The Tower Fic

It began like so many other stories, with a dark and stormy night. Thunder boomed all around him, rattling the wood, even the very stones of his tower seemed to quake in response. Lightning flashed, illuminating what was an otherwise star less sky, even the moon hid herself behind clouds, as though frightened by his terrible misdeeds and his immense passion.

Lezard Valeth fought back a laugh, body trembling with excitement. He gazed into the crystal ball before him, eyes intent on the scene within the round glass. It showed the rooftop of his home, looking dark and foreboding, with a spill of blood splattered across it's tiles. A monster, a demon with blue skin and tiny delicate wings, too small to be able to lift up it's huge body stalked a woman. The woman was frightened, powerless in the face of such evil, and she cried out as a hand lashed forward, gripping her by the neck. The tips of her black heels peeked out from underneath her magenta skirts, feet dangling off the ground as she struggled to get free. "Hus....husband!' She managed to gasp out, before falling silent.

This time he did laugh, nearly choking on the sound, so intense was his glee. "Oh Goddess! Surely you cannot allow any more desecration!" Lezard called out mockingly, amethyst eyes glinting behind his glasses. He watched as the monster pulled back his other hand, white claws curled menacingly. Lezard was almost impassive as he watched, uncaring for the woman's dire predicament.

"Come to me.....I burn, I burn, I burn with passion for you!" It was very much like a summoning spell, the words slipping through his lips, both parts equal begging and demanding her presence. "Valkyrie!" It was a sigh this time, a lust filled entreaty as he watched with baited breath. The Gods did not disappoint, for she appeared, a vengeful entity falling down from the heavens, white skirt flapping around her legs, offering glimpses of flesh that the wizard found all too beguiling.

Her sword was already drawn, held high above her head, silver blade looking dull compared to the shining sheen of her platinum hued hair. With a confident cry she brought down her arms, easily slicing through skin and bones, the demon's head rolling free of it's neck. The woman in it's grip fell to the ground, body listless and still. Strands of orange hair escaped her bun, mingling with the blood on the roof. The battle maiden lowered sad eyes, looking towards the fallen woman.

She walked, and though she wore metal greaves on her legs, they were silent, some sort of magic muffling her footsteps. Lezard watched as she stretched out her hands over the woman's body, a fierce look of concentration on her face. It had started to rain, the droplets of water making it look as thought the warrior shed tears for the fallen woman. Her fingers flexed, and white light poured out of the dead woman's chest, a round ball of light that floated up into the waiting Valkyrie's hands. She pulled it towards her chest, allowing the light to be absorbed into her body.

Without another word, she strode forwards, towards the steps that led down off the roof. Her body language read cautious, the woman taking slow, measured steps down the stairs. He could see her looking around with interest at the brown colored walls of the room she found herself in. No one was there to greet her, though Lezard longed to go to her with every fiber of his being. But that would not be prudent to his plans. No, he had to wait, had to let her come to him, tired from battle. It would make what he planned to do that much easier.

And so he watched as she broke into a run, ignoring doors as she ran through the straight corridor, passing through an archway into another, longer room. She almost seemed disappointed not to encounter anyone, and he stifled a smile when she reached a dead end. He knew his tower was confusing, a stone construct of conflicting pathways, only one of which led to the floor where he made his home. It would be a while before the Valkyrie would reach him, and Lezard settled back to wait, hands behind his head, legs propped up on the table.

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He had fallen asleep! Lezard stifled back an annoyed curse, having wanted to not miss a second of his beloved's journey through his home. And yet here he was, small amounts of drool seeping out the corner of his mouth, his neck protesting the odd angle in which it had hung. He turned his head, rolling his shoulders, trying to work out the kinks. Drawing his feet off the desk, he leaned in closer to the crystal ball, breath huffing against the glass.

"Where is she...?" He whispered, staring intently. "Show me her progress!"

It was a distressing sight. She was still only on one of the top most levels of his tower, wandering around as though lost. She let out a sigh as she encountered a group of monsters, Blood Suckers by the looks of them. The Valkyrie took a step back, feet leaving the ground as she hovered. White light flowed from her back, a shower of sparkles that turned into angelic looking wings. How Lezard long to touch them, to finger their feathers, and feel their softness. The crystal ball fogged up as he breathed heavier, imagining kissing the nubs of her wings, lips gracing where feather met skin on her shoulders.

He barely noticed as she summoned forth three warrior spirits to her side, too caught up in his thoughts of kissing down her back, lips marking where the ridge of her spine lay. He could practically hear the sounds she would make, hear the whispered pleas for him to continue lower, a task he was all too eager to do. Yes, his breath was coming out hot and fast, nostrils flaring as he lost himself in his thoughts.

It was only the sound of distressingly familiar voice calling out a spell, "Prismatic Missile!" that drew him abruptly out of his fantasy. The woman in her magenta dress held a stave before her, her face fierce determination as she sent out her magical energy. Lezard was surprised to see the woman he had killed among the warriors of his lady love. "I had not thought Lorenta worthy of becoming one of the warrior spirits for Valhalla." He murmured to himself. He gave a shrug, no matter. It would not affect the outcome of his plans.

A smile on his face, he turned to glance towards the center of the room. His gaze traveled past overcrowded bookcases, past weathered slabs of stone, to focus in on two tubes of green liquid. One was empty, bereft of anything but the oddly discolored water. But the other held a figure, a female's naked form floating inside, arms bound in chains held up over her head. Her eyes were closed as though in sleep, but Lezard knew her body lacked the skills to do even that. She was a lifeless thing, an empty husk waiting to be filled, desperate for the essence of life that would bring her body to function in the way she was created for.

