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Many apologies for the long wait. I rewrote this chapter over and over. Even now, I don’t feel it’s to the same standard as the others. With this submission I hope the flow of the story will return. Feedback and comments are appreciated.
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“No sleeping, Derkot is expecting us.” Kirk said firmly as she grumbled, rolling in the sheets as she turned away from him.
She whined as she pulled the blankets up further, hoping to drown him out. “You attend, I’ll stay here and praise these delectable pillows. They need attention too.” She joked as she turned her face into the welcoming fabric.
He watched her with pleasure as she pretended to fight his wishes. He stood, grabbing her ankle from under the blankets as he did, pulling her to the edge of the bed as she laughed. “Come Valkyrie. I’m sure he is already waiting.”
She turned over as she made a sour face. “I’m exhausted.” She said softly as she crawled to him slowly, enjoying the predatory look that spread across his cheeks. She knelt on the bed in front of him, opening her thighs to allow her to slide her core towards the mattress. His hands tangled in her hair as he brought his face to hers, his knuckles gliding down her body to connect with her taut nipple as they kissed. She slipped her hands into the pants he had pulled back on, feeling for his cock as he pinched her peak.
“Come back to bed.” She insisted against his kiss as she felt him growing in her palm. His silver eyes focused only on her as her lips formed her pleas. She gave her best pout as he chuckled quietly. She ran her finger tips around his slit, pushing a wet pearl of precum around the surface of his tip.
“You know I cannot.” He took her hands from his member as he kissed her forehead.
“But you are tempted? Before you answer, do recall that I can sense your emotions.” She said in challenge as he backed away, putting his tunic back over his head. She watched him as she sat on the edge, admiring his body as she spoke to him.
Kirk grinned at her quip. She was nothing if not greedy and demanding when it came to pleasure, seeming to succumb to him unabashedly. He would never tire of laying with her, he was sure. But it was what she said that had stuck with him. She loved him. She had said so in heat, but she clarified it’s truth, causing him to feel unsure. He knew he cared deeply for her, but would they have time to make sense of this before everything fell to pieces around them? “Aye. I am always tempted. That is why you have no energy now.” He said with a smile as he winked at her.
“Cute.” She said with false enthusiasm as he praised himself for his sexual libido. She got up from the bed, walking over to the bowl with floating petals and began washing herself gently. “Why does he want to see us?” She asked curiously as she listened to him moving around behind her.
Kirk stayed quiet, not knowing what he was allowed to reveal before the two met. He was sure because of her closeness to Asgard, she would be aware of Derkot’s true knowledge. Would she act rationally if she heard where he drew his whispers from? “Our families have been tied for quite some time. Perhaps it’s just a formality.” He said as he put his shoes on, hiding his face as he told the lie.
As the scent of roses washed over her she looked back at him briefly, knowing he was being illusive. She drew her eyebrows together as the room fell quiet again. She sensed the lie as it left his lips. What was it that he was afraid to tell her? “Kirk-” She called as knocking suddenly cut through the air. She watched him as he stood, walking over to the door as she dressed herself.
Kirk opened the door, looking over his shoulder to make sure she was dressed before he did so. “Lefelgd. We were just on our way to see your father.” He said joyfully, thankful for the interruption as he saw his friend in the doorway.
Aztrit walked under his arm on the frame as she exited his chambers, giving him a suspicious glare as she passed him. As she came face to face with an elf taller than she, with long blonde hair and kind eyes she smiled. “Hello, I’m Aztrit.” She gave in greeting as Lefelgd took her hand and kissed it softly.
“Lefelgd Valtura, son to King Derkot Valtura of Vertan.” He said with a smile as he became fixated on her eyes, never having seen gold irises in their brilliance. She was truly breathtaking. He let go of her hand as Kirk’s eyes narrowed. “It is not hard to see why my brother has become fixated on you.” He said flirtatiously as she laughed, looking up to see the jealousy on his face.
“Thank you. I am honoured by your presence.” She turned her gaze up to Kirk, lifting a brow, “Fixated, he says.” Kirk gave her a simple smirk, admiring her humour. “Maybe you can tell me why your father wants to see Bycasino both of us?” She looked back at Lefelgd as they all stood in silence, not understanding the sudden quiet that fell between them. As the two men broke eyes, she tried to sense his hesitation, feeling small doses of fear coming from him.
