ice, and...and do what? Tear it apart in a mad search for the Lady?"

Lezard pursed his lips together, glaring at the Goddess. "That is exactly what I propose." The Gods all gasped, their voices rising in protest. Lezard held up a hand, and they fell silent at the gesture. "I won't have them...I won't have ANYONE thinking they can get away with stealing from me. I mean to make a lesson out of these beasts."

"A lesson? What kind?" Vor asked suspiciously.

"Total and complete annihilation." grinned Lezard.

"What you are suggesting is genocide!" protest Vor.

"Lezard, I know you are grieving..." Hlin said. "But...to punish all the Giants for the actions of a few...it's wrong."

"Are not the Giants among our eternal enemies?" asked Delling, a look of approval in his eyes. "Have they not plagued us with trouble for over a thousand years? I say it's about time we get rid of them."

"Hear hear!" Mani shouted in agreement.

"But some of the giants are our allies." Forseti pointed out. "Some have even married into the divine pantheon, conceiving children that are half God."

"Well..." Mani was uncomfortable at that reminder. "I didn't mean for those giants to get killed. Those are the okay ones."

"I didn't realize the Lord of the Moon was a speciesist." Hln said stiffly. Mani glowered at her, ready to make a snide remark if not for Lezard clearing his throat. They looked a him expectantly, Lezard giving them a grim smile.

"Delling and Mani make excellent points. Even among the humans, the giants transgressions against the Gods is well known." said Lezard. "Was it not your Storm Lord, Thor who took any and every opportunity to slay as many of the beasts as he could?"

"Well yes..." Hlin said. "But that was...just sport..."

"Sport? Is killing a game to you Gods?" More uncomfortable looks at Lezard's words, the men and women shifting uncomfortable, trying to avoid his eyes. "How is it any different from what I propose we do?" They had no answer for him, and he smiled. "They brought it upon themselves...sneaking into Asgard, killing our people...killing Gods! Did Kavsir deserve to die at their hands? And what of Lenneth? Does she deserve whatever is happening to her now?"

"No..." They were shaking their heads, not liking to think of what sort of tortures a divine being would suffer at the hands of a giant.

"NO!" Lezard said passionately, pounding his hands on the table. "She does not!"

"Frei..." Hlin was looking at the sobbing Goddess, slowly walking towards her. "You were there...are you sure there was only two?"

"Yes..." She sniffled. "Stone and Frost working together..."

"They've allied themselves with their hated enemies to strike against us!" complained Delling. "It surely is the first blow in a war they would start against us!

"A war they will lose." smirked Lezard.

"Please reconsider Lord Lezard..." Vor said, Hlin and Forseti nodding their heads in agreement. "The actions of two does not mean they acted with the approval of their rulers...It could have been just two foolish children out for a bit of fun."

"Fun?! Fun!?" demanded Lezard with a snarl. "Than that is just the kind of behavior I wish to discourage!"

"A--ahem..." The sound of a throat clearing, Lezard and the Gods turning to glance at the newcomer.

"Loki!" exclaimed Vor, looking displeased at the interruption.

"Loki..." Lezard kept his expression carefully blank, looking behind the God for some sign of Lenneth. It was to his great disappointment that he did not see her, a flash of annoyance filling him as he looked at the dark skinned God. "You return without Lenneth." His tone of voice implied Loki better have a good reason for such an offense.

"I may not have the lady with me, but I bring...exciting news." Loki said, walking into the room. He dropped down, bending on one knee as he bowed his head to Lezard. "My Liege...it was not the act of the giants alone who kidnapped Lady Lenneth." He lifted his head, locking eyes with Lezard. "They're working for someone."

"Who?" breathed out Lezard, energy crackling around him in his eagerness to find out just who to blame for Lenneth's kidnapping.

"Yes, tell us who!" demanded Mani.

