by GR Griffin
Even awake, her heart still raced, Lenneth trying not to shake in reaction to the dreams she had had. Would she ever know peace? Would she ever know what really happened to her sisters? Lenneth had a feeling that so long as she remained in Flenceburg, the ultimate fates of Silmeria and Hrist would be unknown to her. And that was something that was just as unacceptable as Silmeria being made into Brahms' vampire queen.
She wanted to return to Asgard. Wanted to resume her duties as Valkyrie. But more than that, Lenneth wanted the information that would be accessible to her only in Asgard. That made her all the more determined to do something to ingratiate herself back into Odin's favor. Lenneth couldn't shake the upset of her dreams, even though it renewed her determination. She felt wetness on her cheeks, and realized the dreams had moved her to silently weep in her sleep. It was a sleep she hadn't wanted in the first place, but eventually had been unable to ignore the need of it.
It had taken two days for her to reach Asgard to deliver word of her failure. It had taken at least a day, possibly two to deliver her to Flenceburg. Lenneth had been asleep for that time, and yet the enchanted sleep had done little to refresh her. As did the sleep she had taken this past night, Lenneth feeling exhausted from the horror of her dreams.
She was sluggish as she shrugged off the thin covers of her blankets. She had slept alone in the room that had been appointed for her temporary use. In a few days time, once she participated in the vow ceremony, it would no longer be her right to sleep alone. Lenneth shivered at that, wondering what would happen once she had to share a bed with Lezard. Wondering if he would control himself, and leave her alone in an attempt to gain her heart, or at least her acceptance. But she knew once they were sworn to each other, the consummation could not be put off indefinitely.
Sighing, she swung her legs out onto the floor. A thick carpet cushioned under her bare feet, her nightgown falling down almost to her ankles. Lenneth thought it as ridiculous a length as the gowns she had been given, the skirts so long and voluminous she couldn't hope to fight adequately in them. Lenneth wanted to do something about her clothing, and yet she had no money to see to a wardrobe that would suit her tastes. And then wondered what the fashion was for the women of this realm, recalling that Mystina and the other women had been clothed in elaborate gowns.
Another sigh escaped her, Lenneth grumbling as she walked about the room. The remains of her dinner had been cleared away, but the squares of chocolate remained. Lezard's eyes had twinkled, insisting Lenneth keep the sweets in case she hungered for a snack during the night. She had resisted the callings of the chocolate, still working on denying herself the things that might make her weaker.
The little songbird had awakened long before Lenneth, the sun's rising ushering in it's song. The cage was still perched on the windowsill, allowing the bird a different view from that of the room. Lenneth walked closer to it, pausing only long enough to pick up the seed pouch off the table. She'd sprinkle a liberal dose of seeds into the bird's cage, gaining an excited chirp in response.
For a few minutes she just watched the bird, a sad look on her face. Lenneth still felt as trapped as it, but realized unlike the bird, she could take steps to improve her situation. But first she had to bathe and get dressed, Lenneth turning away from the window. But not before she saw that some of the servants were out in the courtyard, enjoying the beautiful, sun lit day before work forced them inside.
She would bathe quickly but efficiently, and then put on the least outlandish of her few dresses. It was a bright blue, laced with black trim across the shoulder and cleavage area. A black ribbon wound about her waist, the blue skirts descending from it. Beneath it's ruffles, was an undercoat of black lace, about an inch showing where the blue skirts fell short. It had sleeves that only extended down to her elbows, much better than the ones that would drape over her hands!
And still Lenneth fussed, wondering if she could get away with cutting away some of the skirts. Or at least putting slits on the side so her legs could attempt better maneuvers. But the dress was surely expensive. Lezard would surely not appreciate her damaging it in that way.
There was ribbons to match the dresses, and elaborately jeweled clips. Lenneth didn't bother with dressing up her hair, leaving it braided back in her preferred fashion. Still feeling ridiculous in the dress, she walked out of the room, not content to wait around for Lezard to call upon her. One reason because she did not know when he would awake, or even have time to visit her. But even more important, she wanted to scout out the castle, get a lay of the land. Maybe even do some snooping, and reconnaissance work though she doubted the inhabitants would be forthcoming with the information she hoped to get.