He could see it now, envision her sickly pale skin getting the flush of life to it, imagine her chest as it begin to move, breasts quivering with the rise and fall of breaths in her lungs. Eyes would open, and they would be a brilliant shade of blue, fierce emotions raging in the pupils. Her hair, dyed to match the Valkyrie's sheen, that odd silver that had the hint of sapphires to it, would feel like silk in his hands. Lezard let out a wistful sigh, approaching the tube. "Soon..." He whispered, stroking the glass. "Soon..."

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It was though she wanted to make a mockery of his words. How long had it been since he uttered those false words? An hour? Two? He feared it was more, and he bit back a sigh. He glanced at the glass container where his homunculus lied, perfectly preserved in the green goop. Perhaps he had been over zealous, packing his tower with far too many monsters. Perhaps the manticore and dragon zombies had been overkill. But he had been so sure the Valkyrie would make fast work of his minions! He had wanted to challenge her, and now he regretted succeeding in that regard.

Ah! She had found the second elevator, and down it took her, leading her to the lower floors. The rusted gears made an ominous sound, threatening to get stuck. Lezard found his teeth grinding to the noise, and to his relief it came to a shaky stop at the next floor. He watched as she exited, and began running through the halls. Her patience, much like his was at an end, and she began casting out her hand, shooting an odd crystal at the monsters she encountered. It froze them in their tracks, allowing the Valkyrie to leap over them without hassle.

"Cheating my love?" He snickered. "How....unexpected of you." Lezard didn't blame her though. And he was heartened to see her appear just as eager for the encounter as he was. Perhaps she knew what destiny had in store for her, what---no who awaited her.

But what to do to past the time...his glance slid across the messy room, and he frowned. Perhaps some tidying up should be in order.

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The crystal gleamed. Lezard stepped back, a rag held in his hand. Critical eyes stared at the tube which held his homunculus, making sure there were no fingerprint smudges on the glass. The rest of the dark room was also spotless....well...as spotless as the messy mage could get it, having swept away huge mounds of dust, and demolished several spider webs. He had scrubbed and he had scrubbed at the metal slabs, fruitlessly working to get off the dried blood, before giving up in disgust. He settled for placing a white sheet on top of the stone, figuring she would not be interested in looking under it. And if she did, well...he was sure a battle hardened warrior such as herself was used to the sight of blood.

With a sigh, Lezard reached up to his chin, unraveling the knot on the scarf he had wound about his head. His hair came free, messy brown locks ruffled up from being imprisoned underneath the green scarf. He patted down his clothes, making sure they were dust free. His actions were slow, in an attempt to kill a few more seconds of time, even as he walked hesitantly towards his crystal ball.

He almost whispered out a prayer, but there was no Gods he wanted to beseech, none he wanted to speak to save her. Holding his breath, he urged the crystal ball to show her form, and was relieved to see she was almost upon him. The runes on the stone walls glowed ominously, flickering in intensity from bright red, to a dull almost black color. He saw the Valkyrie looking them over, marveling to see such ancient magic in this day and age. He hoped she was impressed, he longed for her approval.

He watched as she traveled onwards, biting back sighs as she encountered more of his monsters. Wicked chimeras, undead fiends, and freakish creations he had pieced together from other creatures. Was that his imagination or did she look tired? Perhaps the long wait was paying off, if even a Goddess could fall to exhaustion from all the battles he forced on her.

He watched as she finally reached the room with the teleporation rune carved on the floor. His eyes narrowed, barely restrained mirth held in the purple orbs as he watched her step into the center. Blue light flared to life around her, circling around her armor clad form, illuminating her in the darkened room. With a hum she disappeared, only to reappear in a library, dark wood shelves crowded in among each other, books scattered on the floor. Lezard watched as she looked around, spotting a door in the cramped room.

His breath caught in his throat as she stepped towards it, his eyes drawn away from the crystal to gaze expectantly at the door in his laboratory. It swung open, slamming into the wall from the force of her push. She cautiously came through the archway, sword drawn and held at the ready.

"Welcome Valkyrie!" His voice rang out, startling her. The cerulean of her eyes turned towards him, locking gazes with him. For one brief second she looked relieved to see him. That quickly changed. But no matter, he would see that look in her face and more, once she came to know him...as a lover...as her master. He couldn't keep the wide grin off his face, and he spoke quickly while he had her attention. "My Beloved." His words hung heavy in the air, and he waited to see how she would react to them.

Disappointingly she did not speak, merely walking towards him slowly. "How long I've waited for this moment..." continued Lezard, welcoming her approach. She was lovely, more perfect than he had remembered, her exotic beauty all the more striking when viewed up close. He couldn't help himself, he tore his eyes away from her face to travel over her body, taking in the sights. He enjoyed how the armor clung to her body, the form fitting chest plate over her breasts, doing little to hide her curves.

"My heart now throbs with the same exaltation as when I first laid eyes on you..." His heart wasn't the only thing throbbing he realized, and Lezard shifted, hoping his dark colored pants would hide the telltale signs of the beginning of his arousal. "....so many months ago..." She came to a stop several feet from him, almost close enough to touch if they both stretched out their arms. She was just staring at him, expression unreadable. It was all right...he could project enough emotion for the both of them!

"Valkyrie!" He hissed out her name hoarsely, overcome with desire. "My lady love!!" He thrust out his hands in a wide display, beckoning her closer, daring her to step forward into his waiting embrace. Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, her fingers tensing on the hilt of her sword. It was all the warning he got, but it was enough, Lezard quickly vanishing in the glow of blue light.

Her sword sliced harmlessly through air, and she paused, astonished by his magic. Unseen he smiled, pleased he could impress her. "A teleportation spell! How is it that you command the lost magics?"