"It is as I feared." Loki said. "The remaining members of Odin's family, they've made an alliance with the giants, even as we speak, sire and brother are gathering more allies, gearing up for an invasions of Asgard."

The Gods were muttering, shocked exclamations as this news, but Vor as always kept a level head. "And just how do you know all this Loki?" She asked suspiciously.

"Yes..." Forseti also eyed Loki with doubt in his eyes. "It must have been very difficult to get confirmation of this. How is it that you were able to make it back to us safely?"

"I merely used my powers to infiltrate the Giant's stronghold." Loki explained, and was standing.

"And it was that simple?" Vor asked.

"Unlike you Vor, I am not limited to just this shape." Loki retorted. "The giants need not be suspicious of a stranger in their midst, especially when so many have come to the city of Utgard to pledge their weapons to the trio's cause." A laugh then, a short bark of amusement. "It was all too simple to loosen lips with the promise of ale and ambrosia. The giants are very excited, looking forward to this battle...I hope we do not disappoint them in the effort we exert to crush them."

"And what of Lenneth?" Lezard demanded. "Did you learn of her whereabouts?"

"Sadly no..." Loki sighed, regret in his eyes. "There were rumors of hostages being taken...but none that I spoke to could confirm who it was. I only know that somewhere in the heart of the city..." He went to the table, touching the little house that represented Utgard. "...is where the prisoners of war will be kept."

"Then we go to Utgard." Lezard announced.

"It won't be easy." Vor warned. "The chief city of the giants is not only surrounded by ice, but is located inside a mountain. In attempting to destroy it, you may very well bring pieces of it down on Lenneth in the process!"

"We will have to lay siege to the city." said Mani. "Fight the giants on their own land."

"A war campaign in the Realm of Ice? The einherjar will suffer the effects of the cold, even with our powers boosting them. They will be sluggish and ill prepared against the giants." protested Vor.

"You can't possibly be saying we let them come and wage war in Asgard!" snapped Delling. "Think of the property damage!"

"But we will have the advantage of home field." said Forseti. "The giants will be forced to scrounge around for provisions while we will have the comfort of home, access to food, and a never ending supply of weapons. Not too mention all the ambrosia."

"Lezard..." Vor looked at him, expression grave. "Surely you see the advantage of letting them come to us?"

"Yes..." He sighed, feeling all too weary. "But my heart screams at me to go to Utgard, leave at once and not come back until Lenneth has been set free." His shoulder sagged, Lezard staring at the map.

"Then go to her." suggest Loki, ignoring the protests of the Goddess of Wisdom. "We will back you up...Help you to kill any and all who stand in the way of the Lady Lenneth!"

"Lezard no! I most protest this!" Vor shouted. "If they see you coming, they might hurt her...would you take that risk?"

"No..."

"My Lord?" A strange look was on Loki's face.

"No." repeated Lezard. "Vor is right. I cannot risk it. No...they want to do battle with us...then let them set foot in Asgard. The outcome will still be the same. I will kill them all!" He frowned to see a hint of displeasure in Loki's eyes, Lezard arching an eyebrow. "Is there a problem Loki?"

"No sire...not at all..." The black haired God shook his head no, a quick movement that cause his bangs to fall sloppily across his eyes.

"Good...I have another mission for you." Lezard smiled.

"Anything my Lord!" Loki said, looking expectantly at the necromancer.

"I want you to return to Jotunheim. See if you can't scout out Lenneth's location. Perhaps..." Lezard sighed. "Perhaps a smaller party might be able to infiltrate the stronghold and get her out. We need only find her!"

"I understand my Lord. But...surely I would be better suited to help you here...and on the battlefield!" protested Loki. "I can fight, unlike this motley lot you have surrounded yourself with!" Mani snarled, and Delling snorted, both men insulted by his words. "It's true!" snapped Loki, pointing accusingly at the two Gods. "What experience do you have in battle? What can you offer?"

