Valkyrie Rising

by GR Griffin

  Her eyes did not open immediately, not until it became apparent he wasn't about to continue kissing her. Lezard was hit with that sad blue, a questioning look in her eyes as Lenneth stared up at him. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth, words lost before he could speak them. What could he possibly say in this moment? How could he find the right words that would be reassuring and not the slightest in insulting?

  "Lezard?" Lenneth's uncertain voice, his divine bride studying him with a worried expression of her own. He was aware of his hands resting on her shoulders, Lezard not wanting to give up that slight contact between them.

  "I'm sure you must be tired after today's excitement." He finally said. For one brief instant his fingers exerted pressure on her skin, Lezard loathe to let go of Lenneth. "You should rest Lenneth..."

  There was a slow blinking of her eyes, that unshed teardrop coming close to falling. But Lenneth didn't look as though she wanted to cry in the moment, the former Goddess more interested in figuring out what his words meant. For her, and for them. Lezard thought to help her in that regard, the man stiff as he forced himself to take his hands off of Lenneth, and step back.

  Uncertainty flared stronger in her eyes, but Lenneth did not try to follow after him. "You want..me to go to sleep?" She spoke as though she couldn't believe it, as though Lezard had introduced a concept to her that was truly out there. He couldn't blame her. Sleep was the last thing he wanted Lenneth to do! But as badly as he wanted her, Lezard knew he couldn't force either one of them to go through with it. Not when Lenneth was so badly shaken, so disturbed by the mere thought of love making.

  A long beat of silence followed, and then Lezard gave an almost curt nod. She didn't quite frown, Lenneth studying him as though she could fathom the workings of his mind through sight alone. Lezard tried to give her a calm expression, not wanting to betray how tortured he felt over keeping things from progressing any further. He still wanted her so badly, it was frightening this desire of his. The strength of it, strumming through his awareness, his body having grown hot in such a short amount of time.

  "Yes." He finally said, words almost hissing through clenched teeth. Lenneth gave him a disbelieving look, and Lezard supposed he couldn't blame her for that. Lenneth had to be aware on some level that he wanted her. Especially if she were to go on the past days, where he had tried to kiss her, and even attempted worse when he had been drunk. But never did he believed the former Goddess was aware of just how badly he yearned for her. He didn't think she would still be standing before him if Lenneth had known.

  Another one of those long pauses, as though Lenneth needed the time to process his answer. Brave being that she was, she still surprised him with her response. "Are you sure?"

  He wasn't sure of anything but that he didn't want to hurt her. No more than he had already, Lezard fighting not to curl his hands into fists at his side. He gave her another nod, the movement stiff. Lenneth didn't quite frown, but neither did she retreat to the bed.

  "I don't understand." She finally said. He had to choke back a harsh sound, Lezard's words almost snapping at her in the moment.

  "What is there to understand? It is late and I..."

  "And you want me to go to sleep." Lenneth finished for him. "But why?"

  "Why?" Lezard asked, and she nodded. When he made no attempt to answer, her frown became more pronounced. She'd actually reach up with her hand, tucking an unruly strand of hair over her ear. It was a gesture that betrayed some of her nervousness, Lenneth's cheeks pinkening slightly. It looked as though she was fighting the blush, but her eyes never strayed from him. Not even for the words she spoke, Lezard holding back a moan of frustration.

  "It...it is our wedding night." Lenneth began, that brief bit of hesitation in her speech showing her own insecurity about what she was saying. "I thought...." Did her blush deepen in color? "There are expectations...things that must be done."

  He drew in a ragged breath, Lezard in agony over how excruciating Lenneth was making things. The feeling was made even worse by having to watch her stumble about the subject of her inquiry. "Lenneth..." Lezard managed to speak, his head shaking in slight movement. "There is nothing...that is...we don't have to do anything. Nothing that you aren't prepared for."

  He didn't miss the sheer relief that flashed in her eyes, Lenneth expelling a deep sigh. Truth be known, it hurt him to see her so relieved over the thought of avoiding being bedded by him. Just as it was one more reminder that let him know she wasn't anywhere ready to take their relationship to so intimate a level.

