Both, countries. Filled with many humans who will never come together all as one in complete agreement. Many with passions and goals that do not align with each other.

What is it about the time and money poured into a ceremony that can solidify any that?

Sharena laughed at my grumbling. She said the ceremony wasn't some magical barrier to prevent fighting. The time and money spent were to show both sides intent to take the alliance seriously.

...

Conceptually, I get it.

It's like an expensive wedding ring to show you mean to keep your vows. Yet, on this scale it seems silly to me. It seems more silly after everything that occurs next.

Because as we worked on preparations, people dressed as Emblian soldiers attacked. Later we'd find out the weapons were theirs as well.

Defeating them was easy. They kept retreating, leaving the hardest part covering up what we could to prevent panicked rumors from spreading.

That means dinner took awhile to get to. Not helped by the fact that as soon as the time came, a lull in the day, an assassin came for Alfonse.

Ah- no, that makes it sound much more cool than it was. It was scary for sure, but cool... not at all. Kind of sad.

She managed to approach the both of us, in the middle of the Order, without anyone catching wind.

If her intent was to kill she would've accomplished it- but the assassin made a noise and gave herself away. One swing of Alfonse's sword was enough to win from there.

Her moment of weakness stretched pretty far actually- she answered all of our questions without much thought.

Though Alfonse was pretty scary, questions firm and brain working overtime from the rush of a near death experience.

Ratatoskr is the name her father gave her.

Our wannabe assassin is kind of cute. A little squirrel creature of Yggdrasill, belonging to a group called the Healing Hands... If I had photos I'd make a scrapbook out of a journal page to prove her cuteness.

Maybe after the problems she's brought with her are settled.

She has a good heart- Alfonse appealed to it and turned her into a triple spy. There were too many pitfalls in his plan, but I saw the vision he had for it.

All she asked for in turn is saving her sisters. Well- that's asking a lot, to be honest, but I'd ask for the same thing.

Læraðr had ordered her sisters to kill themselves after they complete this mission.

I wonder why he would do such a thing. Hmm. That sort of order is left for missions you don't want leaking out... leaking to whom? And why not ask the same of Ratatoskr?

We still don't know.

If she wants her family to live I'm inclined to help. Everyone deserves that much.

That said... intelligence warfare is rough. My head feels like it has been spinning nonstop. Perhaps I'm relying on Alfonse too much when it comes to politics.

After the ceremony, I'll have to ask him to walk me through some things again.

There's many things I'm planning for after the ceremony it seems. Maybe an era of peace appeals to some part of me as well.

While waiting for Ratatoskr's return from her first mission, Anna and Sharena drafted plans for keeping Alfonse safe.

Less surprising in hindsight, he sat that discussion out to instead reset himself after all the battles we'd been running through.

When she returned with clearly fake information, I couldn't help but wonder if this is what her father hoped for all along.

Why would he give her task to her sister, yet not give her a new one on her return. Nothing of his actions make sense to me.

Nonetheless, we parsed what to do with the fake information and decided to work it to our advantage.

Alfonse is already making me wish I could turn off my instincts, because my possessions should not be placing themselves in harms way by wandering alone at night for assassins.

The choice has already been made though. So I'll have to get better at protecting them. That's all there is to it.

...His plan did let us see one of the sister's we've promised to save. I hate that he thinks his plans through enough that the boons outweigh the terror they bring.

After that awful night, we met up in the morning with Princess Veronica at a secret rendezvous point.

That is all I'll say on the matter- no one is sure to read this anytime soon, but recording secret meetings in detail is something only fools do.

The information gained in that meeting was later confirmed by Ratatoskr, and we took secretive action in goal to help both countries reach peace.

What I can say is the Emperor of Embla was attacked by an assassin shortly thereafter, and it is the Order's regret that it happened.

Veronica deserves more than a mother who will not listen to her, to the point they both find the border between life and death yet again.

As after confirming she'd take her mothers place, Veronica too was attacked.

This is meant to remain a secret as well, but if an enemy spy manages to find my journals before their time without death meeting them first- they can have that one.

After a long day working to get ducks back into rows with Veronica and Ratatoskr, we come to a plan that only they could make reality.

Having Ratatoskr give us one last piece of information, and then using Embla's power to close the way to prevent our assassins from moving.

Embla's power... Yggdrasill... there's something I'm still wondering after all this time, and perhaps Veronica would know the answer.

One day we might have enough time for questions. Perhaps after the peace ceremony, should our plan be successful.

Soon.

Perhaps it's because I'm a spiteful individual but even sitting here has me fuming.

It wasn't long after my last entry that Queen Henriette met with us an confirmed everything was going smoothly for the peace ceremony. No gaps in security. That was a li-

...

That was not a lie. Things were going smoothly for her, who had no idea of what was lurking in her as far as we're aware.

I hope that conversation wasn't the last one we'll ever have with the true Queen Henriette.

We got sidetracked, chatting a bit about the gold accessories I'd given Alfonse, Anna and Sharena.

The pride I felt... to turn it bittersweet would be sad indeed.

Praise for these treasures I had carefully chosen.

Anyway, all that was supposed to be left was cleaning up some diversions before the ceremony began.

Veronica even put on a strong performance. She arrived without issue, and stood tall alongside Queen Henriette.

I could hear their private conversation easily- but that didn't earn us any extra time.

Didn't let us catch that the Queen had- as Læraðr would put it- her 'heart' taken any faster. The ceremony came to a crashing halt, with Læraðr informing us his name and who he was- the beating heart of the Quieting Hands- and that the Queen had drank poison under his command. All before disappearing from her without a trace.

