Valkyrie Rising

by GR Griffin

  The door to Lezard's--to their bedroom was unlocked. It made no sound as she pushed it open, it's silver hinges well oiled and free of rust. Lenneth would step forward almost cautiously, as though she expected something to spring out at her at any moment. Nothing like that happened. For a sorcerer's private sanctum, the bedroom was decidedly lacking in magical defenses. She didn't relax her guard though, Lenneth certain there would be charms, or curses on anything of importance.

  The room itself was decidedly masculine. All rugged and earthy looking, with dark mahogany wood making up most of the furniture. The colors were dark, the walls painted a brown that was several shades darker than the mahogany furniture. A dark carpet covered the floor, a red the color of blood when it has dried. Unlike the room Lenneth had been using for the last several days, the carpet hear wasn't plush. Her feet didn't sink into the fibers ankle deep. She preferred it this way, the carpet doing it's job in keeping the floor warm.

  Amidst all the dark brown, there was hints of another color. A bronze accent that bordered the point where ceiling met the wall. The ceiling itself was just as dark as the walls, but an intricate pattern had been painted onto it's surface with the bronze. Lenneth stared at it a moment, recognizing the powerful magic that emanated from the symbols. She was no expert, especially when one took into consideration the many mages that followed Queen Hel, but Lenneth was sure it was a protection spell of some kind. It made her uneasy, Lenneth wondering just what it would take to trigger the spell, and what form it's protection would take. Would it react to her snooping? Would she be struck down the instant she discovered something of importance?

  But she couldn't allow the spell to deter her. Whispering a protection spell of her own, and wishing she had had more experience when it came to the many magics that existed in the world, Lenneth continued her survey of the room. There was an armoire in one corner, the doors not completely closed. It was overstuffed with clothing, and not all of it was Lezard's. The seamstresses had finished with most of Lenneth's new wardrobe, and as her new married status dictated, the clothing had been brought to the room she would now share with her husband.

  Lenneth didn't have much use for the clothing. Not when they were all in the ridiculously limiting fashion that the women of Flenceburg seemed to favor. All heavy skirts with needless frills, bogging down her movements and her choices when it came to fighting. The gowns were fine if she had been a spell caster. She wouldn't need much mobility to weave magic. But to fight with a sword? Or even just with her body? It was practically pure disaster!

  Sighing to herself, Lenneth turned her attention away from the armoire. The desk situated across the room from the large bed, looked the most promising of everything inside this room. With it's many drawers, and compartments, there was much to search. And not all of the drawers had been locked, to her surprise and her pleasure.

  Carefully handling the objects inside, Lenneth would rifle through the top most drawer. There was folders, with documents inside. Papers she skimmed over briefly, trying to see if anyone had been fool enough to write down Hel's planned betrayal. There was small boxes that upon opening, revealed charms and amulets, even a jar of some odious powder. Quills and ink pots were also inside, along with an elaborate wax sealer that would place Lezard's mark upon any letters he sent, any documents he signed.

  It all seemed perfectly normally, smelly powder aside. She felt disappointed, Lenneth fingers skimming one of the locked drawers. She had no keys, and she was no lock pick. If Lenneth had retained her divinity, her strength alone would have been enough to force the drawer open. But mortal as she was, no matter how Lenneth struggled and strained, the drawer wouldn't so much as budge. It left her frustrated, Lenneth positive something of importance was inside it.

  She continued to stand at the desk, all but glaring at the locked drawers. She wanted it open now, and knew unless she suddenly developed the skills of a thief, Lenneth's curiosity would go unsated. She felt the urgency of the situation, Lenneth wanting to discover what secrets Lezard hid, and discover them now. She had no time for guile, to lure Lezard into a false sense of comfort so that she could pilfer his keys when his guard was down. She wanted-needed proof of his Queen's treachery, and felt the frustration of how everyone and everything seemed to conspire against her!