He ignored her question, speaking over her as though her words did not matter, though he thrilled at the sound of her voice. At last he knew what his angel sounded like! "I have been thinking on this since I first beheld you..." His voice whispered in her ear, low and hypnotic. A gasp from her as he touched her hair, letting the silver strands flow through his fingers. "Gods who exist on the same plane as the restless souls of dead humans..." She was whirling around to face him, sword coming dangerously close to his throat. He stepped back, the blue light washing over him once more.

"What manner of being are they?" She said nothing, just turning to track his movements by the sound of his voice.

"I have concluded...." continued Lezard, appearing across the room from her. "...that Gods are very much like souls. And so I have created this vessel!" He was pleased his hand did not shake as he pointed towards the tubes, watching as the Valkyrie reluctantly slid her eyes away from him to follow his finger. "I have, shall we say, reverse engineered an elf, the vessel of the gods to fashion this homunculus!"

Her eyes noticeably widened as she stared at the naked female, her sword lowering as she took a step forward. Lezard smiled, thinking she was entranced by his creation. "There are no other souls worthy of such an exquisite construct..." Her other hand was lifting, coming to place it against the flat of the glass, eyes just staring inside the tube. "Fair Valkyrie..." He snuck closer to her, longing for another touch of her hair. "I have crafted it for you!"

His proclamation moved her to speak, the Valkyrie turning to face him once more. "For the sole purpose of luring me here..." She began slowly, once again locking her eyes onto his. "....you slaughtered the couple on the roof?"

"That's right." purred Lezard, pleased she had recognized it was his hand that had orchestrated their demise.

"And you sacrificed countless lives, both elf and human, in order to create a vessel for a single being?!"

"Why yes, actually...." Did she not realize....not appreciate the lengths he had gone through for her? He kept the frown off his face, still grinning at her, a hint of desperation in that expression. "It is not the goddess within you that I lust for, Valkyrie." He wanted, no needed her to understand. He didn't care for her divine powers, what he wanted was the woman, the exquisite soul that had captured his heart. "I wish to make of you a human! It is for that, that my heart burns!"

"You are insane!" Her voice dripped with disdain. "How can such trivial thoughts consume you so?!" Her voice lowered with anger, though it still rang out clearly. "Humans who seek to cross beyond their designated boundaries invite more than death. They invite total annihilation!"

His smile faltered, Lezard hiding a scowl at her words. He had expected her reluctance, even welcomed it, but threats against his person were not to be tolerated. He was opening his mouth to let out a scathing remark when her sword was on the move, swinging towards the tube. It sliced through the glass as though a knife through butter, the green water splashing out onto the floor, drenching her legs. The homunculus body hung lifelessly, deprived of the waters that preserved it. It quickly withered away to a dried husk, much to Lezard's displeasure.

"Ah, what a shame...no matter..." He tried to sound unfazed as he nervously slid his glasses back up his nose. "I can birth as many homunculi as necessary..." But still the loss pained him. He had spent weeks perfecting this one, making sure all the details were correct. She wasn't answering, running towards him with her sword held at her side.

With a scowl, he held up his hand, quickly summoning to his side, two demons. Dragon tooth warriors, their frames larger and wider than him, with their lizard like faces, and blue flame for their hair. In each hand they held jagged looking swords, and their fanged jaws fell open to let out a howl. Lezard laughed as she stepped back, summoning her warriors to her side.

"Simply magnificent..." He breathed out, staring as she formed her wings, the glow of them casting her in an iridescent light. Stray feathers fell to the floor, treasured mementos he would gather up later. For now he had a battle to concentrate on. "Open the gates to Nifleheim! More souls await!" He let loose a maniac laugh, letting a spell fly from his hands. It sped past the Valkyrie, only the wind of their passage brushing against her, causing her skirts to rustle. No, he would not use his magic against her unless forced to. Her companions however, were another story.

The spell, dark bursts of gaseous orbs slammed into the spearsman, a blonde with delicate, almost feminine features, his voice ringing out in pain as the spell exploded against his skin. Lorenta was behind him, already making ready with a spell. "Prismatic Missile!" Her cultured voice screamed out, a rainbow of colors leaping from her stave to slam into one of the Dragon Tooth Warriors. The creature stumbled back with a snarl, raising it's sword before it's face.

A large warrior, almost as big as his creatures, with a scar over one eye stepped forward, lifting the heavy blade off his shoulder. He slammed it into the unprotected stomach of the blinded beast, and the creature howled as blood spurted out. Lezard's eyes narrowed, was that the fabled dragon slayer sword the warrior wielded? He thrust out his hand, his voice ringing out commandingly. "Shadow Servant!"

Another demon appeared, black with yellow eyes. It slunk to the swordsman's side, materializing deadly looking claws. The blade passed through it's midsection without purchase, the demon able to make it self insubstantial when it chose. Claws raked up and down the chest of the swordsman, flaying the very skin from his hide. The man fell backwards, and with a cry, he was no more, fading away in a shower of sparkles.

Lezard laughed gleefully, watching as his lady love engaged the remaining dragon tooth warrior. She ducked under it's swinging blade, driving her sword into it's foot. The spearsman was running forward, aiming his weapon at the creature's head. "I think not!" Lezard shouted, and cast another spell. "Fire Lance!"

"Reflect Sorcery!" called out Lorenta, a shield forming around the spearsman. Lezard screamed, and ducked to the side, the fireballs singing the back of his purple cape. He scowled at Lorenta, and with a twist of his fingers, sent his shadow puppet lunging towards his former teacher. She let out a scream as it's claws attacked her, splitting open the front of her dress. The Valkyrie was turning, rushing towards the black fiend, a hand held out to shoot out a crystal. The Shadow Servant was frozen, and down came her blade, shattering the demon into a million pieces.

"My lady is vicious when her blood thirst has been aroused." noted Lezard, staggering back from the loss of his demon.