“Follow me.” Lefelgd said as he quickly turned away his sapphire armour rattling as he moved.
As Kirk shut the door behind her, she walked a few paces behind, attempting to get ahold of her emotions as she pondered what he was keeping from her. As they walked back into the tower that held their welcome banquet, she took her time admiring the environment in the partial silence that was not present on their first visit. The colorful jewelled walls and ceilings seemed to reflect non existent light, having harboured rays during day, and expelling them as night followed.
They walked past the empty tables as she felt nervousness radiating off of Kirk, his mind racing as they walked down a lit corridor. The flames in the torches that lined the sparkling walls casting shadows over his face. His silver eyes seeming to reflect the same radiance as the priceless broken jewels.
He could feel her eyes on him, he was doing his best to mask his emotions, knowing there was no need for deception. But it was best all explanation came from its source. He preferred to keep the encounter simple, there was no room for miscommunication. She would have to acclimate herself to Derkot’s presence, and most importantly, the presence of the fates hanging on his shoulders. Having chosen not to focus on them when they had met, they had loomed, constantly humming along to the conversation. There was no doubt in his mind that Derkot had not elaborated on his findings because he was instructed not to.
As Lefelgd led them through an empty throne room, paintings of Vertanian history rested on every wall. Each tribute seeming to move in a timeline as the paintings connected, the subjects seeming to play through the scenes effortlessly as war and fortune sung its course on the clean walls. In the center of it all was a large glass throne, jewels resting on its crest as they passed.
Aztrit had long since begun to believe they had more wealth than they knew what to do with. Jewels accompanied everything, it seemed to be an unusual occurrence if they were absent on any item or in any design. She knew culturally it empowered their people, and for that they were entitled to their odd aspect to their society. But did it not decrease their value to be shamelessly paraded for the eye to never unsee?
She turned her attention to a pair of red doors at the end of the hall as they turned the corner. She noticed the incredibly small brushstrokes of the art that surrounded them, the massive wall covered with a singular depiction. In it the Great Tree Yggdrasil, connector of the nine worlds had low hanging branches, no plush green leaves attached to its twigs, but every vein seemed intertwined with clouds of blue flames, water seeming just out of reach at its roots. She continued walking toward it, entranced by her desire to understand the symbolism, only to stop in her tracks as she heard humming in her head.
She closed her eyes briefly, the room swaying. As the cries of battle rung, she looked around, trying to find a place that she could be alone for a few moments to communicate with Dahlia. ‘Where is it?’ she asked in their minds as she worried. Any moment could be their moment. Every second it could be Ragnarok, she had not forgotten. She tried, unable to see herself.
Kirk turned to her, noticing that she had stilled. He saw her eyes glazed over as she opened them slowly, sweeping the room, her focus not on their plane of existence. She looked as if she had vacated her body, standing too still. “Aztrit?”
‘Midgard. A place called Viea.’ She heard Dahlia reply as Kirk called to her. She broke out of her trance, looking between Kirk and Lefelgd as they began to crowd her, addled by her display.
“Kirk, may I speak with you for a moment?” She said as she looked back to him.
He looked to Lefelgd, silently pleading for him to wait only a moment. As he received a small nod of approval, he walked with her to the closest corner. “Whats wrong?” He said as he approached, feeling that she was shaken.
“Where is Viea?” She asked slowly as she attempted to pronounce the new name as he looked down at her, his face filled with worry as they whispered. She heard Dahlia confirming that she would go to the battle site. “Are we close to it?” She felt his hands tense on her shoulders as he understood why she was asking.
“An hours ride south.” He said calmly he looked to Lefelgd. “The Ellicit are attacking Lord Farlan in Viea.” He told him quickly before she could protest.
“Kirk.” She said with caution as she looked to elf. She touched his chest, trying to stop him from sharing the information she had given him. It would out her as more Bycasino giriş than human.
He tried his best to calm her as he looked at her for a moment. “He knows Valkyrie. He and Derkot are both trustworthy, I assure you.” He said hurriedly as he looked back to Lefelgd.
