After arriving back home and handling immediate needs, we made our way to go check on a fort.

Someone had been waiting for us though, two someones- Alfonse, Sharena, Anna and I found ourselves greeting Loki and Thórr in an 'official' capacity for the first time in awhile.

They claimed they've been charged with a duty from the 'celestial realm', and it included apprehending us. Resisting may result in death, the usual threats a god will give.

It's funny, because I feel we must look very scary if Loki says four gods have been assigned this task.

Well... perhaps it's a correct assumption. We're not going to sit down and take it. Such sentiment pleases Thórr, who says this is why we have her respect. Then tells us now is the time to show our true strength.

Her speech seems to have pumped /her/ up more than us, if only because it launches her into a battle frenzy.

Cute...in other circumstances. Where we're not fighting her.

Those two are obviously planning something though, and Loki will leave it up to us to figure out what it is.

With them off to do... said plans, Alfonse brings up that the Baldr and Höðr they mentioned are brought up in ancient writings.

The Celestial Sun God and the Dusk Shadow God. Interesting titles to face, I'd say.

After that, it was off to prepare to fight gods. Another fort to visit, more heroes to deploy, and then some lady wanders into our range.

Muttering to herself about a rune-- (THAT'S what she was talking about--) Well. She sounded academic at the time, yet not all together.

Her attitude did not leave any of us to guess who she was- her strange clothes however made us wary.

So when Alfonse demands an answer, and she says (eventually) that she is Höðr, we're already prepped for a fight. The battle was difficult, but not impossible.

If she'd been any more careful, maybe she would've gotten her way... since as soon as she's departed, we meet a child named Rune.

It's so strange seeing a child look at us and call US children of Midgard. He speaks like the gods, says he is from their realm, but that he is not a god.

. . .

Maybe it's not so strange. Something tells me... well. An ally is an ally, and it seems like we're both wanted for false crimes.

The ever peppy welcoming party of Sharena helps Rune feel welcome as we make our way back to the Order. Anna also pipes up to introduce him to the space.

Instead of reacting as a child might normally, he continues speaking like a god. 'The stories I have heard of mortals...'

A phrase that I remember, only because it brought that itch back. I can't place it, and his gaze seems harmless. But...

It would be in my best interest to not assume too much, I believe. There's something in his energy that is warning me of /something/.

But the only way to know what is to experience it. I have no idea what my sixth sense is warning me of.

Even Rune's explanation of his situation doesn't help. But it does spark more questions. There's mysterious writings only he can read, that hold the tale of creation. Is it that why...?

A̶n̶d̶ ̶w̶h̶i̶c̶h̶ ̶t̶a̶l̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶c̶r̶e̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶d̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶R̶u̶n̶e̶s̶ ̶h̶o̶l̶d̶?̶

Nope, never mind. Crossing that out. That's not a question that can be asked. Too dangerous, too much. Rune doesn't seem the type to want to discuss his knowledge on the matter, anyway.

The Celestial King not knowing the tale of creation though... interesting. Was he not always king then? Or perhaps... well.

Of course he can't know everything. There is no such thing as a god who truly rules above all else. A god who thinks they can obtain such a thing knows not how the world truly runs.

This is going to be a pain in the ass.

A god who- to quote Rune- "[wants to] acquire the wisdom within the writings, the wisdom of all things." Something about what Rune said made Alfonse's face harden, just slightly, mostly in his brows. In a way that means he's ruminating over what he's been told.

Maybe I'll dredge up a light wine and interrogate him later. In the privacy of an office, where we can workshop our thoughts without judgement of our doubts.

As soon as I'm done writing, actually. There's only a bit left to recall... let's see.

More battles, and finally we face the other god seeking us out. Baldr. She introduces herself as righteousness, calls us mortals, and laughs.

Someone's having fun, at least.

We hear our charges in full- that we supposedly seek to rule over not only this mortal realm but all of the nine realms.

...

They're charging not just me- not just Alfonse- but the Order, together?

What supposedly all-seeing all-mighty would want such a case? We've all done things separately, and the case could be made-

Well. That's thinking with human logic. This isn't a human court.

Dragons use the same type of show all the time, back home.

Call your enemy to a rigged court, put on a show of fairness, and if they try to leave the stage: slaughter them.

Of course, because it's rigged, the only other choice is to be killed on stage after being 'proven' guilty.

A show for humans, and a show that is apparently good enough for gods.

They're determined to get us on stage though, reflecting our refusals and our weapons easily.

Baldr finally finds an opening and just- teleports us to Ásgarðr.

Fuck... I'm glad that Yggdrasill aids me now, when it comes to this weakness of mine.

The space travel made my already bruised soul hurt, but the tree's reach into the realm stabilizes me.

We're now in enemy territory, with even the entire physical Order transported here. As if to give us a 'fair shot' at fighting, to amuse the gods. Ugh.

As I started off this entry, I'll finish it the same way, now with the words to contextualize it:

This realm smells. It smells of mischief, devilry, and a pungent magic I'm yet to place.

All things I want for our trial.

[1] This is not quite her brother Eden, this Eden being referred to is a human who came here to learn more magic after the EoS announcement for Obey Me. In this Eden's world, Eve and him are best friends instead of siblings, and he also went through the Obey Me:Nightbringer game where Eve did not.

[ She sits in the chair across from her desk with them now, staring at her usual seat. ] [ . . . ]

Lilith...