"She is not yours!" The spearsman hissed, trying to reach the wizard. The Dragon Tooth Warrior hit him on the head with it's meaty fist, stunning the youth. He stumbled backwards, seeing stars, oblivious to the blade coming towards him. The sound of cold steel rang out, the Valkyrie before the blonde, holding back the sword with all her strength. Lezard stared at her, could see signs of exhaustion making it's way onto her lovely features, even as she struggled to keep his creature at bay.

The Dragoon Tooth Warrior was moving it's other hand, intending to bring down it's second sword on the battle maiden. "Don't hurt her you fool!" bellowed out Lezard, enraged. The creature hesitated, and the spearsman took advantage of the confusion, to plunge his spear into the spot where it's heart should be. Lezard gasped, aghast at how quickly his warriors had fallen.

"I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice!" Lezard shouted, hands moving about in front of him. His fingers sketched runes in the air, magical energy flaring off his body. "As the harmoniums of Asgard sound..." His lips quirked in amusement, seeing a pentagram appear underneath the trio's feet. "Their very melodies stir the ancient lightning to wake!"

"Re...refle..." Lorenta stuttered, appearing to weak to cast another spell.

"Dragon Bolt!" Lightning rained down on them, the great magic magnifying it's intensity a thousand times over. Screams, both female and male rang out, intermingling in one glorious harmony of pain. Lezard tilted back his glasses, adjusting their position on his face as he watched their struggles, saw as they fell before the might of his electricity. His mouth fell open, mad laughter echoing from him as he tossed back his head, drinking in the cries torn from the Valkyrie. "It was your own fault.." He told her, watching impassively as she fell to her knees. The two spirits next to her screamed, weakening, their bodies fading away until nothing remained.

"Valkyrie..." He cautiously walked towards her, seeing the lines of blue lightning running over her form, causing her to spasm in pain. She jerked up her head, her eyes had darkened to azure, hate apparent in them. "Defiler of souls..." She managed to hiss out, trying to stagger upright. "Pr...prepare yourself." It was a weak attempt, a stab towards his chest that Lezard easily sidestepped. He moved closer, reaching out to grab her wrist, his gloved hand tightening cruelly on her flesh. He squeezed down, harder and harder until she was forced to relinquish her grip, the sword clattering to the floor.

He smiled now, pleased to have disarmed her, and loosened his fingers. He tugged on her arm, and with a cry she was pulled up off her knees, dragged unwillingly into his arms. She struggled, her armored chest rubbing against the soft cotton of his shirt, making him long for the feel of her, free from her metal casing. Her hands came up, grabbing at his shirt, trying to push him away from her. Lezard shifted his grip, one arm around her waist, pressing her ever closer even as she struggled to free herself from him.

With a dreamy sigh, he was leaning into the side of her face, cheek to cheek, burying his lips into her hair. He inhaled deeply, taking in her scent, smelling the fragrance of lilies, along with the oil she used to polish her armor with. It was an odd mix, but he found it endearing, a combination of the woman and the warrior that she both was. She stiffened in his arms, not liking his face so close to hers, but Lezard ignored her, rubbing his cheek against her face. Her skin was so soft, like nothing he had ever touched before!

"If you don't put me down..." The Valkyrie began through terse teeth. "I am going to claw out your eyeballs and have them for my dinner." Lezard laughed at this, finding her threats amusing. "Ah..." He gave her cheek one last nuzzle before pulling back to stare into her angry eyes. "I wish I could give what you asked for..." Lezard held back his chuckles, knowing that was a lie. "But I find that I like where you are..." He was rubbing his body against her, letting her feel how much he enjoyed her struggles.

She bit back a hiss, her hands sliding up towards his collarbone. Lezard sighed at the caress, realizing too late her intent. Her hands touched his throat, tightening around the skin. She put in all her strength, weakened though she was, at choking him. Lezard gasped as her fingers flexed around his neck, his breath being cut off. He had the presence of mind to let go of her, hands scrambling over her body to try and shove her away. She hung on, her blue eyes blazing with determination, a fierce tigress intent on her kill.

"No..." Lezard gasped out weakly. "NO!! Lightning Bolt!" Her armor made a good conduct for the magic, and she screamed, her mouth opening wide enough that he caught sight of her pink tongue. Her hands loosened, and he was able to wrench them free of his throat, and together the pair fell to the floor, the wizard gasping for air, the Valkyrie crying out in pain. He watched unmoved as she writhed on the tile, and with a thought he increased the voltage of his lightning, wanting to render her unconscious. With one last wild scream, she fell silent and still. Lezard cautiously moved towards her, touching her shoulder. His hand jumped back at the shot of the static electricity, but other than that, she gave no sign of life.

Relieved chuckles escaped his lips, the wizard sitting back on his knees, just staring at the battle maiden as he laughed. His mind worked furiously as he considered his options, purple eyes darting to the ruined homunculus that hung in the broken tube. He thought of the other homunculi he had crafted, all in various stages of completion, none coming close to the perfection that was the Valkyrie. They would not do to house a soul as pure as hers. It would be a mockery, both to him and to her.

"Ah...What to do with you now that I have caught you..." Lezard murmured out loud, leaning over her body. He reached out his hand, surprised to find it shaking with excitement. "I know what I'd LIKE to do with you..." He was touching her cheeks, fingers nudging against the curly strands of hair that framed her face. "But is it possible with you like this....?" DId he dare find out?

Still playing with her hair, his gaze traveled over her body, drinking in the sight of her eagerly. His hand moved, and cold metal brushed the back of his knuckles. He turned them over, fingertips carefully touching the feathered helm that graced the Valkyrie's head. He touched the feathers, those pristine white things that felt stiff under his fingers. His face hardened in grim determination, and he began removing the helmet, seeing her bangs get rustled by the movement. His hands went to them, straightening them out, seeing how they reached just past her eyebrows. He stared at her closed eyes, seeing her thick lashes, that were dark against her pale skin, an odd contrast that did not match her platinum colored hair.