  "You are a confusing man." Lenneth finally said. He wanted to laugh at that, a choked out sound that would hold a near hysterical edge to it. "You want me." She stated, ignoring the sound he made in response. "And yet now that you can have me, you deny yourself." Lezard didn't know what to say to that, merely nodding his head to show he had heard what she said. "This...YOU are not what I expected."

  "Oh?"

  "You don't act on your chance. Don't seize to take that which by all rights is yours. Other men wouldn't hesitate in your position." Lenneth told him, but it wasn't an accusation or an insult. She was simply stating a fact that surprised her.

  "Maybe the other men wouldn't care about your feelings." Lezard said in response. "Maybe all they would see is a trophy, the beautiful Goddess that they had been given. But I? I don't want to treat you like mere possession."

  A weird flash of emotion in her eyes, that was gone before he could properly interpret it's meaning. "You would be one of the few then."

  "The men you speak of are a fool if that is how they view a wife." Lezard told her. "Especially one that was once a Goddess, a Valkyrie warrior!"

  Her lips actually twitched then, as though she was fighting a smirk. "I have often been of that same opinion where men and their...appetites are concerned." Another intent look, as though she was trying to see into his soul. Whatever she read off him relaxed her, Lenneth losing some of her tension.

  "And you...know much about men's appetites?" Lezard couldn't help his curiosity. Lenneth didn't quite blush, relaxed enough to look away from him now.

  "I have heard the stories." She said at last. "Even among the Valkyrie, there is talk." Another brushing back of her hair, Lenneth seeming frustrated how it continued to fall forward in it's loose state.

  "Talk?" He prodded, and she nodded.

  "Yes." She looked back at him. "We Valkyrie have always known one of two fates await us. Death...or to be given away in marriage. Many welcome the former to a life spent under a man's thumb. But there is an abundant curiosity about the expectations of duty a wife would have."

  Lezard wondered then what sort of stories the Valkyries told each other. He didn't think they could possible paint an accurate picture of married life. Not when the Valkyries knew little beyond the battlefield.

  "The Valkyrie fear little." Lenneth continued. A sigh escaped her then. "But the idea of being made useless? To be so hurt that no other option is left to you, but to be given away to play housewife to some man? To many, that is a fate worse than death."

  "Including you." He noted.

  She didn't deny it. "I made no pretense over my feelings in this regard."

  "You are honest." Lezard praised her. Again that quick flash of something in her eyes, Lenneth appearing uneasy over his praising words. "It is a trait to be admired." He added, trying to chase away her unease.

  "I suppose it is." She abruptly turned from him, and even that was a sign of how much she had relaxed around him. Lenneth no longer felt as though she had to be on constant guard, watching his every move. She'd actually walk away, going to stand by the open window. The breeze from the outside blew back her hair, Lenneth crossing her arms over her chest as though to warm herself.

  He wondered what she was thinking. Lezard didn't know her nearly well enough to guess. He wanted to change that, wanted to start work on building trust between them. Talk would help in that matter, the words they spoke pivotal in building a relationship based on a
deeper understanding.

  Smoothing his slightly damp palms over his jacket's front, Lezard walked over to Lenneth. He didn't stand too close, not wanting to annoy her with an invasion of her personal space. But it was close enough for her to be aware of him, Lezard studying the side of her face as she gazed out at the night sky. She was lovely with the moonlight casting down on her, but then Lenneth was always beautiful.

  As always, he was reminded of just how much he delighted in simply looking at her. It was a delight that transformed his expression, though to what he did not know. Lezard was aware of how uncomfortable he could make Lenneth, and thus he tried to control it so he wasn't outright staring at her. He turned his attention to the view outside the window, though his every sense was attuned to the woman besides him.

  The silence stretched on between them, the two together but standing apart. Lezard longed for contact of any kind, and yet held himself still so that not even his arm would brush against hers. And all the while he thought furiously on how to ease them into some kind of conversation, a task he was failing at, and failing most spectacularly. He wasn't used to being tongue tied around women, but then never had a woman held his attention the way Lenneth did. It left his normally intelligent mind fumbling, unable to quite think on what to say to her that wouldn't cause her upset or offense.

