Chapter 4

Julian bolted to his feet, ignoring the white lights that flashed in front of his eyes as a consequence for moving so rapidly, and bolted over to Jenny. When returning the ring to her, he hadn't thought of what would happen if she ever broke up with Tom, simply because he hadn't believed it possible.

As gently as possible, Julian took Jenny's hand and placed his fingers on her wrist, checking for a pulse, "Come on Jenny, wake up." Without knowing why, he was whispering.

Slowly, Jenny opened her eyes. Her lids felt so heavy. She heard a chocked sob and looked up. There crouched above her was a man, and he looked, to her, to be the most beautiful man that she had ever seen.

"Oh, Jenny its all my fault." He whispered, wiping tears from his face.

The name sounded so familiar, yet she couldn't quite place it, because her mind was starting to shut down. She was so tired. Did this Jenny know how lucky she was to have such a handsome man crying just because she wasn't here?

"Don't go to sleep. Stay with me girl, come on you can do it."

She tried to open her mouth, to tell him it would be impossible but she didn't even have the strength to do that. After several failed attempts she gave in to the heavy warmth that was blanketing her, and fell asleep.

Julian tossed back his head and yelled, "Darg!"

The old Shadow Man appeared in front of Julian, "What do you want for Ju'an? You have your existence and your chosen is now a Shadow Woman. Of course for how long is debatable."

Shaking with fury Julian bit his tongue. It would not do well for Jenny's chances of survival if he were to lash out at his elder. Once he had had himself back under control he spoke, "Darg please help me. Help us." Julian griped Jenny's hand even tighter, willing here not to fade.

Sighing Darg shook his head, "Ju'an, Ju'an, Ju'an. I swear my soft spot for you will be my undoing. You understand what you ask?"

"Don't play the idiot Darg. I know the only thing that can be done now."

Darg reached into the shadows and drew out a blank rune stave, "What would you offer in return for this?"

"My offer is that I will make no move against those I swore to destroy when my name was removed."

Darg held out the stave, "If it were anyone else I'd slap them around the head for being so foolish. As things stand I should keep this, just to teach you your place." Then he thrust the stave into Julian's hand, as though it were contaminated, "Chose her birth rune well," he intoned before stepping into the darkest part of the cavern and fading from sight.

Julian slid the knife from between Jenny's cold fingers and started to carve. There was no debate over Jenny's birth rune. It was Gebo. (AN. I'd tell you the other runes but I don't know them.)

Once Julian was finished he placed his fingers on her wrist. A few moments ago it had been weak and threading but now it was rabidly gaining strength.

Julian sighed as he removed his rune stave from Jenny's grasp. Well, now there was only one thing that could defeat her and he would go out of his way to make sure that never happened.

He then threw the staves into the air and flicking his fingers, watched them speed off, before settling himself down at Jenny's side to wait for her to come round.

Inside of half an hour (which was 30 minutes to long for Julian's taste) Jenny opened her eyes. After allowing her a few minutes to get orientated Julian took her hand in his. He knew he was shaking; yet he also knew that there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Jenny smiled up at him, "Hello handsome. Didn't think I'd be seeing you again. So soon anyway."

Julian gave Jenny a wolfish grin, "Do me a favour and quit it with the almost dying whenever you and I are in the same room, hmm?"

"I'll do my best but I can't make any promises."

The wolfish grin dropped, to reveal a slightly more nervous expression, "What do you remember from tonight?"

"Not that much. Coming here, and that's about it. Why?"

Julian felt the tension drop from his posture as Jenny said this, "I'll take you back through, just as soon as you feel up to it. Going through that veil generally takes a lot out of people."

"You'll stay with me?" Jenny burst out, hopping she didn't sound as desperate as she thought she did. She didn't want to entertain the thought of returning without him.

"Jenny, you're an idiot. As long as you need me, and even when you don't I will never leave you."

"Well, good. You've owed it to me ever since you chased me with those U. F. O's. It may have shown how desperate you were, but I was seriously not impressed. But be warned, Mr," she said, stabbing a finger into Julian's chest as she did so, "if you ever leave me for someone else you wont have to worry about your ancestors killing you, because they're going to have to dig you up."

I wonder if you'll still be so eager to keep me when you know the truth. Julian involuntarily glanced towards where the staves were.

"Let's go now. I want to get out of here," Jenny said, as she stood up. A few moments ago standing at that speed would have made her need to sit back down again. Must be getting better, Jenny thought, and not without some relief then she grinned at Julian, "This may be your home, but it gives me the creeps."

Julian drew a rune in the air and a rip appeared, but before they could step through it Darg flashed between them and the rip.

Jenny latched onto Julian's' hand, her heart pounding wildly but Darg ignored her and spoke directly to Julian, "This is the penalty of your prior actions. Until we see fit to call you, you are forbidden to set foot in Niflheim again. Understood?"

Julian nodded and Darg flashed out, leaving them alone. Julian turned to Jenny, "Do you mind letting go of my hand? Preferably before you amputate it."

"I was not scared, " Jenny, said, heat rising in her face.

"Oh, really, " Julian rose his hand, "I've got marks that state the exact opposite."

Indeed, when Jenny looked closer she could see four deep half-moon cuts that were already filling with crimson.

Without allowing another word on the matter Jenny stepped through the rip, dragging Julian after her.