This early in the day, the halls were nearly empty. She saw only one servant, and a few guards prowling the halls. Many of the doors were shut, the nobles asleep in their beds. Lenneth wondered which room was Lezard's, and blamed her curiosity on Odin's enchantment. Nor did she try to satisfy it, purposefully avoiding asking the servant which room belonged to the Lord of this castle.
Her shoes were soft soled slippers, barely adequate covering for her feet. They made nary a sound as she walked along the corridors, Lenneth not having to worry about rudely disturbing anyone's sleep. She felt the eyes on her though, the guards staring at her whenever her back was to them. She pretended not to notice that they looked at her, instead concentrating on the various paintings that hung on the walls. They were in glided frames, bronze by the look of it.
As Lenneth walked, she would come across that damning crest. It was unavoidable, the crest large and taking up the center of one wall. Hel's face was not detailed, but Lenneth scowled at it all the same, imagining the Goddess' infuriating smirk. Lenneth didn't try to linger before it, lest she give in to the temptation to do damage to it. And it wouldn't be the last of Hel's mark upon the building. Smaller crests were distributed through out the building, many not larger than the palm of Lenneth's hand. She hated seeing them, hated the reminders that she was in an enemy nation. One that worshipped the cruel Goddess of the underworld.
There was more servants on the first floor, some of them openly gawking at Lenneth. Others seemed unable to meet her gaze, hurriedly looking away as they bowed and curtsied to her. She couldn't muster up a genuine smile, but she nodded in response to their greetings.
Here on the first floor, many of the doors were open. It was after all where much of the daily activities happened. She would find all manners of rooms, from a foyer, to a place to take midday refreshments. There was even a large hall, some sort of ball room or place to hold meetings. There was a library, and she lingered there, looking at the many shelves that were crammed full of books. Many of the tomes seemed geared toward magical practices, but there was some history books, and even novels for entertainment.
Aside from the book shelves, there was several soft cushioned chairs situated in the room. Perfect for curling up on, as you delved into a story. There was even a large window, it's clear glass offering a view of the stables. She would leave the library, asking one of the servants on how to reach the stable area. The man would be all too eager to guide her to it, Lenneth thanking him profusely once there.
The stables were full of the familiar musk of horses and the scent of hay. The building was large, housing close to thirty horses. There were all manners, though none came close to the impressive war steeds the Valkyries rode upon in Asgard. But they were all beautiful beasts, Lenneth walking the individual rows of stables, pausing to greet each horse fondly.
She was almost to the end of the third row, when she came across a stallion that was midnight personified. There was not a spot of bright color to disrupt the darkness of his coat and mane, furred flesh so dark it was not a pure black she saw. Depending on how the filtered sunlight hit him, he was either a black with streaks of vivid purple, or a black with dark blue mixed in.
Lenneth was instantly drawn to him, coming closer with her breath held in awe. The stallion let out a wary snort, but ot
herwise held himself still as Lenneth entered his stall. His soulful eyes watched her every action, Lenneth sure to move with painstaking slowness as she approached him. She tentatively reached out with one hand, fingers stopping just short of touching his nose. The horse would study her a moment, then whinny, stepping forward to brush against her hand.
Lenneth almost smiled then, praise worthy words coming out of her. "You are magnificent." His nose was soft like velvet, and she stroked along the side of it, enjoying the touch. The stallion seemed to preen in response to her praise, his antics almost worthy of a rarely given laugh. She'd continue to pet him, noting how big he was. How strong he seemed. She didn't know what his speed was like, but if it was half as impressive as the physical aspects, than
Lenneth would suspect the stallion had some divine blood in him too.