“They’re advancing. Perhaps they knew you departed. If they’re in Viea, Kloi must have allowed them to enter through Bulari. I’ll give word for a few factions to go, I know you both have greater measures to see to. My father is through those doors, if you’ll excuse me.” He said as he bowed slightly, moving quickly in the direction from which they came.
“You told them who I was?” She said as she broke from his arms.
Kirk knew the tone she held, it was accusatory. He hoped this meeting would be one of only polite greeting. An attack on Vertan was an attack on Karth. “I had to. Derkot, he isn’t like the other elves. He convenes with-”
“Kirk.” He heard his voice called as they both looked to the tall elf resting in the doorway.
As she looked into his black eyes, she saw past them, three sets of clouded white eyes settled deep into his mind. She stepped back as she heard their voices calling to her. Their paper thin hands nearly visible as they wrapped around his slender neck. “We have to go.” she said shakily as she stepped back. “We have to go now.” She said again as she tried to turn away, only to walk into Kirk’s chest as he blocked her escape.
He held her as she looked up at him in fear. He knew the shock playing off of her features well. When his eyes rested on his for the first time, he saw the same. But he had been prepared. “Aztrit, it’s alright.” He said soothingly as he held her gaze.
“The Norns, Kirk. They are here.” She said as she looked back to the Elvish King as he approached, she tried to back up as Kirk continued to hold her in place. He wasn’t afraid. She looked back up at him as she tried to understand. “You knew? You knew the fates were here?”
“Aye. But Derkot is not to be feared. He is an ally, and we could use his insight. Don’t you agree?”
She looked to the approaching king as Kirk grasped her shoulders, continuing to speak soothing words. But as he came closer, she could feel their presence beginning to circle them. She felt her hands cling to the side of his tunic, trying to turn away from their hungry gaze. She took his hand and gripped tight, hoping they would be forgiving. Undoubtedly they knew the nature of her previous plans. As her name slithered from their mouths, she felt chills surrounding her throat, working up her cheek bones as they slithered up her body.
“King Derkot, this is Aztrit. Daughter of Odin.” He introduced them both, meeting in front of the empty throne. As she squeezed his hand tighter, he looked down at her. Was she more uncomfortable than he had been? “Aztrit, King Derkot was a close friend of my father’s Lord Birau. He was the first one to tell me who my mother was.”
She attempted to look into his empty eyes as the whispers continued. “Aztrit.” His pale lips said slowly as if he was speaking for the very first time, pronouncing every syllable as they stared. “They tell me you have changed your path. This they are happy to know.”
She looked on with confusion as he said so. Still not to be persuaded to look at him directly. “They are not upset?”
“No, No. My child.” He said with a smile as she sensed joy. “You are where you must be. Taking Kirk from us was not your destiny. But you are not done.” he said as he began to walk past them, leading them to a tapestry on the furthest wall, trimmed in silver with only depictions of golden chords wrapped around a tree. “You know this image?” He asked as he reached out and touched the fabric as they stood quietly behind him.
“Y-Yes.” She said with false confidence. She had never believed she would speak with a Norqour, a facilitator for the fates. As he stood with his back to him, she looked at his long white hair touching the floor. She was sure he had little time left. “It’s Yggdrasil. Home to the nine worlds.”
“How many have you graced in your travels?” He said as he looked back at her. Seeing the look on her face as the question surprised her. “Ah, you don’t have to answer. Just the curiosity of a very, very old elf.” He said with laughter as he turned back to the image.
“No, I… I’ve visited all but Muspelheim. I don’t believe I’ve had a reason to go.” She said, finding her words too slowly. She was afraid to reveal too much, although she was sure he might already know anything he asked.
“Not even to harness your powers? You control flames, am I correct?”
Her mouth opened wide. “Yes. I haven’t thought of it that way…” She said as she looked back up at Kirk. He gave her a sympathetic nod. It was overwhelming to speak to someone who already knew all that you could tell them.
As Derkot shook his head, she saw him stiffen. “They want us to move along. Kirk, please Bycasino deneme bonusu lift this off of the wall.” He ordered, pushing away the inquiry. Kirk lifted the tapestry, it’s heavy material wavering in his arms as he revealed a hidden walkway. “Please, follow me.” Derkot said as Kirk kept it lifted for them to pass under, letting it fall back into place as he entered behind them.