  Angry, but holding back the urge to let out a growl of frustration, Lenneth dropped down into the desk's chair. It was black leather, stuffed but not overly so to keep it from being too comfortable. It creaked with her movements, Lenneth lowering her head into her hands, feeling how tired, how frustrated, how defeated she was. She wasn't going to cry though. If anything she was in a mood so foul, she would have relished a fight with a legion of Brahms' best vampires. She needed an outlet, some violent activity that would help to soothe her inner turmoil. And fighting some inexperienced castle guards wasn't going to cut it.

  The stress was getting to her. Perhaps it had been since the moment she had awakened to Lezard's kiss. Bad enough she had had to worry about unwanted feelings towards the man who had kissed her awake, but to have to deal with Hel's treachery on top of it all? It was too much, Lenneth shouldering this burden alone. Desperate to not only prove herself to Odin, but to save everyone from Hel's evil.

  Truly the last thing she needed in this moment, was the reminder that it was her wedding night. The pressures that came with being a new bride. But the footsteps on the threshold of the room's door, alerted Lenneth to the fact she was no longer alone. She knew without turning it was her husband, Lezard having come to seek her out at long last. Lenneth couldn't help but stiffen in her seat, her hands still covering her face. As displeased as she was by his arrival, Lenneth was also embarrassed to have been caught in so vulnerable a moment.

  "Lezard..." Lenneth said, her voice betraying none of her weakness as she lowered her hands. "Has the party ended already?"

  He made no inquiries on how she had known it was him. And why should he? It wasn't as though anyone else would have dared come to this room! "Not yet." Lezard said in answer to her question. She could almost picture him grimacing, his voice holding the inflection of it. "I'm afraid the party won't be winding down any time soon. Not so long as the majority still have the energy to move."

  "It seems as if the party will go on all night then." Lenneth said, vividly recalling how energetic everyone had seemed.

  "We'll be lucky if it ends by morning." Lezard retorted. "It's been a long time since they've had cause to celebrate..." She came away with the feeling he had wanted to say more, as though Lezard had abruptly censored himself. But Lenneth couldn't guess as to what he was not saying, the woman turning in her seat to see the dark look in his eyes. He had thought of something. Something that troubled him.

  "Lezard?" She couldn't keep from being concerned, Lenneth rising out of her chair. "What is it? What's wrong?"

  "Why would there be anything wrong?" He asked instead of answering. The smile that he flashed her was clearly forced, the light not reaching his eyes. "I am here on this beautiful night, alone with my sweet bride. Now is not the time to let anything spoil this moment."

  He was almost glib as he answered. Lenneth was not, not liking nor needing the reminder that they were alone. "We should get back to the party." But when she made a move towards the door, he stepped into her path. Lenneth had to draw up short to prevent bumping into Lezard's body.

  "They'll never know we're gone." He said.

  It made her frown. "I'm sure that's not true."

  A slight shrug from him. "They won't miss us." Lezard insisted. "If anything, they'll have been expecting us to take our leave of them." Now his smile looked genuine, the light of it reaching his eyes. It gave him a look that was part mischievous, part rake, Lezard almost teasing then. "No doubt they're surprised I lasted this long."

  Now that made her uneasy, Lenneth understanding what he implied. That he had kept away from her, was something short of a miracle. Especially for so long. She also understood his patience was at an en
d, Lezard all too ready to claim his bride. Just as she was most decidedly not ready. For that, for any of it, Lenneth feeling her chest grow tight with her upset.

  "It tried my patience, really it did." Lezard continued. "But then that was the point of it all."

  "It?" Lenneth echoed, feeling she was missing part of the conversation.

  Again that teasing smile. "Surely you noticed." He said. "The way they purposefully kept us apart for the better part of the night."

  She had thought it strange. "That was on purpose?" She breathed out, and he nodded.

  "One of the more trying traditions for the wedding." Lezard explained. "I never realized just how annoying it was, until we were the recipient of it." He made a scoffing sound then. "It's supposed to build anticipation between the newly wedded couple. As well as tests the limits of their patience."

  And it was obvious to Lenneth that Lezard's patience had indeed been tested. "I see..."

  "It all must seem so strange and silly to you." Lezard continued. Lenneth found herself nodding.