They were silent, trying to think but Loki continued. "Look at the Gods that are left! Love and Fertility Goddesses! A God of Peace!" He snorted, derision in his tone. "And you!" He looked at Hlin, shaking his head. "I don't even know what you do, aside from consoling grieving mortals!"

"Calm down Loki!" snapped Vor, even as Lezard approached the shouting God.

"Loki...my friend..." Lezard placed his hands on his shoulders, staring into the Trickster God's eyes. "You are the only one with the power to shape change. You simply must do this for me. Find her Loki...Find Lenneth!"

"As my Lord wishes...so shall it be done." Loki said, hissing out his words as he stepped back from Lezard. He did a low swooping bow, ether swirling around his body. Bells chimed, the God vanishing from sight.

"Your Lordship..." Vor again, looking nervous. "While you are in the mood to...entertain suggestions. May I make another?"

"What Vor?" asked Lezard, turning to look at the Goddess.

"Loki makes a valid point. We are not the best suited for the task of making war. But there are others in your keep who would do well on the battlefield." She said.

"Who?"

"Thor and Tyr." She flinched back at his angry growl, eyes looking defiant. "It's the truth! I may be able to advise you in strategic matters, but I am not a fighter!"

"Well isn't that what einherjar are for?" demanded Lezard.

"Yes but..."

"But what?!"

"Our einherjar are a limited resource." Vor explained. "Without a Valkyrie to go down and bring us more...we are in danger of running out. I'm afraid of what will happen should this war deplete our soldier ranks. Other realms might turn their eyes to Asgard, such as Nifleheim's Queen, and Muspellheim's rulers..."

"We need to have a Valkyrie..." Forseti spoke up. "One must be appointed and soon."

"Would any of you volunteer for the job?" Lezard asked. Uneasy looks were all the answer he got. "Hmph...You want a Valkyrie, so long as the responsibility doesn't fall to you. Typical." Lezard ran a hand through his hair, messing up the neatly arranged locks. He let out a heavy sigh, and looked at Vor. "How many einherjar do we have at our command?"

"We top sixty-thousand easily." She replied.

"That will have to do." Lezard said. He moved as though to leave the room, and she called out to him.

"My Lord! What about Tyr and Thor?" Vor reminded him.

"They stay where they are." Lezard replied, ignoring the protests his answers brought forth. Even as the Gods raised their voices, shouting at him to reconsider, ether coated him from head to toe, Lezard teleporting to the bedroom he shared with Lenneth.

"Lenneth..." He whispered her name, pain in his voice. A sudden scream was torn out of him, Lezard flying into a blind rage. The sound of ether being dispelled filled the room, blasts of divine energy slamming into the walls, blackening the plaster. He lashed out with his hands, hearing the crunch of wood, realizing he had fisted the writing desk, splitting it in two with his strength. And still he screamed, futile rage making him destroy the room, leave nothing but the bed intact.

And then he was falling, lying face down in the pillows, surrounding himself with Lenneth's scent. It offered little comfort, and yet Lezard was rolling around on the sheets, trying to press the scent of her into his clothes, and into his skin. It was the only way he could think of to be close to her, and he feared the day her scent would fade away.

--

It was well past noon when they reached Crell Monferaign, the Holy City quiet as it's people took their mid day siesta. The streets were almost empty, only a few stragglers walked it's cobblestone pathway, mainly travelers like themselves. The children they saw were quiet, respectfully so, and guards in full armor patrolled the streets, making sure the peace remain undisturbed.

"This way." Lydia said, her voice a quiet whisper as she gestured at her companions. She had taken the lead upon them reaching the city, guiding them through twisting turns and narrow streets. They passed by many guards, the men eyeing the party with suspicion in their eyes, but one smile from Lydia had them almost relaxing as they recognized the pretty archer.