As far as we know, she's still in critical condition with healers at her side. Though, there's not way to get updates where we are.

... We're now trapped.

Of course we are. We knew from the start it was a trap.

But what other choice was there?

When the Queen has potentially only days left, and Læraðr is hidden inside Yggdrasill.

Where else were we supposed to go. Even if he seemed to hand us a door in personally. Sure, locked, but he would've known Alfonse could open it.

I hate this cornering shit.

Side note: When Alfonse opened the way, he seemed to have more power in it this time. More...oomf. Perhaps it was circumstance, or perhaps... If it's the other thing, I'd be tickled pink.💖

Ah- he also pulled me aside. We both agreed there was a grander plan going on, but he said he was concerned I was the true target of this scheme.

Sigh... when he said "I worry their true target is you, Eve. So I will remain at your side. I will protect you." Of course I have to write that down.

I never wish to forget how someone of my hoard spoke. The last fond moment of this entry.

It wasn't long into our scouting that I realized dragon biology really does NOT mix with this tree.

In hindsight- it makes sense.

A magical tree fully surrounding us is going to be pumping magic into the air. My body is also constantly pumping magic into the air.

Much like a humid summer day, it's suffocating. Where the air is so filled with water one cannot sweat, I cannot release any of the magic in my body through normal means.

Blowing up rocks and other non-plant materials seems to work. The output isn't enough to rely on though.

Back to it.

After we walked awhile, we met Eikþyrnir. Ratatoskr's brother.

I wonder-- no. I don't care right now.

He was a distraction. A guard, who kept us busy. So when Læraðr spoke up again, we were caught off guard. A haunting voice, seeping from the tree all around us.

Taunting us.

Even now, I feel phantom thorns in me. Poisoning me. That maniac poisoned me. Before I knew it I heard an explosion, felt something hot on my arm, and fell unconsciousness.

I'm writing now, so obviously I woke up. I didn't die.

I even woke up in a pretty woman's lap- Heiðrún, the nectar of the Healing Hands.

Everything hurts, but I'm alive.

When I woke up, everyone was excited. Relieved. Thanking Heiðrún, though she declines the praise, saying her father cast her aside because this is all she could do.

Talking about how he's turned to harm when that was never his way before.

I almost died in a shitty situation. All she can do?

An asinine statement. Though I guess this is more useful for torture than assassination, if Læraðr's goal is violence based now.

Commander Anna commented on Læraðr's tactics too. Seems we're all trying to puzzle him out.

She said it was odd for him to not only poison the summoner, but set off a bomb as well. Ratatoskr spoke up to mention he wouldn't normally do that, but didn't know what that was then.

Considering that despite all the organ pain from the poison, my magic was more stable and less stifling than it had been, it was obvious it was my fault.

I had to fess up. I think the shock of the poisoning, plus stress, plus suddenly dizziness combined into an explosion of magic.

Sharena said that once Heiðrún had appeared to care for my condition, it took them awhile to put that fire out.

Everyone had soot on their clothes, and Sharena was holding my robe with a burned off sleeve. There was also plenty of destruction to the tree nearby.

...

Which means burning it really is on the table. Though that was clearly true all along, the burn scars serve as physical proof.

If he can speak from the entirety of the tree, that means he may be watching us now.

I wonder if that explosion caused him pain.

When explaining how that happened to the others, Anna asked if that was likely to happen again.

My answer, reasonably, did not impress them. They asked if there was any way to mitigate the effects the tree itself was having on me.

There was.

I'd motioned her closer and gently took the gold flower crown from her.

As I pressed a bit more magic into it, I gave them a short explanation. That items of my hoard can absorb my magic far easier. Soon they may too, though with people it's more complicated.

I had to promise to say more later, after this is over.

Heiðrún suggested we all rest while we have a moment.

I've been using that rest time to write, and now I'm going to mull over the burned bark as we plan our next steps.

After our rest, Eikþyrnir and Heiðrún talked more about how the Healing Hands are no more, just the Quieting Hands.

Eikþyrnir also declares he cannot choose a side and will instead choose none. However, Heiðrún will go with him as they cannot breath where we were to go.

Ratatoskr is still coming with us though. Everything really does feel like a conspiracy.

A grand scheme of stupid chess.

Why. Why, why.

Why.

Before we move on, Alfonse asks Eikþyrnir why he is the only one to not refer to Læraðr as father. Ratatoskr is surprised, Heiðrún says nothing.

He says we're better off not knowing. Whatever Heiðrún and Eikþyrnir know, they weren't willing to share. Hope that makes them happy.

Our guide squirrel takes us further up. Up, up, until Læraðr himself stops us. Him being one with the tree is dangerous for us.

Either the tree needs to be destroyed or he needs to be separated from it.

This guy pissed us all off, asking how the Queen is fairing.

Alfonse pulled out his sword at the heckling. Though Læraðr says he hopes she gets well sooner rather than later... it's only in his own self interest.

Calling himself "what you would consider to be a god." as if I give a shit.

Telling us we will not be leaving this place.

On that, he's right.

The aspect we didn't consider when falling into his trap is that if people need his permission to enter, they'd need his permission to exit.

Fuck. Even if... I'm sure this place can become a labyrinth easily. All this posturing to offer a deal.

Claiming everything until now was simply him doing a favor for someone, someone he can't mention.

'I see his desires fulfilled, and he sees mine fulfilled.'

Having that kind of relationship with the avatar of Yggdrasill... that's serious.

Whoever it is can't give him everything though. That's why. That's why he's done all this.

He's offering an antidote and promise, and killing all the Quieting Hands, for what he wants.

Offers piling on offers before anyone can even respond.