  "Indeed. But then what do I know of mortal customs."

  "It's been a long time since you walked among mortals as anything but a Valkyrie." Lezard noted.

  "Centuries at least." Lenneth confirmed. "Much has no doubt changed since then."

  "No matter how much things change, some things remain the same." Lezard said. "The rituals may differ, but the end result is the same. People still marry and start families together."

  "Wars still happens, and alliances fall through..." Lenneth murmured softly. That troubled look returned to his eyes, but then Lezard was shaking it off.

  "Fortunately there's no war to worry about on this night. "Truthfully, Lenneth would have preferred a war to what was expected of her on this night. That shaky, nervous feeling only intensified when Lezard lifted his arm, fingers outstretched to caressed a curl that touched her cheek. Lenneth couldn't stop her reaction in time, the former Goddess actually stiffening in response.

  Lezard's hand froze, the touch not completed. He stared at her a moment, then was abruptly turning away. He seemed as though he would not comment on her reaction, Lezard instead moving to close and lock the bedroom door. Her heart beat seemed to increase in tempo to the turning of the lock. And yet she couldn't retreat, Lenneth refusing to seem a coward by backing away. Lezard actually looked surprised to turn and see her still standing so close. It was clear he had expected her to flee to a much safer distance.

  "I won't run." Lenneth said it as much for herself, as she did for his benefit. She was reminding them both of what she had been. Her condition may have changed, but the heart of what she had been, hadn't. She was still all Valkyrie, still the proud warrior woman. Running was simply not an option. She would face headfirst her duty, though she wouldn't be able to make love to Lezard with any sort of pretense of joy.

  "I didn't think you would." Lezard said once he had recovered from his surprise. "You're anything but a coward."

  If only he knew how badly she felt like shaking! Many, including her sister Hrist, would have laughed to see the once fearless Lenneth so afraid. But the closer Lezard came to Lenneth, the more aware she became of what was expected of her. And just how that task would most likely destroy her spirit, and free will, rendering Lenneth into a shell of the woman she had once been.

  "Lenneth..." Lezard said at the exact instant Lenneth said his name. They both paused and blinked at each other, and then Lezard was nodding. "You first."

  It was strange. As much as she wanted to delay this from happening, her anxiety was such she almost wanted it over and done with. Then maybe she'd breathe easier, her chest no longer constricting in pain. "You know this isn't what I would have chosen for myself." Lenneth said out loud.

  "I know." His expression had gone unreadable in response to that.

  "I never wanted to retire from being a Valkyrie. Never did I want to tie myself down to any man, never mind who he was." She told him. "I was happy as a battle maiden. I couldn't, can't, imagine any other life being half as fulfilling. Let alone a life where I am bespelled to love against my will." Lenneth let out a deep breath. "I know things could infinitely be worse. I could have been given to a man who has not been half as kind as you have been. It makes..."

  "Lenneth." Lezard interrupted, that hard to read expression still in place on his face. "Please...no more..."

  "No more?" She repeated, and frowned.

  "Whatever you had been about to say, I don't deserve it." He told her. It only made Lenneth frown harder, the woman not understanding what he could mean by that. And yet it was clear he wasn't about to explain it to her, Lezard actually turning away from her. It made Lenneth move, her hand reaching to touch his arm. He reacted to that touch, turning to catch her hand in his. He'd actually raise her hand to his mouth, lips brushing across her knuckles in a kiss. But she saw the troubled look in his eyes, Lezard struggling with something.

  "Won't you tell me what's wrong?" Lenneth asked, using her other hand to brush back her own hair. "It's clear something is bothering you."

  His mouth hesitated over her hand. "It's nothing..."

  "You won't share even that much with me?" Damn but unexpected hurt had slipped into her voice just then. "I am your wife now...your troubles are mine." If anything, his eyes darkened with some unfamiliar pain. She didn't understand it, couldn't fathom what was bothering him so.

  "It's just nerves." Lezard said, then let out a strained chuckle. "I don't want to hurt you..."