"How much farther?" Alicia asked, as they passed under the arch of a land bridge, noting they were in a part of town they had rarely visited on their previous travels. The buildings were white plaster, pure pristine walls that almost gleamed as they looked at them. Light gray tiles made up the roofs, the houses all being mirror images of each other. Bright green grass bordered the cobblestones, colorful flowers growing in neat little rows, the gardens well tended and taken care of. It was not the most wealthiest part of town, but it was clean, and it was safe, within a reasonable amount of walking distance to the stores.

"Almost there." Lydia answered, walking with a purpose. Alicia looked around confused, wondering how anyone could tell the houses apart from one another. They traveled a few more feet, and then they were turning, Lydia leading them across the grass and onto a property. "Here we are." She said brightly, removing keys from her pant's pocket. "It's not much..." She confided with a smile, unlocking the door. "But I call it home."

The door swung open, Lydia ushering her companions inside. They looked around with interest at the room they found themselves in, finding soft, warm colors decorated the walls and the floor. A fireplace was against the far wall, a simple blue carpet next to it to catch stray soot, keep it's ash from staining the floor. A work table was off to the side, a multitude of arrows spread across it's countertop, their heads waiting to be attached to wooden shafts. A large bow leaned against the side of the table, waiting to be restrung.

A couch and some chairs were spread out through the room, Lydia waving at them. "Make yourselves at home." She was pulling her arrow sheathe off her shoulder, taking care to hang it up on the rack that lay a few inches from the door. With similar care, she placed her bow on it, and then was running her hands through her hair, smiling. "Ah!! It's good to be home!"

"You have a lovely home." Alicia was still looking around, seeing an open doorway that lead off to the kitchen. Through the window over the stove, she could see a back yard, archery targets set up with arrows buried into the wood.

"Thanks!" Lydia grinned, coming forward to sit down next to Dallas on the couch. The mage tried not to flinch, remaining as still as he could possibly be, conscious of the mere inch that separated their bodies from each other. "Please feel free to stay here as long as you like."

"Oh Lydia, we couldn't possibly impose!" Alicia protested, even as the archer shook her head no.

"I have more than enough room, though one of you may have to sleep on the couch." Lydia said. "I hope that's not a problem."

"No problem at all!" grinned Arngrim. "A couch is a heck of a better alternative to sleeping on the forest floor. And a lot cheaper than staying at an inn!"

"Alicia is right..." Dallas began, avoiding looking at Lydia. "It would be an awful imposition on you. We don't know how long we are staying in Crell Monferaign...and..."

"Relax..." Dallas did just the opposite, feeling Lydia touch his arm. "It's no problem. Stay as long as you like. After all..." Her laugh was pure music, happy and free. "I do owe you all for saving me back in the woods. Let this be my way of repaying you for your help."

"Well...if you're sure..." Alicia said hesitantly.

"I am." Lydia's hand pulled away from Dallas, the girl smiling at the princess. "It will be good to have some company for a change." A sigh then, a wistful look in her eyes. Silence stretched between them, an uncomfortable thing, the party of five shifting, trying to think of what to say.

"It's an awfully big house for just one person." Rufus said, lacking tact.

"Rufus!" Alicia's voice hissed out in a whisper, the princess shooting him a look.

"What...?" He asked confused.

"It's all right Alicia, Rufus is right." Lydia said, though her expression was strained. "I do have a big house. But..." She shook her head. "The price was right, and it was in a good location. And I could use the room for the classes I teach." The couch cushions shifted, Lydia rising to stand. "I suppose we're all hungry after our journey. Let me prepare us a meal."

Alicia hurried to her feet. "I'll help!"

Lydia nodded at her. "I'm afraid I don't have much. We'll have to go shopping for food if you're going to stay here."

"That's fine." Rufus said. "Dallas needs to stop at some shops too." He grinned, looking slyly out the corner of his eye at the mage. "You can all go together."

"Me?" The man's voice was almost a high pitched squeak, his expression startled. "Alone with the princess and Lydia?"