He touched her face, caressing just underneath her eyes, wanting to feel her lashes against his skin. Other details came to him, of her long, elegant nose, of her full, pouty lips that looked far too kissable for their own good. He was smiling, enchanted, and he leaned down over her, brushing his mouth against hers, claiming his first kiss. The texture of her lips was everything he imagined and more, her mouth promising him far greater delights than just a chaste kiss. With a sigh, Lezard was deepening the kiss, sliding his tongue past her unresisting lips, fully intending on exploring her mouth. He licked and he probed, learning her taste, savoring it. He felt intoxicated just from kissing her, and it took a monumental show of strength to pull away from her. And still he stared at her mouth longingly, looking at how her lips were slightly parted from his entry, felt his body shuddered as he recalled the warmth he had felt.

With one last caress of her face, he was gazing down the rest of her body. His hands found their way to her shoulder pads, the wizard pulling them free to bare her skin to him. The flat of his palms were on her shoulders, stroking down to her arms. He worked to removed her gauntlets, carefully setting them aside on the floor. His hands were shaking again, this time with barely controlled desire, as they reached for her breast plate. He fumbled with the metal, raising her up, so that his hands could slide behind her back, searching for it's clasp. Finger brushed against it, working to undo it, and with an audible click it came free. He tugged, and the metal moved, freeing her breasts, revealing a plain white shift underneath the armor.

He added her breastplate to his growing collection of armor, soon adding her hip plates as well. His hands found their way onto the slits of her skirt, sliding his palms over her thighs, letting out a breathy sigh as he traveled downwards to her knees. He touched metal, the armored greaves of her legs. Slowly he slid it off her foot, unable to resist bending down to grace the top of her dainty foot with a reverent kiss. He then turned his attention to her other leg, stripping off the last vestiges of her heavy armor.

Lezard stared down at the Valkyrie, looking at her innocent face as she slumbered, wrapped in her pure white dress. She was perfect, and she was his!

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He was pleased to note she looked as though she belonged in his bed. The Valkyrie's pale perfection standing out against the dark blue of his sheets, her head cushioned on his pillows. She looked comfortable and at ease in sleep, a slumbering beauty awaiting her lover. The only thing that marred the illusion of her being a willing visitor to his abode was the chains around her slender wrists. Lezard sighed, ruefully accepting the necessity of binding her. His hand went to his throat, rubbing at the skin there, knowing it was red and darkened with the bruises of her finger tips.

The bed groaned as he sat down on the edge, for now he was content to just look, eyes traveling over her body. No longer was she garbed in that white shift, the wizard finding it far too plain and mundane for the likes of her. No...he had changed her clothing, taking pleasure in running his hands over her supple body, feeling out her every curve as she lay unresisting in his arms. He almost thought to leave her nude, but his mind over rode that desire, wanting to see her clad in the clothing he had bought for her. ~Besides...~ He thought with a smirk of his lips. ~I so look forward to peeling back that dress, layer by layer while she is awake.~

Lezard inched closer to her, hearing the mattress protest his movements. His hands found their way to her legs, sliding up her shapely limbs, enjoying the feel against his bare palms. No reaction from her, not a quiver of pleasure, nor a cry of outrage, and he sighed in disappointment. He wanted her to wake up, and he wanted it now. His hands went to his pockets, searching out the tiny vial he had placed inside of them. His fingers closed around the item, and he removed his hand, thumb popping off the cork.

A heady scent assaulted his nostrils, sharp and unpleasant. Holding his breath, he leaned over her body, bringing the vial up to her nose. He watched as her nostrils flared, nose crinkling as she sought to turn her head away. His other hand came up, gently taking hold of her chin, holding her head in place. The scent forced it's aroma on her, and she let out a moan of protest, struggling to stay asleep. But it was not meant to be, and slowly consciousness worked it's hold on her. Lezard watched as her eyelids fluttered open, the blue of her eyes glazed over with confusion. He pulled the vial away from her, eyes still on her face, watching as awareness flooded into her.

The Valkyrie let out a gasp, trying desperately to jerk out of his grip. He let her, and she fell back against the pillows, eyes wide, lips parted as she breathed through her mouth, trying to escape that awful scent. Keeping his eyes fixated on her, Lezard recapped the vial, watching as she looked around the room, wary and confused. "It's all right....you're...we're safe here..."

Her glance slid back to him, brow furrowed at his words. "There's no monsters on this floor." He explained, but she didn't seem appeased. She began struggling to sit up, and he reached out with his hands, touching the silk of the kimono he had placed her in. She twisted, trying to wiggle out of his grip, and heard the clink of her chains. Stiffening, the Valkyrie allowed the touch on her waist, turning to glance over her shoulder, trying to see her arms which were positioned behind her back.

"Ah, the manacles of Vali." Lezard said, trying for an emotionless expression. He feared he failed at that, could feel the glee seeping into his eyes. "Rumors abound that they hold the power to even force a God...or Goddess prisoner." He reached around her, to tap his finger against the cuffs, leaning his body into hers, purple eyes staring down into her nervous blue ones. "I'm delighted to get a chance to test out that theory."

She struggled, and Lezard built back a shudder to feel her moving against him. "Do test out their strength. I'm quite....anxious to know if they are the real deal." He smiled at her. "I paid quite a fortune for them, though I never dreamed I'd get to use them."

"Necromancer!" She hissed at him, trying to pull her arms apart. The rustle of chains was heard as she yanked and pulled against them, trying to use her strength to break free. Her eyes took on a distressed look to them to find the manacles did not budge, but held fast against her attempts. "Untie me at once, and your death will be swift and painless!"