It almost seems generous.

Læraðr was already going to kill some of them according to Ratatoskr, or require they kill themselves.

Does he think we're stupid?

To then point at me and claim I yield power beyond the nine realms. Power to bring his family back.

He was kind enough to clarify he meant me, Eve, and not Lavi. As if that makes it any more possible.

As if that makes it-

The maniac wants it done for real, a real miracle, no summoning from other worlds. He wants me to use the source of Yggdrasill's healing power to do it.

This has been my only time to think.

The battles thrown at us are distractions- keeping us on our toes enough that we can't think through his scheme.

Trapping us in his puzzle until he gets what he wants.

Even after we meet him there at Urðarbrunnr, the battles don't end.

From the other side of the battlefield I can feel the madness swelling within him.

As his threats increase in their insanity- taking over my mind, forcing me to kill myself, and then finally.

Asking if it's not enough that my brother is experiencing pains as I linger in indecision.

Saying perhaps I need more 'motivation'.

Telling me that if it seems hopeless that just means I'm not trying hard enough.

That I really am the only person to make his wish come true.

He's willing to kill my humans to make it happen. To give that 'motivation'.

Stabbing them with a poison worse than what I'd received.

Anna... Sharena... Alfonse...

In all this chaos, Ratatoskr remains unaware of why this is happening.

...

My chest is itchy. Not from magic now- the battles have helped with that a bit- but from the scales surfacing.

I'm losing my grip.

If both sides of the battle lose their grip it'll turn into an all out war over a miracle that should not be possible.

There's still no time to think. He's made it seem so easy to follow his rules.

. . . If we were to start now . . .

Perhaps. . .

[ A small drawing of fire. ]

There's an itch that I'm forgetting something. A reason not to.

But, if I can't do this insane miracle...

The only choice is to take everything with me.

Eve picks up some of Urðarbrunnr's water. Feeling bad for Ratatoskr as she talks to her family, with Hræsvelgr set on attacking them. The Askr Trio get's a heal from Heidy, though not a full cure. She's considering taking away an unknown enemies ally by killing Laer when Elk mentions that they are not truly his children. After fighting Hræsvelgr again as she copes with this information, Laer steals her seed back and calls her a failure.

[ Eve is pressing her tail up against Ratatoskr. Comforting, if only slightly. They're all staring in horror. But as soon as Læraðr has disappeared again she's running. ]

I'll be back. Stay *here*. All of you. Until I say otherwise.

I may see if Ness is okay with me transcribing this later, but for now a link to Corian and Eve's choice.

As much as I am saying things adjacent to 'I burnt down Yggdrasill' or 'we burnt down the World Tree'; this is very much a misnomer.

It was Corian Brandt who did the heavy lifting on that front.

With something I doubt many others would ever approve of- or want to replicate. Those details are not mine to give, nor do I really know them. All I know is he killed a lot of people to make it happen, and suffered.

I'd say that suffering was more than worth it, and it seems he'd agree.

My part begins after though.

Not all of it I can explain as well as I'd like, I think.

A bonus of being half mad is that a lot of draconic instincts kick in.

That's how I was able to use my magic shield more effectively than normal- even filtering out smoke from my air. If I'd been any slower the flames might've engulfed the whole tree, but I managed.

Hours dedicated to this alone; even a small surviving piece of the tree is massive in size. By the time I'd saved it the other realms had been cut off.

Alfonse, Ratatoskr, and the others managed to make it back to Askr before the connections severed. I only saw them again once the tree had reconnected us.

The choices made will impact all nine realms for a long time.

The Ice Festival was ended early due to the melting, Nifl is seeing record temps, and the fall weather seems like it'll not be coming this year. The skies everywhere are still red and smoky.

But the tree survived!

Not without... a lot of help.

I had to do it all on my own, and there's no one else I would have trust with this task. The nice thing is that fire burnt so hot that a lot of the debris I moved was ash.

Not as heavy as it could've been.

Then once the surviving fragment could breath, I had to help it pull in it's remaining magic.

Shrink it's scope. With this, reform it's shape.

Yggdrasill does have it's own power source, so as it pumps out more magic it'll grow in size again.

Seeing the tree reform into such a small size was a sobering moment as I realized how much damage we'd done to such a grand being.

...

But the World Tree could no longer be trusted with it's job, and for that, needed to be reverted. A life cycle brought back to the beginning.

A concept worth every moment spent tilling the soil, mending the tree, connecting with it.

It's remaining magic was not enough to rebuild anything. My own supply is not connecting nine realms plus some worthy either. I panicked when I realized, but then my eyes caught it.

At the center of the newly reshaped tree was a hole- where I'm sure future animals will make nests, but strange for new growth to have.

I stuck my arm in.

The heart of the tree lived. It's memory corrupted, but functional.

Similar to... a human amnesiac, perhaps.

Remembering how to do actions through 'muscle memory' but not it's name or misdeeds. The tree didn't remember the sins it had committed to justify the burning.

Just pain.

Gently pushing my magic into that heart allowed us to connect, and allowed me to show it the next steps.

That it will hurt less if it can get back to it's purpose. In return, it showed me what it needed. Without it's wealth of magic it's needs were much more... tree like.

It needed water.

I took out Anna's flask, and returned to Yggdrasill it's own healing power. Water from Urðarbrunnr. Already that helped it grow immensely.

Next, shuffling through ashes for animals who had not escaped the flames.

Burying them so they'll be future food as the tree grows.

Finally, the missing piece. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out, as the tree seemed lost on what to ask for.

It also took... well, were I not afraid of everyone dying from my error, I don't think I could've been convinced to do it.