"Sure." Rufus' expression was too cheerful. "No time like the present to start hunting up those bargains for your potion business."

"Potion business" Lydia asked curiously. "You're an entrepreneur?"

"Um...not quite...at least...not yet." Dallas admitted. "But I hope to be."

"Dallas hopes to one day open up his own shop." explained Alicia. "He's hoping to settle down in the city."

"His services would be high in demand..." Lydia said. "You have great magic, are you sure you wish to be a mere potion peddler?"

"Ah...I've had enough of court intrigue to last me a lifetime." Dallas blushed. "I think a simple life suits me best."

"Yes...the life of a commoner can at times be more enriching than life at court. And certainly less dangerous!" Lydia exclaimed, a sad smile on her face.

"Oh?" Dallas was interested. "You have experience at the courts?"

"Uh...why don't you guys go get the shopping done." Rufus hastened to intervene, not wanting Lydia to reveal her royal pedigree.

"And what will you two be doing while we're gone?" asked Alicia, curious.

"Actually I liked to hit the local chop shops." Arngrim said, nudging his bag of loot with his foot. "Find out what the going rate is for this stuff before it starts going bad."

"And I'll help him." Rufus grinned, pleased at the arrangement. "I'm sure even Arngrim's pockets aren't big enough to carry all the money he will get when he cashes in those parts!"

--

The sound of the door unlocking roused Lenneth from her sleep, the woman sitting upright, an expectant look on her face. Loki slunk into the room, his agitation apparent as he looked at her, the door slamming shut with a loud metallic clang.

"Oh please your highness..." His tone was mocking, a scowl on his face as he looked at her. "Do not stand on my account."

"I didn't plan too." Lenneth retorted with a smirk of her own, still studying the man before her.

"What?" He demanded, stepping closer to the bed. "Why do you stare at me so?"

"It means nothing." Lenneth replied. But still she kept her eyes on him, the blue thoughtful and cautious. "YOU mean nothing." A smirk then, Lenneth's tone turning as mocking as Loki's. "You are just a reprieve in an otherwise boring day, a bit of amusement to break up the monotony of my imprisonment."

"I didn't come here entertain you!" Loki shouted angrily.

"Oh?" She arched an eyebrow at him. "Then why did you come? Surely with all your plots...all your schemes, your new position as Lezard's advisor, surely all that would keep you too busy to bother with me." Loki didn't respond, expression turning sullen as he listened to her words. "Or..." She grinned then. "Are things not going as well as you hoped, Loki?"

"Just a minor setback I assure you." Loki retorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "But in due time I will be made Lezard's advisor in all matters of importance."

"He barely listened to me." Lenneth pointed out. "What makes you think he will be more prone to heed any advice you have to offer him?"

"His distraught over your taking makes him distracted, more open to suggestions. Already he listens to the other Gods, listens to Vor on matters of the upcoming war." Loki grinned at the stunned expression on Lenneth's face. "Oh didn't you know? Lezard seeks to plunge Asgard into a war to end all wars. And all simply to get you back!" He tossed back his head, laughing both at the look on her face, and the ridiculousness of the idea. "The ensuing bloodshed will be a fitting tribute to a battle maiden such as yourself."

"I am never pleased by the need for senseless violence." murmured Lenneth. "For the deaths that will follow, for the innocents lost."

"You're talking about the einherjar aren't you?" demanded Loki. "Ah yes, I had almost forgotten how concerned you Valkyries are with mortal souls." He spat then, lip curling in disgust as his saliva hit the floor. Lenneth just looked at him, and he fought not to scream, lowering his hands to his sides, fingers curled into fists. "Stop looking at me with that expression!"

"What expression?" Lenneth asked, her tone innocent enough.

"The one that says you think you're better than me!" Loki hissed. "Your eyes stare into mine, a mixture of disgust and pity in them. I won't have you looking at me in that way!"