She wasn't so taken with the horse as to not note when someone else entered the stables. But she fought to keep from stiffening, knowing her nervous energy would only upset the horses. She kept an attentive ear tuned for the sound of the person's approach, but kept on plying attention on the stallion. The horse would be fine at first, but then his ears would flatten back, eyes turning wild.
"Easy..." Lenneth soothed, using both hands to pet and calm the horse. He held himself still for this, but his eyes were looking past her.
"That's an interesting trick." It was a woman who spoke to her. Lenneth thought she recognized the voice, but she didn't turn to confirm her suspicions. "Obsidian doesn't normally let people touch him."
Lenneth took note of the stallion's name, continuing to soothe him with her touch. The footsteps drew closer, but the woman did not dare enter the stall. "I suppose this is more Valkyrie magic?"
At that Lenneth turned, a slight frown on her lips. She kept one hand on Obsidian's mane, hearing him snort restlessly. "Valkyrie magic?" Green eyes were boldly looking at her, set in an ivory colored face that was surrounded by gold hair. It was the one Lezard had named Mystina, Lenneth restraining a sigh. It seemed her moment of peace was already over with, Lenneth sure it was not by chance that the sorceress had come upon her in the stables.
After a moment of their gazes locked together, Mystina nodded. "Yes. You do the impossible." Her lips curved in a teasing smile. "You tame savage beasts with your mere presence."
"I'm not so sure Obsidian is savage, but more misunderstood." Lenneth told her, watching as Mystina turned further amused.
"I was talking about Lezard."
Lenneth managed to keep the surprise off her face. "Oh? I'm sure your Lord would be most displeased to hear you speak of him in that manner." But she had to admit her curiosity was aroused, Lenneth wondering if Mystina would reveal to her an aspect of Lezard's nature that had been hidden from her.
"Oh he's a beast, make no doubt about that." Mystina replied, hardly perturbed by Lenneth's veiled admonishment. "Ruthless, cunning, holding immense destructive powers. And yet around you, he's become almost protective."
Lenneth knew Mystina had to be referring to the way Lezard had stolen her away during their first meeting. "I see." It was all she could say, Lenneth not sure what would be a suitable reply.
"And then there's your impending marriage to him." Mystina continued. "Lezard has never been the type to settle down. Even with the crowds of desperate women throwing themselves at him."
"And are you one of the desperate?" Lenneth asked, question more than a little snide. But Mystina seemed to take no offense, a hearty laugh escaping her.
"Goodness no! Lezard and me? As anything other than rivals? Perish the thought!" She did an embellished shudder, as if the thought of a romance with her Lord was truly that horrific. "Fear not Valkyrie. You won't find me a rival for your fiancee."
"I am not concerned with that."
"Oh? But I suppose you have right to that confidence. You've done the impossible, gained his promise to wed you." Another assessing look from that emerald gaze. "But you are lovely...no wonder he wants you."
"If your Lord is at all like you say, then I think he wants more the alliance that comes from this marriage then me." The love spell made her heart hurt to think that way, but Lenneth didn't betray her pain to Mystina.
"As if anyone could truly force Lezard to do this against his will." Mystina scoffed with a shake of her head. "If Lezard was truly opposed to the marriage, he could have easily weaseled out of it. Foisted you off on someone else in Hel's council. No, Valkyrie. If he is marrying you, it's because he wants you."
Lenneth didn't feel she had the time to properly process what Mystina was telling her. But she found it interesting all the same, something like vanity making her pleased at the thought of that man wanting her. But just as quickly as she felt pleasure, she tamped it down, denouncing the emotion as utterly ridiculous and a by product of Odin's enchantment.
"We missed you at dinner." Mystina continued when Lenneth remained silent. "I hope you don't plan to skip any more meals."
Instead of making a promise about that, Lenneth locked eyes with Mystina. The sorceress seemed to freeze in place, a cautious energy to her as she faced the cold stare of a former Goddess. "Just what is your interest with me?" Lenneth asked, tone calm instead of demanding. "You purposefully seek me out. No, don't try to deny it." Lenneth said, cutting off Mystina's feeble protests. "It is no idle chance that you happened to come to these stables when I was here. What do you want of me?"