The treasure from my hoard that I wore. A heart shaped golden accessory. Thanks to the fact I'm constantly wearing it, it held a large wealth of magic. Even after I had spent so much protecting myself in the chaos.

At the base of the tree, I dug a small hole and planted it snug against a root.

With that it now had it's healing powers, a restored heart to create it's own magic, and a vessel to use. To connect with the world.

Unfortunately, I think I'm now connected with the tree.

It's been calling to me, like a child begging for attention. I suppose we can now add 'caretaker of Yggdrasill' onto my list of titles.

Even now it's calling, telling me the next step in securing the world connections.

It wants to absorb 'something' from each of the 9 realms. When I told it that because of my bodily structure I suffer in some of them it said it could help ease some of the pain.

The World Tree does not work much with time, but it said it could keep my soul's connection to Eden's stable.

So I guess what I do next is travel to each realm, find something it can absorb (it's Very unclear what this really means) so it can re-affirm the connection.

...I also still have the poison to worry about. So nothing will slow down anytime soon.

As long as Yggdrasill had enough magic running through it, the connections would remain stable enough. Perhaps not enough to move armies through, but individuals surely.

With the most pressing concern out of the way, the next ones were just as dire.

Eve had to finally reunite with Alfonse and Ratatoskr and explain herself.

. . .

To say they were upset was an understatement.

To say she was horrified to come to terms with Hræsvelgr's condition was an understatement.

A long, long upsetting discussion happened around Hræsvelgr's cot. Not only with Alfonse and Ratatoskr, but Sharena, Anna, Eikþyrnir and Heiðrún as well.

Everyone who her choice immediately effected.

No one left that room happy. Of course, Ratatoskr and Heiðrún were hardly leaving that room at all as it stood.

Finally leaving for her room, Eve could feel the adrenaline that kept her going finally fading for good.

Finally. Finally. Finally-

"I can't leave you alone for two months without issues?"

She was so exhausted she didn't look up at the voice. Just leaned into the figure standing in front of her bedroom door.

"Sorry Lavi... I'm soooo sleepy... I'll do better next time."

Without even acknowledging his anger, she fell asleep standing up. Forgetting in her exhaustion that he wasn't supposed to be here.

[ Note: 🟠 is Eve; ⚫ is Lavrenti ]

She found him already making himself at home, lounging in what she commonly used as her office. Legs up as he flipped through a journal.

🟠: HEY! Stop that! That has sealing magic on it for a reason.

⚫: Okay, sure, sure. Then grace me with your time and explain what the fuck went wrong.

Oh- he was pissed. Still, she was about to show a lot of weakness. Better to not start early.

She sat on top of her desk and crossed her legs as she caught him up on everything involving Yggdrasill and Læraðr. Her choice to burn it down, and how it was done.

By the time she finished, Lavrenti was pressing his face into his hands.

⚫: I cannot express how proud I am that you did something that insane. You just made your life so much harder.

🟠: My life would've been easier if you hadn't decided to poof me here.

⚫: Do you realize how long that tree is going to take to grow back? You're going to be tending to it for thousands of years.

...

She stared at him. No... surely the tree would be fine after a hundred years of stabilizing? Right?

⚫: Plus, it kind of sounds like whatever personality it originally had before all of ... that ... has come back, and it likes you.

⚫: So you just attached yourself to a tree that will be able to find you unless you manage to travel to a world very, VERY, far away.

🟠: . . .

🟠: Well it's not like I have a choice now.

⚫: No, you don't. So it's best you learn really fast how to care for it.

Sticking her tongue out at him and picking up a pen from her desk, Eve was satisfied at the way it bounced off his forehead.

His eye twitched.

⚫: Eden fell unconscious from the sheer amount of pain, how did you stay awake?

🟠: ... I didn't have a choice. It was do or die.

⚫: Kiddo.

🟠: Look, I can recover from the pain later. Take a vacation, lay in a hot spring, et cetera. Right nooooow, do you have anything from home on you?

Raising an eyebrow, Lavrenti nodded. Clicking his tongue he reached under the desk to pull up a rainbow colored bag.

Perfect.

Eve took it and dug through. Her nose itched as she felt like what she wanted was close. Cologne, phone, extra pair of socks, wallet- ah. Here.

Pulling it into the light, she gave it a critical eye.

A pretty stone. Labradorite? Didn't matter.

⚫: You're giving the tree... the nice rock my wife packed for me.

🟠: Grow up. He'd be happy to help~!

⚫: I'll tell him you miss him terribly when I call him later.

🟠: ... Call? You're not going home now?

A snort, and he shook his head.

⚫: You've got too much going on right now. I'm sticking around, and I'll even do paperwork free of charge.

She stared at him. Then threw another pen at his face to see if he was real.

Bonk.

⚫: Evie you burnt down the damn World Tree! I think it's important I stick around until you /finish/ what you /started/!

Putting the rock in her pocket, the smaller dragon could only sigh. It's not like she could kick him out. Not when she had no idea how he kept getting in.

🟠: Fine. You helped just now, and you're going to do paper work. But- BUT! Ground rules: Do not pick fights, do not bother people, and do not try sneaking into the alcohol again.

🟠: ESPECIALLY the no fights rule. I know how many people you don't like that I talk to.

Holding up his hands in submission, Lavrenti chuckled at her demands. It's like she never aged past 900 sometimes.

⚫: I promise good behavior, not best behavior. Now go collect your things for the tree, and find that antidote so Queen Henriette can help me with paperwork.

Always about him. Her tail glided over the desk- knocking everything off of it in the process- just so she could whack at him before she stood up.