“Aztrit, would you mind?” Derkot asked with a pleasant tone as he motioned to the darkness.
“Not at all.” She said as she lifted her palm, lighting the torches that led the way. She noticed how aged the stone was compared to the structure outside of the hidden walkway. She wondered if it was possible that it was older than the city itself, feeling the decline under her feet as they went underground.
“Thank you.” He said as he continued to lead the way, his jeweled cane connecting with the stone as it echoed through the hall. As they began to whisper with greater fury, he attempted to calm them, pleading for more time. Just enough to deliver his message.
Aztrit looked behind her where Kirk was following closely, putting her mind at ease as their eyes connected. She felt his energy as they continued, knowing his protective aura was compulsory. He would not let anything harm her, that much was definite.
As they reached the end, they entered a large room, needing to be lit by her hand. She gave it the lighting it needed, her mouth dropping in awe as she saw the secret the small room was keeping. “You have a well?”
As they surrounded the small hole in the floor, stones absent from the area as it formed an uneven circle, she tried to rid herself of her shock. It wasn’t just any common well. It was a direct line to the Great Tree. She looked at the walls where the torches flickered, there were roots covering every stone, small flowered plants lining between the cracks as they waved gently without breeze, as if every plant was exhaling.
“Yes. When this palace was built thousands of years ago, it was built around this secret. My people have long since forgotten why so many Norqour’s come from our bloodline. The Tree chose us to keep it’s secret, to protect the well until the next came along. My people know I exist, but they do not know the truth. We are its protectors.” He said as he lifted a hand over the opening of the well, the water inside of it beginning to move in rivets. “I’m afraid Lord Verdulke is a bit lost, Daughter of Odin.”
She looked up at him to find that he was. “The Great Tree has roots flowing through all nine worlds. It drinks its water from three wells, one in Niflheim, another directly underneath the Tree itself, and another in Jotunheim. These wells are guarded, protected for their essence which can range from knowledge, bravery, and power. This well is a direct line to the fates, giving answers to unknowns to those it calls to. Derkot is a Norqour, he protects the well, and guides those it desires to speak to.”
Kirk nodded his head slowly, understanding as she spoke with shock to her words. “But you said there are only three.”
Derkot dropped his cane as he lifted both hands above the water, the surface rippling as gold strands extended from its depths, illuminating the still dark water. “The smaller extensions feed from the three.” He watched as he began to see images intertwined with the gold strands, their stories expanding his mind as they wrapped around his hands.
Aztrit watched as the chords moved over his long knuckles, dripping water back into the life source as it traveled up his body. “You’re reading our fate lines.” She noticed as she kept her eyes on his movements.
Derkot coughed as he felt burning in his chest. They were rushing now. They had wasted too much time. “When we spoke earlier, I told you that you no longer possess your own. By finding each other, you’ve begun what they’ve predicted.”
Aztrit looked to him as she shook her head, “I’m sorry, I’m not understanding. Begun what, exactly?”
“Our new worlds.” They looked to each other in their silence, both questioning what any of the information meant. What would become of the worlds that survived, if any did? Why did it revolve around them?
She listened as his words began to sound as if it surrounded them, layers of voices on top of each other as his hair blew from non existent currents of air, whipping around them. She rushed to Kirk as the force picked up, blowing harshly as she struggled to breath. She fell into his arms, allowing him to keep her close. As her head began to throb, she looked to Derkot, his eyes a pure white in place of the obsidian she was growing used to, his gaze focused on her. ‘Blue night skies lay above the close of golden eyes; pools of wielded flame.’ She heard him say, his lips unmoving. She tried to understand as the gold strands fell from his body shirking back into the liquid as it laid still, not rippling from their movement.
She couldn’t will her body to move, each word he spoke echoing through her, fixating on her as their destination. They watched in horror as Derkot’s body dropped, his eyes closing swiftly as the wind died down. Kirk ran to him first, kneeling by his side and lifting him into his arms. “Aztrit!” he called to pull her from her shock.
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