"Everything." Mystina then seemed to shake off the effects of Lenneth's stare, a pale pink blush on her cheeks. "I....what I mean is....well I have many questions. Things that maybe only you can give me the answers to. I want to know so much, about the heavens, about the wars. I even want to study you...."
"Me!?"
"Yes. You were once a Goddess. How does that differ from being a mortal? And if a deity can be rendered human, can the reverse be done?" Mystina asked the question that had been on Lenneth's mind since yesterday evening. "There's so much that can be learned from you. You have the wisdom of the ancients, you've lived for countless years. Even as a mortal, you are fascinating. Your entire kind is. You must retain some semblance of divinity within you, in order to pass it down onto your daughters. A Valkyrie's children are always blessed with their mother's intelligence, beauty, and battle proficiency. They excel in all things, nothing is beyond their capabilities. I want to know all your secrets!"
"But have you earned the right to them?" Lenneth wondered out loud. Mystina deflated a bit, disappointment in her eyes before she steeled her expression. "I think if Oidn wanted you to know, you would."
"Or maybe it's a challenge for us to discover on our own the mysteries behind the Valkyries." Mystina nodded at Obsidian who had retreated to the far end of his stall. "I can feel the divine energy coming off you. It's subtle, but truly it is that power that has had a calming effect on Obsidian. Who knows what else you are capable of? Do you even know? Or could we not discover it together?"
Again she was silent, thinking on Mystina's words. Could she really still hold a spark of divinity in her? One that Mystina and Obsidian sensed? And if it was there, just what could she be capable of? Lenneth did not know, but she wanted to find out. However, she was uncertain about throwing in with Mystian's research. "I will consider your request." She said at last.
Mystina hid her disappointment well, the woman having clearly wanted an affirmative yes. "Of course. That is more than generous."
Lenneth did a slow nod, giving Mystina a considering look. She had questions of her own, though she could not outright ask Mystina if she knew anything about Hel's true intentions. But she could work on establishing a rapport with Mystina, perhaps forge a friendship which would lull the girl into being loose lipped when it came to her Goddess' secrets.
"I understand that Lezard excels at many kinds of magic, with his specialty being necromancy." Lenneth began, trying for a casual tone. "What is your area of expertise?"
"Like Lezard, I have many skills when it comes to the wielding of magic. But I can admi
t to a certain fondness for astral projection and dream walking." Mystina told her.
"Astral projection? Isn't that dangerous for the user?" Lenneth asked. She knew enough of astral projection to know the user cast out their soul, traveling between realms for brief periods of time. The body had to be carefully guarded, for it would be completely defenseless so long as the soul was gone.
"Only if you don't know what you're doing." Mystina smile boasted that she had no such problem. But Lenneth had her doubts. No matter how talented the mage, the risks were simply too great.
"And is Astral projection useful to your mistress?" Lenneth questioned, pretending to be purely curious. "I mean, I can't imagine it being much use during a war."
"You're wrong about that." Mystina retorted. "Astral Projection makes spying a breeze."
"Provided the ones you are spying on have not warded against such an act." Countered Lenneth.
"True." Mystina frowned then. "I've never been able to successfully penetrate Asgard's realm." She shrugged then, as though not bothered. "Maybe someday I will. There's always room for improvement....but spying is really not my forte. At least not when employed by Queen Hel."
"Oh? Then what do you do?"
"I fight. I am nearly equal to Lezard when it comes to the destructive magics." It looked like it cost her to make that admission, something like envy burning in her eyes for Lezard's skill. "Not many can stand before my offensive might....though it has been ages since a true war has been fought here." She brightened. "I suppose if the alliance with your King holds through, I may get the chance to command armies once more."
"You just might." Murmured Lenneth, though she thought Hel's forces would be fighting against Asgard, rather than allying with them against Brahms. Louder voiced, she asked another question of Mystina. "And you...are you part of Hel's inner council?"