Time to wander Askr in search of... something nice? The same part of her that picked the Labradorite knew each item for the tree would differ.

As Eve approached the tree with stones in hand, that much was clear. She could see she'd have to climb to reach the heart of the tree today.

If only she could transform again, then her wings could just take her up.

Well, soon enough if all goes to plan. Just a little more and all her boasting about being victorious may become the truth.

The climb wasn't terrible yet.

Making her way up gave her time to catalog her knowledge.

A request had been made of her- find objects in each realm to supplement the trees connections and solidify them.

The nine realms were mandatory, plus whatever others she felt necessary.

The objects themselves seemed random, yet once found, felt obvious. Natural.

Eve considered the idea she'd inhaled too much smoke. Ingesting burnt magical tree making her... aware of what it needs? No, that sounds stupid.

Is it because she shared her magic with the tree?

That seemed less stupid, but she wasn't sure.

She only had two of the ten planned items so far, as the World of Steel didn't count as one of the nine realms.

So Nifl, Múspell, Hel, Ljósálfheimr, Dökkálfheimr, Niðavellir, Jötunheimr, Vanaheimr and Ásgarðr still remained.

Which ones to prioritize was a hard decision. It's not as if they'll go down forever if she doesn't get to them first- but who knows what would happen if there was a hiccup in Yggdrasill's power supply?

Vanaheimr was the one's she was least worried about.

What about the Realm of the Dead, though? Or the Realms of Nightmares and Dreams? What happens if those become disconnected again?

Nifl and Múspell do a fair amount of inter-realm trade, what about them?

The tempest has been haunting Niðavellir for awhile-would it cause issues?

The realms all experienced a world without Yggdrasill for two days, and it'll take months to recover fully from the experience.

As Eve finally reached the tree's heart and began to carefully arrange her gifts for it, worry at tickled her.

She was reaping what she sowed, both in benefits and consequences. No regrets about her choice could be found in her.

But she had to acknowledge she didn't have enough information to make the choices she needed to. Instinct can only guide her so far.

The tree glowed as it accepted her offering.

She may not know what realms to prioritize, or even how to get to Ásgarðr, but at least progress was being made.

Progress takes time. She has more than enough time, surely.

For now, a short nap underneath the World Tree would be her reward.

The more time spent with Yggdrasill the more I feel I've both made a mistake, and done something wonderful.

On one hand: raising a tree from ashes and giving it new life is HARD. Magical trees? Even worse.

The amount of magic I've injected into the thing has given me a weird connection to it as well.

I think I've grown to have parental-like feelings about it. It's not common for my species to feel like that so I could be mislabeling it, but... at the very least, protective.

On the other hand: It's hard BECAUSE it's stuff of legend. Not just anyone could do it.

Funny how I came to Askr and asked why so many dragons get labeled divine and then do something like this. Ah well.

If anything I'm just an underpaid, under-qualified gardener.

...If gardening sometimes includes running around 8 different realms collecting items I could only find thanks to my connection with the tree, and general sense for magic.

Sorry, no reason to ramble to myself in a journal that very few people will access.

Probably just me and Ratatoskr?

Læraðr will be back in some form one day, but not to an adult-like capacity for a long, long time. Someone else ought to know how this was done in case a problem ever arises.

I'll be here a long time, but not forever.

We'll see.

Anyway, the items I collected. One for each realm, to re-establish the tree's connection with something physical, something real. It's hard to say /how/ they were selected.

I can say that it seems similar to how I collect items for my hoard. On the surface, it looks like a preference and to a degree can be, but it actually is about compatibility.

Not everything can hold large amounts of magic or magical currents, and each individual's magic will not cohesively work with every object.

Normally the differences are minor- human mages do not always notice this difference I've found.

But when it comes to magical beings like dragons or The World Tree, those minute differences are so much more important.

What I'm saying is these items were better synced to the magic of the tree than your average piece of junk- or treasure- laying around.

Based on some of their locations as well I'd say...perhaps they were also 'truly of their realm'?

Many of these realms are connected in some way after all, so it'd make sense for things to cross over sometimes. A rock from Jötunheimr being in Niðavellir is not a strange concept, especially after the fighting that occured.

The items I found were often away from any known gateways, but not far from important places. Whether that is a legendary location, or well populated hubs.

Unfortunately, if there ever came a time they needed to be replaced, I can say with certainty they would not be the same item.

That's why I'm not bothering to list them all- it'll just cause bias. It could be as small as a rock or as gruesome as a skull. It could be a man-made or it could be natural. Old and worn or new and shiny.

May the future never have to worry about this!

There is one concern, though I have a feeling it'll be resolved before I leave Askr.

The ninth realm. One the Order has yet to venture into. The same realm Loki and Thórr are from.

I did not collect that item.

..It is in the tree.

After getting the missing ones together, I'd gone to the tree to deposit them, thinking I could just wait until Loki appeared for a chess match to see if I can weasel her into helping me.

But when I got there, someone else had already come and placed it in the heart of the tree.

Strange, and concerning.

Also- I hate it. I've been so protective, not letting many go to Yggdrasill's realm, as it recovers. So the knowledge that someone did so and also knew what needed to be done.

I'm not excited to see what Ásgarðr holds for us. I'll have to expand my notes once I know more.

Well.

This means all 9 realms, and a connection to the World of Steel, are accounted for now. Realizing the worst is over, I'm resting now. ...Hmm... Do the heroes worlds need to be reconnected as well? I'll monitor carefully.

For now, what should happen next is simple. The connection to the other worlds was causing a strain.

I'll leave it down for a few more days, and then when it's back up the magic stores in the tree should be functional enough that it continues to make more than it uses.