  Her own eyes widened, Lenneth surprised. Could Lezard truly be as nervous about what was to happen between them as she was? Just the thought warmed something inside her, softening her expression ever so slightly. She couldn't remain unaffected, not when faced with how troubled he was at the thought of hurting her. Lenneth made a decision then and there, reaching with her hand to touch the side of Lezard's face.

  "You won't." She encouraged, fingers caressing over his cheek. He actually lost some of his own stiffness, leaning into her caress with a sigh. He'd reach up to cover that caressing hand with his, his trouble eyes gazing at hers. There was heat coming into his expression. Not a lot, but enough to let her know he was shrugging off some of his worries. He was still bothered by something, but Lezard was clearly not about to let it ruin the night for him.

  With desire blooming in his eyes, his hand still holding hers, Lezard closed the distance between them. Lenneth was pleased that she didn't so much as gasp, holding herself absolutely still for the kiss that was coming. It started out chaste, his trembling lips almost uncertain on hers. When Lenneth didn't try to pull away, it emboldened him, Lezard deepening the pressure on her mouth.

  It wasn't unpleasant. Lenneth stood there, and without realizing it, leaned into his kiss. It was a subconscious act of encouragement, one she didn't realize she was giving. Not even as Lezard acted upon her unspoken invitation, exerting enough pressure with his mouth that there was no choice there but to yield. Her lips parted, Lenneth unprepared for the slow thrust of his tongue inside her mouth. She had time to think it was too much for her, that it was too overwhelming and traumatic. Lenneth knew then her heart was going to be lost before the night was through, and that brought out the shaking she had tried so hard to hold back.

  Trembling, she closed her eyes to hide the mix of hurt and longing in her expression. It wasn't going to be enough, she wasn't going to be able to survive this. The first real note of despair started within her, even as her heart sighed with longing.

  ---

  ....

  Chapter 38 : Thirty Eight

  It had been the most excruciating of days. Tiring and trying, Lezard's patience had been tested to it's limits. By both the people around him, and the rituals they had insisted he take part in. From the early morning bath in cold waters, to being surrounded by a group who had clearly indulged in ten drinks too many, to the never ending celebrating that continued even now. It was a celebration that would last well into morning, and even once the official par
ty ended, others would start. Some might go as far as to spend the week celebrating, using his wedding to Lenneth as an excuse to take an extended holiday. Others, such as those of the common class, would not be able to afford such a luxury. Not when there was work to be done, and wages that needed to be earned.

  Lezard himself would not be able to truly relax. He was the administrator of Hel's schemes, and as such he had many things to over see. From triple checking to make sure the warehouses were stock full with preserved foods, to outfitting every last man and woman with the armor and the weapons necessary for fighting Hel's war. Even the medicines that would stave off Hel's plague had been left up to Lezard. Those were just some of his official duties, Lezard having agendas that were secret to all save for Odin. In the coming days, Lezard would have a fine balance to maintain. He'd have to all but juggle to appease both his Queen and the God he was betraying her with.

  It was a lot of work, and a lot of worry to deal with. But more than that, it would prove time consuming. Lezard would be in demand, and not just to the deities he worked under, but to the people around him. He would have to reassure, and offer advice, make life and death decisions for a great many people. The pressure would mount, his deceptions becoming more intricate as the inevitable war drew closer to occurring. If anything, it seemed the absolute worse time to take a bride. Especially a bride like Lenneth, whose heart had yet to be won.

  Lezard feared he wouldn't have nearly enough time to devote to Lenneth as he would have liked. Not when the mage was at the beck and call of both Hel and Odin. He not only had to keep both happy, he had to safeguard the heavens from his Queen's grasping hands. Even worse, Lezard had to do it in such a way as for the queen to never realize he was betraying her. It was more than just his life that was at stake, more than just the fate of his soul now. Lenneth herself would be in danger, should the cruel Goddess ever realize how much Lezard valued his wife. He could endure all manners of torments, but one thing Lezard could not abide was the thought of Lenneth suffering at Hel's hands. Especially when the suffering was one he would be directly responsible for!