  It was very fortunate for him, when Lenneth shifted besides him. He saw the flash of her blue eyes as she gave a sidelong glance to him, Lenneth taking it upon herself to break their silence. "I couldn't help but notice..." She began, only the slightest of hesitation in her voice.

  "Yes?" Lezard said the word a bit too quick, inwardly wincing at how eager he had come off as.

  Lenneth was without comment about his eager reaction, the woman turning to look not at him, but up at the ceiling. "Those runes." She said with a nod at the symbols painted in bronze. "I can sense the powerful spell upon them. The protection it offers. It makes me wonder...what?" She had noticed his reaction, Lezard staring so shocked and surprised at Lenneth.

  "As ever you continue to amaze..." Lezard finally said, and meant it. And all because the spell he had painted into the ceiling, was such that not many would be able to sense it, let alone recognize it for the type of magic it was.

  Lenneth seemed to have misunderstood his words, not quite laughing in response to his strong surprise. "Do not react so surprised, my Lord." She told him, looking very much like she wanted to smile at him. "Did I not tell you I had some training in magic during my time as Valkyrie?"

  "Ah yes, I remember." Lezard quickly said. "I believe you said you dabbled in healing magics."

  "Just a few minor spells." She confirmed. "For healing wounds and removing poison, that sort of thing."

  "It's more than I can do." Lezard murmured, his tone almost wistful then. He quickly shrugged off the mood, glancing from Lenneth to the ceiling. "But yes, I am surprised. Not many, not even some of the most educated in the realm of magic, would be able to sense the spell, let alone what kind it is." He turned his attention back to Lenneth, seeing the surprise in her eyes. "I suppose it could have to do with what you once were, your divine nature lending itself to your abilities. I find it impressive either way... He meant it too, his mind already shifting into possibilities, Lezard wondering just what Lenneth could be capable of when it came to magic.

  "Is it really that impressive?" Lenneth asked.

  "Oh it is!" He quickly assured her. "In addition to the protection spell the runes hold, I've also placed an enchantment on them meant to hide not only the power of the spell, but the existence of the runes painted on the ceiling. It would be invisible to all but the most accomplished of magi."

  "I see." Lenneth has cast her gaze up to the ceiling again, studying the runes. He took advantage to stare at her, studying her not only with his eyes, but with his magic in an attempt to test what untold powers remained inside Lenneth. She felt his magic probing at her, Lenneth suddenly tensing, her body shifting away from his in a none too subtle attempt to get away.

  "Ah forgive me." Lezard said, a bit sheepish in the moment. "I couldn't help but be curious."

  "Curious?"

  "About how much...potential you hold for magic." Lezard explained.

  "I am a warrior, not a mage." Lenneth told him, then her expression turned frustrated. "I WAS a warrior..."

  Guilt flared in him, Lezard reminded of how it was his fault Lenneth was no longer a Valkyrie. It was just one more thing he had to make up to her, somehow someway. Even if she should never discover the truth of his machinations, Lezard would hold himself accountable for the life in which he had stolen Lenneth from.

  "You may no longer be able to wage Odin's war....but there are other ways for you to lead a fulfilling life." The look Lenneth gave him bordered on rude, a stern disbelieving of the words he had just said. Lezard forced a smile, trying to project a positive cheer he did not truly feel in the moment. "You just have to give your new life a chance. To find what fits you best." He blew out a nervous breath, glancing up at the protection spell again. "You know some healing magic...And you've shown a remarkable awareness in even noticing the magic I placed on this room. It makes me wonder just how much you are capable of..." His gaze lowered, Lezard seeing Lenneth was giving him her full attention. "If it would please you, I would not be against helping to further develop you magic abilities."

  She considered this a long moment, before Lenneth's expression turned guarded. "I won't learn any dark arts." She was adamant about this. Lezard was not at all surprised she wouldn't want to sully her soul by learning the worst of the spells Hel had granted his people.