...The downside is I can't summon anyone right now. However, the contracts already made hold true and no one has disappeared or had side effects.

There's also the matter of the poison and the Healing Hands.

They're not forgotten, and the clock on that poison is coming up soon even after Heiðrún's help.

Yggdrasill's magic no longer being depleted and the tree being healthier is key to solving both of those problems, I feel. But for now, that is not the future's problem.

...I think I covered everything the future me or a Healing Hand could need. If not, there's more pages and plenty of space in the margins.

If I'm wrong as more unfolds, that'll be helpful to know too. Just because I'm the cause of something, doesn't mean I know everything I've done.

[ An add on, dated months later. ]

I'll admit to playing with the tree to see what our connection can accomplish. Using a similar- yet different- methodology, I connected two Yggdrasill's.

Kiran's and my own. Call it possessive, but if I can't keep them by my side for longer than the span of a human life, this is a fine sign of how serious I am.

Just like each realm needed a physical object, so did the Yggdrasill's. However, as the two tree's are very alike, even with the differences I've caused, they needed a true doorway as well.

...I built those by hand. If you ever run across it, don't make a rude comment.

I add these to say it can be done- and should the need to remove them ever exist, destroying one of the physical doorways should be enough. Both would be best, though.

Ah, but don't look to them expecting an open doorway. It costs a lot of energy to cross, so they're left shut. The only way to safely use them is through the partnership of Askr and Embla- to make sure the doorways can be opened and shut.

As of my writing this, it appears opening and closing the gateways causes some strain on them. I'm not sure if Askr and Embla, the gods themselves, would struggle as much, but it's best to leave this for emergencies. The 'front entrance' works fine, this is just... a possessive back door.

[ Another addition, marked more recent. 10/29/25. ]

Taking some time with Ash and her new form, it appears she can open it without struggle. Though it still costs a fair amount of energy to maintain, this is good to know. Bride Embla (the only Embla to answer my summons as of this writing) seems to be able to close it just fine as well.

As Eve sat down across from the occupied desk, she popped open the cork on the wine bottle and filled the glasses high.

"Hmm? I thought I was banned from your supply." Shaking her head, she slides her brother his wine glass.

"You are. It's just one bottle."

Taking it, he swirls the drink and smells it. Satisfied, a sip."I take it you've thought about what I said?"

The summoner doesn't look to him, instead plucking a report off his desk. Ah, the finalized numbers for how many souls got lost on the way to Hel. Splendid.

"Which thing you said."

"Whichever one you want to talk about, Evie."

Her lips touch the rim of her glass, pausing. Why did formal conversations always feel so different? An odd space, that she's not used to with him. A sip, extra time.

"Isn't it about time you go home? Lady must be tired of waiting."

"She's waited longer. I don't like that you've still got loose ends."

Sigh. Fine.

"Your note- you're the reason I'm here."

"Yes."

"And you regret it?"

"..."

Now it's his turn to use the wine as an excuse.

"You wouldn't be sticking around if you didn't, Lavi."

"This realm... realms, whatever. I had a reason to send you here, a few even. But, well, I never expected you to get in a scuffle with something like Yggdrasill. I never expected- the issue. With your soul. None of that. This was just supposed to be a fun little exercise to build some independence."

Eve finished her glass, and poured another. Wincing at the idea.

"So you want to stick around until it's resolved."

A black claw taps against glass, Lavrenti sighing.

"The other issue is- the method I've been using to come here is weakening. If I leave, I can't come back the same way."

The room fell silent. Eve still not looking at her brother. Intimidated by a dragon king, not by him.

"I thought it was just ancient dragon bullshit."

Snickering into his drink, he raised a brow.

"Well, ancient dragon /wisdom/ maybe. Just saw a loophole and used it. But it's closing up. That's not what you want to talk about though."

Tilting her head as if the weight of the world was contained inside one horn, and sighing again for good measure.

"It sort of is, actually. Close."

A pause, and she's looking at the report again. He wants her to be more independent, so... this should be okay, right?

"That's worrying, yeah. Like- I still don't get how you're traveling to and from here. But there's other ways, right? And I definitely needed some support after everything I just did."

Stop buttering him up, say it. Say it-

"But if you want me to be independent I can't let you hang around and do all my background work for me. I can handle it. You made the choice to drag me into this mess, and the only way I can get out of it is to see it through. By myself."

Silence again, and they're both agreeing it's a good moment to drink.

Lavrenti looks across the desk at his sister. He can tell she hates this- as if she's ever been as hard to read as she thinks she is. Fake smiles, fake giggles, fake responsibilities.

He's watched her gorge eyes out and watched her cry once everyone was gone. Hold her fist tight so no one would see it shake as she stood up for Eden and herself.

Notes about herself that she's gotten better and better at hiding over time. But-

Look at the scales crawling across her chest and neck. Really, she could stay like this. Here, it might be the smarter choice. No cultural norms to be afraid of, and extra protection.

It should be a choice, not a warning of looming madness. Not at her age. He's been a poor brother.

Maybe he cursed her with this. Being raised by a man who had fallen into despair... did he set her up for this?

He reaches into his shirt and rubs the scales inside. She picked a nice wine for telling him to fuck off.

...His wife will be terribly, terribly upset with him.

When was the last time he felt so anxious? Even when they went to the Devildom, he didn't feel like this. Before he can consider it-

"Before I send you packing, will you at least spill the beans on how you're traveling?"

"Spill the beans, hm? You've come so far, but you're still not sure how I've done it."

Her eyes are on him again, finally, and the frustrated authority in them shines bright.

"You said it was a loophole... it's not something with Breidablik, is it? Or Askr's blessing?"