Lezard laughed, the breath of him blowing back the curls around her face. "I think not my proud beauty! You've yet to realize the position you are in, if you think you can make demands of me!" Her eyes narrowed at his mocking laughter, lips curling in distaste. "Oh...come now pet...Don't look at me like that." He was touching her lips, and her teeth snapped at his fingers, just missing his tender flesh. More laughter from him, the wizard undeterred by her attempts to injure him.

"I will only look at you in contempt!" She swore, once again doing that delightful squirming of hers. She was still testing her bonds, trying to see if there was a weakness in the chains, something she could capitalize on. He just watched her, enjoying the movement of her in his arms. "Satisfied?" He asked, when after a few minutes she fell still, seemingly accepting the metal would not break.

"Never!"

He laughed at that, moving his hands up her waist, lightly caressing her abdomen. "I thought to make you more comfortable..." He said, trying to change the subject. She let out a scoffing sound at this. "....than the wool of your dress. Skin such as yours should never be touched by anything except by the finest of silks and satins."

The Valkyrie let out a growl, further enraged. "When I get free, I will pluck out your eyeballs. I will squish them under my heel."

"If you were the last sight I ever saw, I could go to Nott with a smile on my face." He told her, undeterred by her threats. "Surely Odin himself would not fault me for wanting to look upon your beauty and splendor." She fixed him with a level gaze. "My next step will be to cut out that fat tongue of yours."

"We definitely need to work on your pillow talk skills." The wizard said teasingly. She only grew angrier in response, and she began hurling insults at him. "Necromancer! Defiler of Souls! Blaspheming Fool!"

"I forgot we haven't been properly introduced." Lezard pulled back from her, giving her a slight bow from the waist down. "Lezard Valeth, you're most....devoted worshipper."

"I have no worshippers, least of all the likes of you!" She retorted.

"Ah, would that the Gods could choose who devoted themselves to their services." He was deadly serious. "We make a fitting match do we not? A necromancer and a Death Goddess, almost as though we were made for each other..." She just looked at him. "Valkyrie...my lady love..." He was leaning in again, trapping her in between his arms, hands resting on the sides of her shoulders. He was dying for a kiss, ready to risk her teeth for another taste of her.

"You cannot possibly believe that love can exist between humans and gods!" She said, causing him to pause as his face hovered over hers.

"What did you just say?" His voice was barely concealed mirth. "Between humans and god?" His lips spread into a grin. "You really don't have any idea what you are, do you?"

"What I am!?" Her eyes looked hesitant as she stared up at him. "Do not be ridiculous!" She said, turning her mouth away from his. He settled for kissing along her jaw line, feeling the tremors as she spoke. "Odin, lord of all Gods is my father....my creator!"

"Believe whatever you like..." He said mysteriously, kisses gracing her skin between his words. "It matters little to me." His mouth was by the curve of her ear, and he breathed into it, voice sharply punctuating each word. "Know this Valkyrie! Know that you are beloved of Lezard Valeth!"

"Nonsense!" She shouted, trying to move away as his lips brushed against her ear. His chuckles reverberated in her ear, as his teeth lightly grazed her lobe. "Cease this foolishness at once, vile Necromancer!"

"I told you..." He sighed, breath tickling the hairs on her neck. "My name is Lezard Valeth. Say it...Le-zard..."

"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction!" She retorted, lips settling in a thin line. A thought occurred to him then. "I keep calling you by your designation, your job class. But surely Valkyrie isn't your name..." She was silent, ignoring him. "My sweet, won't you share with me your true name...?" He was kissing down to her neck, lightly sucking at the skin there. "I'm sure it is a fitting name, as lovely as you are."

"You'll never have it." The Valkyrie promised.

"Never is a long time to wait." Lezard told her. "And I have infinite patience." The weeks spent deciphering the philosopher stone proved that. As did all the time he had spent perfecting his homunculi. He was touching her again, sliding his hands over the front of her body, feeling the silk against his palms. She gasped, her far too angry eyes growing madder still as he swept his hands over the curves of her chest. That chuckle came out of him again, beating against her neck, even as he flexed his fingers, folding over the front of her breasts, just feeling the weight of them.

"Don't touch me!" She demanded, trying to worm away from his touch. She thrashed, bucking her body, trying to throw him off of her. The sleeve of her kimono slipped down, revealing one pale shoulder, and he kissed down to it. His lips trailed over the curve, teeth biting down gently, marking her with perfect semi circles imprints. His tongue came out, soothing licks over his teeth marks, his hands continuing to fondle her chest.

"Cease this wretched behavior at once!" The Valkyrie cried out, twisting her body, desperate to get his hands off her chest. He obliged her, letting his hands slide free of her breasts, to innocently touch her waist. But his intent was anything but, he was lifting her up, pulling her towards him. Lezard situated her in his lap, once again burying his face in her neck. "So soft..." He murmured. "So smooth..."

His hands were not still, touching her legs, sweeping back the length of her kimono to reveal her bare thighs to him. She let out a little growl, wanting to kick him, but finding this position less than favorable for such an action. Everywhere he touched raised goose pimples on her flesh, the Valkyrie stifling back a shiver from the coldness of his hands.

One hand left her skin, to reach up and touch her face, turning her towards his mouth. She was letting out a growl of warning, barring her teeth when his other hand slid between her tightly clenched legs, brushing against her most intimate part. She let out a gasp, shocked to realize she had no panties on, and Lezard used her open mouth to his advantage. He pushed his tongue past her teeth, touching the tip to her hot tongue, dark need consuming him, needing to spread it to her. He worked his tongue over hers with an expert precision, licking and stroking the velvet of her mouth. His lips pressed into hers, wanting to melt and merge together, remain connected. The Valkyrie made a sound low in her throat, tongue trying to avoid his, but he was relentless in his pursuit.