  "I would never even attempt to teach you those kinds." Lezard reassured her. "But a few offensive and defensive spells would do nicely to accompany your healing talents."

  Again that long pause, Lenneth giving careful consideration to what Lezard had proposed. "I suppose...I would not be against it." She finally agreed. It was almost grudging, Lenneth locking eyes with him. "If I am to make a life here among the mages of Flenceburg, it might be best to adapt to your ways."

  "Is that a yes then?" Lezard teased, already knowing the answer. Her nod earned a smile from him, Lezard not only happy but excited at the thought of teaching her. The lessons would offer an excuse to spend even more time with her, and might very well bring them together in ways that had nothing to do with learning magic. "Wonderful!" He exclaimed out loud, and meant it. "Tomorrow I will put aside some thought to what sort of spells to teach. I think it would serve you well, to have a mix of healing, attack and defense spells. Of course..." He frowned then. "I will have to find someone to tutor you should you wish to expend your repertoire of healing spells."

  "You cannot do it yourself?" Lenneth asked, and he sighed, shaking his head no.

  "I believe I mentioned to you once that I knew nearly every type of magic there is." Lenneth nodded to that. "Alas, healing magics was a subject skipped in my training."

  "Whatever for?" Lenneth asked. "I would think healing magics would be the most useful of all to learn."

  "It depends on your area of interest." Lezard said, then launched into an explanation. "There is a great cost to oneself where magic is concerned. Especially with the types of magic. The blacker the spell, the higher the price, until one finds they are no longer able to do even the small white magics." He grimaced then. "I'm sure you already know, healing spells are the whitest of the white...and all but useless to one such as me."

  Her eyes flickered with emotion, Lenneth uncomfortable of the reminder of what sort of magi he was. "Why would you ever sacrifice your ability to heal?" She asked, voice a soft demand. "What possible allure could magic that black hold?"

  He couldn't keep the sullen look from his eyes, Lezard abruptly turning away from Lenneth. "You speak as though I would have had a choice in the matter!" He was harsh then, words rattling out before Lenneth could respond. "Once my potential was realized, my life was mapped out before me. I was purposefully groomed for my position
in Hel's kingdoms. To be a warrior on the front lines, rather than a healer."

  "Lezard..." He heard the rustle of her clothing behind him, Lenneth approaching him.

  "I don't often regret having my choices taken from me in that regard." Lezard turned before she could nerve herself to touch him. He gave her a smile that was described as sickly as best. "The life Hel's given me, has given me money, power, status."

  "But at such a high cost." Lenneth reminded him. His smile immediately faded. "Never mind that you can never truly trust the people around you, it's placed your soul in jeopardy."

  How well he knew that! But Lezard didn't speak out loud his agreement. "It's also...brought you to me." He pointed out. Her own expression turned troubled, but Lenneth didn't argue against it. "If I wasn't holding this position, we would never have met..."

  "We are both....puppets of our circumstances." Lenneth said in reply. "It seems we both had little choice when it came to the course our lives would run." She sighed then, her blues eyes holding that troubled look. "Like you, I was given little choice when it came to my life. I too was groomed, destined to become one of Odin's warriors from the moment of my birth."

  "Do you ever regret that you didn't have a say in what you would become?" He was truly curious then.

  "No. Not then. Not until recently." Her gaze lowered, and even though she said no more, Lezard knew what she meant. Her one regret being that which had led her to become mortal, the situation that had led to her being given to Lezard. His guilt flared in him, Lezard struggling to overcome the feelings it stirred inside. "For as far back as I can remember, I WANTED to be a Valkyrie."

  Her words didn't quite distract Lezard from his guilty feelings, but it roused him enough to be surprised. "Wanted to? Even as a child?"

  "Even then." Lenneth agreed. "I can remember watching my older sister Hrist, and feeling both excited and resentful. I resented that my father wouldn't allow me to begin my training sooner, I wanted to hold a sword so badly. To feel it's weight in my hand, to know what it felt like to swing it through the air. I used to spend hours just watching my sister train. Watching and waiting for the opportunity to do the same."