"It's not. Your guns been fooled- and the gods may have pieced it together but if anything, I corrected /their/ mistake."

...

Eve's face shows a clear lack of understanding. How does any of that make sense?

"You'll figure out what I mean eventually, you're smart. It's not important. I know other ways to get back here, and I'll still send your goodie bags. If you really want me gone."

She moves the wine bottle towards him. This time when she gives her demands, she doesn't look away.

"Let me do this, by myself. No more rushing over here. I'm capable."

"You're capable. Got it."

"Tell mom I said I miss him."

Taking the wine bottle, the ancient dragon nodded. Standing up from his desk to look down at her.

To see of the dragon he's raised.

"Of course."

She has a ways to go, but dragon's are meant to learn on their own anyway. This should be good for her.

...

There is now. There's- plenty of time. I write this entry just before departing to hear the Queen's speech. There'll be a lot of clean up after, and still more to do.

But there'll be time.

My last journals covered a majority of the Yggdrasill incidents, and so let me write about the poison. Yes, I believe that's the major thing left.

Writing about it will fill most of the loose ends as well.

The worst time to realize time is running out is the final hour. When the poison finally started taking too much of a toll, and Sharena fainted.

Immediately, I set out to return to the tree with a well picked heroes. Even if calling for them meant I'd have to be an adult.

Alfonse, Ratatoskr, Linhardt, and Nanna. Two healers to keep Alfonse on his feet as long as possible. And one sad squirrel.

The tree has grown again.

After Níðhöggr's funeral, it was big enough that Eikþyrnir and Heiðrún decided they'd rather stay with Yggdrasill than return to the Order.

Now, it could probably house double the amount of Healing Hands.

Ratatoskr only stayed with us because Hræsvelgr's body was still here, I'm sure.

As we began to climb the massive tree, I tried to ease some of the tension.

Telling Alfonse and Ratatoskr my theory. The one that I'd hoped was right- that the poison's source is a cure for another race. A medicinal turned sour.

One that the Healing Hands might know, once we can source it.

...

Ratatoskr was sharp in reminding me the two people who'd most likely know it were dead. One buried below our feet.

All I could do was apologize for the burden I'd given her to bear. She's lost family. And now I'm asking her to- I told her we'd talk more back in my office.

I can count on my one hand the number of times I've seen that poor girl smile since I returned from burning Yggdrasill down.

The heart of the tree has grown too- it used to be a small hole in the tree, like where owls would nest, and now it's a field-like space.

It felt almost like a sanctuary entering it, despite the open air.

Turning to Alfonse, I asked him to lay down. Then to Ratatoskr, I told her there's still a way.

I had to whisper a lot of it in her ear- while I'm sure Linhardt and Nanna could pick up ideas of what happened just by watching it's still technically a secret.

... What I asked her to do was incredibly difficult to watch.

We're waking up the remains of Læraðr early. Just for a little bit. He's still in the tree- just enough. His memories may no longer work but there's no way to know without asking.

She did everything she could think of to revive him. Pouring her heart out against the heart of the tree. Begging for her father to hear her.

She must've been holding that in for awhile. I- [ The words in her journal have been scratched out. ]

It worked though. A father's love, unburdened by corruption, can always find his daughter. Though he couldn't take a physical form, instead that familiar voice boomed from every piece of wood nearby.

A long back and forth happened. Instead of writing it out, I'll summarize.

He doesn't remember more than having a family. He said he knows her voice, her words, but her face is not one he knows.

Hræsvelgr's seed was destroyed in the fire- and he cannot recreate something he does not know.

However. The poison that inflicts Alfonse... he DID recognize it.

And with no reason to hurt us now, he was willing to give enough for everyone afflicted, if supplied enough resources. He said he remembered... a trick about it.

It had been the same poison for most of us, all along. It was a trick up his sleeve, the way the poison interacted with each of our systems to make it seem different.

Apparently the differences came in with how close each of us interacted with a specific species of flower.

...An interesting note for another day.

The magic I had to supply to help coax that damned tree into making enough antidote was killer. It seems Yggdrasill is just as aware as me that it cannot push itself again, at risk of shutting down all realms.

We carefully tested it on Alfonse to make sure it worked- and with him cured it took all we had to not race away to solve the rest.

...

[ There's a break in the journal, the rest written in what appears to be a code. ]

On the way back to the castle, Ratatoskr was more willing to talk to me. She thinks if she talks to Læraðr regularly, along with her siblings, maybe they can help him remember her sisters.

Remember them enough to make a new seed.

I'm not sure- but ... I don't see any reason to stop her from trying. She deserves some hope too.

Fight on, Ratatoskr.

. . .

Hræsvelgr hasn't woken up either.

The Summoner who did all this, now acting almost as a mother to her home. Raising Yggdrasil from ashes, whispering to it, looking at it like she understands it's secret.

It's not a fate easy to accept. It doesn't feel good, to have no choice but to trust and learn and grow into her fathers role under his killers protection.

[ How could she know? ]

Father might've been different, but he was-

[ When did he change? ]

He was someone who still could've been saved. There had to have been another way.

[ What will happen to them? ]

Why does that dragon look at her and think she's the one who can take Læraðr's place?

[ Will they even survive. They're not- ]

It's those thoughts that never leave her, that hide her smile more and more these days. That make it difficult to pump herself up to fight, when she's called for missions.

Like today.

The Summoner has a whole team assembled, but she seems to think there won't be much battle.

What do they need from Yggdrasill? To burn it again? To ruin her home more?