It was with great need for air that he pulled away, licking across her lower lip, one last memento of the kiss. He smiled at her, seeing her look wide eyed at him, and purred out. "That wasn't so bad, now was it?"

She blinked, remembering herself, and snarled out at him. "You disgust me!" He was absentmindedly stroking her neck, his other hand behaving itself for now. "You are mad if you think the Gods will allow you to get away with this deplorable behavior!" She continued, glaring at him. "Odin himself will bring down the very heavens upon your wretched soul should you persist!"

"I think Odin is far too busy to concern himself with the affairs of one mortal." Lezard smirked, and his fingers danced their way lower down her throat, moving past her collarbone. "And if I am wrong, then let Gungnir strike me down in this instance..." They both paused as though waiting for the divine lance to come crashing down through the ceiling. Nothing happened, nothing that is except for his hand moving lower, touching the top of her kimono. His other hand left her legs, going to the sash at her waist, unwinding it. The silk moved, revealing just a hint of her breasts to him, the wizard once again burying his face in her neck.

Lezard all but purred in satisfaction, tugging on the silk, pulling the material away from her bare breasts. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of them, and he was unable to resist touching them, palming them both in his hands. Electric shivers ran up his hands from the touch of her, loving the direct contact of her skin. He felt her stiffening, another shocked gasp from her mouth. His fingers spread, letting her nipples peak through, and slowly he rolled them between his fingers, feeling them hardened slightly. "Do you hate me when I do this?" He pinched and he rubbed, thumb and forefinger working to pearl her nipples harder.

The Valkyrie shuddered out a moan, her chains rustling as she tried to move her arms, desperate to throw his hands off of her. "I despise you..." She told him around breathy little gasps. Lezard smiled, rubbing his face against the side of her cheek, an affectionate nuzzle as he continued to play with her breasts. To his delight he saw her cheeks pinken, an embarrassed blush on her skin.

He let go of her nipples, sliding his hand underneath her breast, tickling her there. He was lifting them up, gently, oh so gently, even as he bent over her chest, tongue darting out for the briefest of licks. The Valkyrie let out a garbled cry, body moving back against his legs, seeking escape. He followed her down, down to her skin, tongue lapping out at her nipple. Just the tip of his tongue, and she cried out, muttering curses at him, threatening to castrate him. He tuned out her words, concentrating just on her voice as he licked, his tongue flicking back and forth moments before his mouth completely closed over her nipple.

He didn't leave her other breast unneglected, heavens no! His hand was reaching towards that hard nub, thumb gentle and caressing, pressing down on the tip of it. He kneaded her breast, and he was sure he felt her wiggle her hips, making him smirk against her chest. He sucked all the harder, determined to draw her into reacting, into wanting him. Lezard needed her to need him the same way he wanted her, wanted her to not be able to think until all her thoughts were of him.

"Valkyrie..." He whispered into her chest. "Tell me your name..." She wasn't as far gone to the pleasure as he had hoped, she shook her head, eyes tightly closed at the sight of him laving attention on her chest. He sighed, his breath tickling against the wetness on her nipple, causing her to shiver. He was moving her again, placing her back on the bed, staring at the sight of her, the kimono flared open down to her waist, breasts large and unbound, nipples looking painfully swollen from his attention.

His eyes traveled lower to look at her legs, to see how high up he had drawn the skirt. It was just short of being decent, keeping her hidden from his eyes. It tantalized him to know what lay under the material, what awaited him, and he shakily moved towards her, touching her legs once more.

She would have kicked him, if not for Lezard situating himself on the lower half of her legs, resting his weight on her feet. He could feel the tremors in her legs, knew how badly she wanted to lash out. His hands were on her knees, teasing himself as much as her, slowly making the climb upwards. He stretched out with his hands, leaning over her, feeling her skin up. He was shifting slightly, allowing her legs enough freedom to part, slowly easing them open though the Valkyrie fought him every inch of the way. He only spread them slightly, allowing him just enough room to easily glide his hands in among her inner thighs.

"I WILL kill you for this." She threatened, and then she was crying out, gasping as he touched her center. A light touch, just exploring, sifting through her curls, feeling her outer lips. His other hand was touching the kimono, opening it completely, revealing her to his eager gaze. He stopped, pulling his hand away, just staring. Even with her glare, hatred deep in her eyes, she was stunning. He told her as much, nervously adjusting his glasses, amethyst eyes pouring over every available inch of her, wanting to memorize everything about her. "I am thinking I have never seen a more wondrous sight. Your loveliness captivates me." His tone was reverent, and his fingertips on her turned worshipful as he spread her open more fully.

He was lifting her hips up off the mattress, tracing the curve of her bottom. The Valkyrie wiggled once more, and hissed out, "Everything about you is wretched and ugly!" Lezard ignored her insults, lowering his mouth to her, his lips quirked in that maddening smile of his. "Don't!" But it was too late, he was already touching his tongue to her core, causing her to draw in a sharp breath of surprise. He loved her with his face, his tongue, his teeth, his lips, Lezard used them all, making the Valkyrie scream out, desperate to bite back the cries of pleasure he forced from her body.

His searching tongue found her clitoris nestled in her folds, and he licked at, wanting to suck that hardening nub of flesh into his mouth. The Valkryie answered with a cry that was half sob, half bliss, he could feel the tremors in her legs as he worked her over with his mouth. He was merciless in his treatment of her, bringing her so close to completion, than stopping, only to build her back up again in the next instant. He kept this up until she was practically begging him, the woman not quite sure what she was asking for, but knowing her body needed something, anything, even though she was loathe to take it from him.

"Your name..." He whispered to her, tongue darting out to flick quickly against her clitoris. "Give me your name Valkyrie....and I'll let you..."