"It is not pity I feel for you." Lenneth retorted. "And I will not sit here meekly, cowering, my eyes cast to the floor during your visits."

"I could force you to..." Loki said taking a step towards the bed. "I could give you a reason to hate me..." He frowned at her laughing, but continued talking. "To fear and revile me!"

"Oh Loki, I already hate you." Lenneth said in between her laughs. "It is such a simple thing to do. But fear? Ha! Never that!"

"Oh really?" Loki snarled. "I could force the issue between us...I can be very inventive when it comes to pain." He lifted his right fist, red and black ether glowing all around it, the Trickster hoping to hear Lenneth gasp in fright.

Instead she narrowed her eyes at him, speaking levelly. "You wouldn't dare."

"I dare many things, haven't you realized that by now?!" But he lobbed the ether away from her, tossing it over his shoulder to splatter against the blocks of ice that made up the wall.

"You are a coward Loki." She said, hearing his scoff of outrage. "You don't dare harm me, don't dare kill me, because you are afraid of what Lezard will do to you."

"A coward am I?!" demanded Loki with a snarl. "Would a coward go through with all this?" He was gesturing angrily at the room. "Would a coward risk everything to steal you away, ignite the flames of war and plunge the realms into Chaos? I think not!"

"You hide in the shadows, letting others do your dirty work." snapped Lenneth. "You think to keep your hands clean of your crimes, set the blame on others. That is the mark of a coward in my eyes."

"Then it is a fine thing I do not seek to look good in your eyes!" retorted Loki angrily. "The opinion of a prisoner hardly matters..."

"And yet here you are, seeking it out." Lenneth said pointedly. "Did you think I would be impressed with what you have done? Did you hope for praise from my lips?" A quick shake of her head no. "I know your type well Loki. What you crave above all else is approval and acceptance, and you will not get any from me!" Her chains rattled, Lenneth rising to her feet, eyes blazing angrily.

"Tch." Loki was calm in response to her anger, his reaction surprising her. "But I will get it THROUGH you. I will take it, earn it from Lezard for my valuable assistance during this war."

"And then what?!" demanded Lenneth. "Wars end. Lezard will want answers when I am not to be found among his enemies' captives." She smirked then. "They will talk, allowing him to see they had nothing to do with my kidnapping."

"I won't allow them to talk." Loki retorted. "You still think me a fool, not having thought out all the angles." He laughed then, and she shivered to hear the depravity in that sound. "It is unfortunate, but there will be many accidents...Borr and Buri and Vili will die before they can ever reveal they had nothing to do with your taking."

"You've gone mad." scoffed Lenneth. "You have to be if you think killing Gods is a good idea."

More laughter from him. "The Aesir could use a good cleansing." A lazy shrug of his shoulders. "It is good to thin out the herd...Lezard knew that when he took the throne, allowing Gods to die."

"It wasn't right when Lezard did it, and it won't be right if you do it!" Lenneth said softly.

"That's the thing about power my dear..." Loki grinned at her. "When you have enough of it, you don't have to follow what's wrong and right. Oh no." He shook his head then. "The one with the power...that's the one who makes up the rules."

"Monster!"

Dark chuckles from him, Loki turning to leave the room. Lenneth let out a scream, a sound of challenge, her chains clanking as she moved. She lunged towards Loki's back, fingers curled into claws, eyes intent on his retreating form. But before she could lay her hands on him, he was turning, a blast of ether shooting out the palm of his hand. It hit her in the chest, propelling Lenneth backwards to slam into the wall.

With a whimper she slid down to lie half on, half off the bed, her expression dazed and hurt. She heard footsteps approaching her, felt a hand roughly grab hold of her hair. "That was a mistake my dear..." Loki's face came into view, too close for comfort, his foul breath hissing in her face. "I won't kill you, but I will hurt you if I have too!" He shoved her head against the mattress hard, cruel laughter echoing in her ears as Lenneth screamed out in pain.