--

Then that Summoner is whispering in her ear. They're standing near the heart of Yggdrasill- far more exposed than it ought to be. It was never meant to be so easy to access. The only reason it is is-

The tree is small. It's no longer a realms worth of tree. The dragon says one day, it will be again. But when?

She whispers a secret of the tree. Læraðr is still alive. Sleeping, in the heart. The tree cannot support the existence of it's avatar in this state, she says.

One day, it will.

The dragon may live forever, but this squirrel is on borrowed time already. Is that truly a day she'll see?

The Summoner says only Ratatoskr can awaken her father. She'll have to call to him, and warns it'll only be temporary.

Their eyes look at Alfonse, sweaty and worn from poison.

Even if she's displeased, seeing so many people suffer because of her father hurts. She does want to cure their poison.

She wants to hear her fathers voice, one more time.

So she agrees. Starting softly, embarrassed by the four who can hear.

"Father..."

The heart of the tree is easy to sense, this close. The thrum of it piercing her heart. A familiar feeling.

"I-We have need of you... still. Please wake up."

She's following her senses, until she's kneeling in front of a hollowed out branch.

"F-father... I'm s-sorry I was a bad daughter. I betrayed you and-and... everything ended up like this. I don't know if-this was the right choice. It's hard..."

Her face is wet. She's so focused on the warm familiarity that she let's the audience slide away from her mind.

"I'm- SO sorry! It's my fault! You c-can blame me... but pl-please. We- we need you. I need you... If you'll listen to me one last time- like before... before everything went wrong! You used to listen to me all the time, even when I told the most boring stories I'm sure you'd heard a thousand t-times. You always listened then... so-"

The magic in the air feels heavier, somehow, as if a blanket was placed over her shoulders.

But no words. No gentle hands. Where was he?

"The-there's so much I want to ask you father. I-I'll hate you forever if you don't come out and help us! This-I- I'll really do it! And, and... I'll find your favorite branch, and use it to itch my back like you always used to scold me for. All I need is... just... a moment of your time. Ple-ase."

Her voice cracks, face puffy and round. Her hands clutched together, nails digging crescent moons into skin.

"A favorite branch...? Was there one of those?"

A voice covers the sanctuary-like space, blanketing the space with an unfamiliar voice. But yet. Who else could it be?

"Y-yes! Near Urðarbrunnr- before...everything. You always said it was the best branch in the tree."

"Hmm...I will... have to remember that... for the future."

The squirrel swallows. Excited to hear a response at all.

"F-father...I need to ask you some things, while you're here. Uhm...you do remember me, right?"

"You...I know your voice, I recognize your words... I can tell you are of me. But your face, dear child... I do not recall."

"You-you don't?"

"I know you are of my family, and that I have more children. But that is... all. Please ask what... you need. I will help... you and That One... however I can."

A sniffle and a nod. She hasn't stopped crying per say, but now is not the time to break down.

She'll have to help father remember for the next time he wakes up.

The Summoner wants her to ask about the poison, but- but she needs to know. Has to ask.

"F-first... if it's okay, I want to ask you father... About Hræsvelgr. Her seed wa-was burned in the fire. But- she's family...I want to save her somehow. Is there...?"

"Hræsvelgr...is not a name I know. I apologize child. I cannot create a new seed if I do not know... what I am creating."

Her shoulders shake. Of course. It'd never be that easy.

"Is there no way to remember...? Any of us?"

"I remember...loving my children. Dearly, so..dearly. Without them, I am a tree waiting for the end. Yet...I fear my core was damaged, and memories are hard to find. Perhaps though, if you and the others were to tell me stories... yes."

The voice continues overhead, soft.

"Yes, come back even once I am sleeping again, and tell me stories. It would please me greatly. I will always listen for my children."

Ratatoskr's heart leaps, nodding her head frantically.

"I will! I will. I'll come here frequently, and- and the Summoner wants me to learn how to care for the tree. So- please leave it to me father! We all will make sure you remember everything... you've cared for us for-for so long... we can repay that to you."

"Thank you... child."

Does he not remember that, either?

"R-Rataoskr, father. I'm Ratatoskr! But- ah... is it okay to ask for something else, too?"

"Of course. Is it about...?"

She stands, knees wobbling, and looks to where Alfonse lays.

"About Prince Alfonse... you probably don't- don't remember what poison you used on him. But is there a way to heal him?"

"Have you yet asked your sister? The... one who works... with poison. I remember... one who does... "

. . .

If Læraðr had a face all would be looking avoiding it. But where does one look to avoid a booming voice?

"Níðhöggr is dead, father."

"...I see. Then...I will look."

No body forms, but there's a sense of someone there for a moment. Sitting over Alfonse, taking in his condition.

It's quiet, and he seems eager to move. Uneased by the sense of an invisible force so close. Yet he stays still, panting in discomfort.

"Ah... I do know this poison. It's a tricky one... to diagnose. But it is easy to cure."

Nanna perks up eagerly in the back, excited for a breakthrough in treatment.

"If you all... bring me a few things. I will concoct an antidote for him."

Eve breaks her silence for only a moment, taking a step towards the heart.

"We have... five total that will need an antidote, actually. If you would not mind making enough to cover that?"

"Mmm... Yes, that is fine. Allow me to tell you what to bring, and we can begin. Ratatoskr, are you ready?"

When he says her name, it sounds different than before.

But Læraðr was the avatar of Yggdrasill, and it is Yggdrasill speaking to them, so they are the same.

Perhaps not having a body has simply changed him, along with the memory loss.

It's hard to mull it over much, with an antidote nearly in their hands.

So she'll take the list of ingredients and work with That Summoner, and fight until her father is back.

Worry about the rest later.