"Lenneth!" She was crying it out, all too eagerly, her lower half wiggling closer to his mouth. "Lenneth..." He repeated with a smile, savoring it like he savored the taste of her. "It suits you..." He kissed her then, lips puckered around her nether mouth, tongue plunging inside her to bring her over the brink. She cried out, and he tasted her juices, lapping them up eagerly.

Lezard sighed happily, tongue darting across his lips, licking himself clean. "You taste like heaven." The Valkyrie----Lenneth, was still riding the highs of her orgasms, panting and writhing underneath him, a wanton display that left him straining in his pants as he watched her movements. He was moving forward, to place a kiss against her mouth, and she let him, eyes clouded over with temporarily bliss. He slammed his lips into hers, possessively claiming her mouth. His hands were all over her, touching her stomach, fondling her breasts, caressing her hips, and she languidly moved under him.

It was with real regret he pulled away from her, not wanting to stop touching her, not even for an instant. But he was ready to take it to the next step, Lezard's hands deftly undoing the clasps of his cape, letting it fall to the floor with a muted thud. His fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt, slowly revealing his skin to her. Her breathing was slowing, Lenneth coming down off the high he had wrought on her body. His green jacket joined the cape on the floor, and he slowly eased the sleeves off his arms, shimmying out of his yellow shirt.

He watched as her eyes widened when he touched his belt, his gaze level with her's as he slowly pulled it free of it's coils. "Wh...What are you doing?" She demanded, a tad breathlessly. He didn't answer, not in words at least. Letting his actions speak for themselves, his fingers practically wrenching open the laces of his breeches. He gave a push, and down they went, and her eyes followed their progress, seeing them pool at his ankles. The sound of chains clanking together were heard once more, as she frantically sat up, trying to back into the headboard of the bed.

"Lenneth..." He called out her name, stepping out of his pants. "Look at me..." Lezard watched as she shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut tightly as though that would ward against his approach. "Look at me..." He beseeched her, coming closer to the bed. A fine tremble started in her body, but she bravely opened her eyes as she heard---felt him move nearer to her. Her throat worked up and down as she tried to form words, staring at him wide eyed. Her gaze swept over his body, quickly looking between his legs, before dragging her eyes back up to his face.

"Do you like what you see?" He couldn't help teasing her, knowing he was long, and he was thick, fully erect with the need for her. He wondered how he measured up to the Gods up in Valhalla, jealousy wondered how many lovers she had had. She mutely shook her head no, it seemed the sight of him had stolen her voice away. He smiled at her, desire deep in his eyes as he touched her, taking hold of her legs. He positioned himself in between them, wanting to feel her ankles cross over his back, wanting her thighs clinging to him in desperate need. Instead she tried to flinch back away from him.

"Lenneth....do not be afraid...I will be gentle..." He tried to soothe her, moving closer to her center. He was poised on the brink of penetration, his tip pressing against her folds. "Once I'm inside you, you will be mine.." promised Lezard, feeling there was no denying it. She was HIS. He was pushing forward, slowly into her, wanting her to get accustomed to his size. Lenneth was letting out a strangled gasp, on the verge of begging him to stop. He let out a hiss at the tight feel of her, eyes falling close, just wanting to enjoy the sensation of her.

Deeper and deeper slid in Lezard until he hit something, a fleshy membrane that sought to bar any further progress. His eyes flew open in shock. "Virgin!" He gasped out, staring at her. If possible her cheeks flushed even redder, and he felt himself throb deep inside of her. "You're untouched?" He saw her give a nod of her head, felt the glee fill him. "Virgin..." He repeated, liking the sound of the word. He practically cooed at her, leaning forward to reach her mouth, licking across her lips. As soon as his tongue touched hers, he moved, no warning to prepare her, just a quick slam inside her, breaking through her barrier, filling her up to his hilt. She moaned into his mouth, and he drank down her screams eagerly, slowly beginning to move his hips, feeling the blood mix with her arousal, further slicking the way for him.

He pistoned his hips, pounding into her, feeling her stretch to accommodate him. Lezard pratically roared, feeling more alive than he had ever been. She felt divine, slick heat that enveloped him fully, clenching around him, urging him to go in deeper. He pushed and he pushed, trying to sink into Lenneth, feeling as though he was melting away, his very essence mingling with hers. "You complete me like no other..." He panted to her, doing sharp little thrusts that made her breasts bounce, and had her crying out. He was sure they were cries of pleasure, no matter how much she wanted to deny it, and his hips speeded up, the friction almost being enough to send them both over the edge.

Lenneth purred, she groaned, she gasped some more, all her sounds further driving Lezard crazy. He wanted to know her voice, know each and every sound she was capable of making. Wanted to hear his name roll off her lips at the height of pleasure. The thought of her calling out his name was too much, euphoria erupted out of him, seconds before she came, her inner muscles clamping down on his already spurting cock, further milking him of his seed.

He went to fall down on her, hips still moving, even as he softened. His lips found their way to her neck, kissing her, hands crushing her to him, holding her close. Slowly he stilled, murmuring nonsense endearments in her ear, stroking her hair. At last he disengaged from her, but did not move far, positioning her on her side so that he could spoon against her from behind. Lezard shivered as he felt the coldness of her chains against his belly, felt the warmth of her hands touching him. Again he was placing a kiss in her hair, arms wrapping around her to snuggle up against her back. A smile of deep satisfaction was on his face, and he fiercely whispered into her hair, "Mine."

Lezard didn't know the details, didn't know how he'd pull it off, but he'd keep her with him. Even if he had to keep her chained up, even if he had to toil endlessly to make another homunculus worthy of her. "Mine..." he repeated, hugging her tightly. She shook her head, softly sobbing out, "No."

"Yes..." He said insistently, even as his eyes closed, sleep claiming him.

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