[ It felt like even the humming of magic came to a halt as she pondered, making her shiver. Lilith's ghost didn't manage to follow her to Askr, did it? ]

[ What a punishment that would be. Her soul was better at rest watching over the brothers, she knew. ]

Mmm... Solomon's always been so tight lipped about her.

[ Most of the information came from the brothers, though maybe that's because Solomon never met her. ]

[ It seems like the human versions of Eden and herself didn't split souls, necessarily... no. ]

[ It seems Lilith's soul might've split between them, but because they were born in separate parts of the world, as humans, it mixed with a newly made soul. Leaving them whole. ]

[ Maybe it's a result of Lilith's endless wandering, as she waited on that plane for a chance to help her brothers. ]

[ Lilith just wanted another chance to do something to help them. A youngest sister who caused all three realms to tremble, who died twice in the name of love. Sometimes, Eve can still hear her voice. It was never audible, ringing in her head like it came from within. ]

Ugh.

[ None of this helps. Now she knows what the /human/ Eden's deal is, that she's alone again in this matter. ]

[ This doesn't help why it feels like her horns are tight on her head, or why her tail keeps fluctuating in temperature. Why does her body hurt all over. Without any place that can be pinpointed, as soon as she focuses on one pain, another spot aches just as much. ]

[ If she didn't know any better, she'd think the connection Yggdrasil had made for her was cut, but it wasn't. It clearly wasn't. ]

. . .?

[ This was just a her problem, wasn't it. ]

[ Eden- HER Eden- hadn't mentioned any pain in recent texts. ]

[ So what was /wrong/ with her? Her eyes look up to the ceiling, reflecting yellow light. ]

Let's see... Every time it hurts like this- I thought it was... ... But if it's not...

[ The dragon stands up, and whips around to her notes on previous cycles. ]

[ The end of a cycle can feel fast, but it never is. No, it's hundreds of years of choices coming to a point. No matter if it's the death of gods or fish. While the final- final- bang might be a flash, she can't help but think. ]

[ This isn't natural. There's pieces in each notebook- hers AND Lavi's- that sound so strange otherwise. ]

But why does that make it /hurt/? And- I don't get it. I don't...

Upon our entry into Ásgarðr, Baldr stayed hot on our heels. Even running through woods wouldn't stop her- which, for what it's worth, future reader, I am utterly sick of woods already. You may be too, soon.

But options were limited, with Baldr being someone unable to be harmed.

The woods are a dangerous place though, and out come the tricksters. By which I mean, previously mentioned big breasted pests.

Loki.

Claiming to be here to save us.

We have to, as always, give credit where it is due. She did help us escape Baldr's pursuit. But as the god of chaos, she had to make it feel like a test of endurance.

Run straight ahead, she says. With no other option in sight, Alfonse and Anna agree to listen for now.

Straight ahead lead directly to a dead end.

With no word from Loki, Alfonse and I take the lead on commanding. At least she doesn't leave us hanging though, as the battle continues I see a shadow out of the corner of my eye.

Loki, motioning chaotically at me. I think I heard something about saving us slip from her lips.

I hate that I understood what she meant.

Between the two of us, all allies snuck off the map and were replaced with an illusion. Teamwork makes my nightmares lesser, I suppose.

I was the last to escape, and- did Baldr shout for her 'followers', not her soldiers?

Guess that's how gods work, but still... I'm noting it down. Once we regrouped, Loki also referred to them as her followers.

... A soldier follows their orders out of a sense of duty and purpose, but why does a follower follow orders outside of faith?

There's nothing we can do to shatter their fate as things stand now, though. Not without any information.

Well. No information is not quite right- the real reason Loki saved us wasn't mercy or favoritism, she needs us for something.

In turn, supposedly, she told us Baldr's weakness.

Along with a wealth of other intel that we've yet to fully sort from true, half true, and lie.

Thórr and Loki are the Celestial King's new retainers, tasked with military concerns and strategies, for example. [An arrow points to the section and says 'what is new in god terms anyway'.]

Baldr is the Celestial King's daughter, and trusted.

Some lies were obvious out of the gate-but if they're obvious to cover up other lies, who's to say. Like being jealous of Baldr.

Ah, but to continue making a record of what she said. Whether to share the truth, or to cast her as a liar, only the future reader shall know for now.

She told us a long tale. Of the king of heaven casting a charm on Baldr when she was born, this is what gives her that invincibility against anyone across the nine realms. However, there was a way to transcend the charm's protection.

Kept at the end of the world, a jewel called Misteltán, imbued with the power of the creator, and pure white like the heavens themselves.

No one knows where it lay, but it's written in texts our new friend Rune can decipher.

Which, is obviously why she saved us.

She wants to use it- saying it'd strip Baldr of her protection so we could have her fate in our hands.

Anna seems so, so done with Loki now. Even in our camp, she's glancing at the goddess regularly to make sure she behaves.

Ah- is that why she's glancing--?

This isn't a moment for gossip. Though the future loves to hear it, I'm sure.

Loki requests Rune decipher the writings depicting the beginning of creation, so she-sorry, we-can find Misteltán. Always the perfect planner, she's already leading us to where the writings were left.

In our time here, I've noticed the amount of statues standing the test of time in random locations, but hadn't thought too much of it. Yet, this temple we're lead to...

Perhaps I do not understand the gods aesthetics.

Even if this stone seems to never weather, if those texts are so important, why are they written like this?

I think perhaps, I remember God having left asinine choices like that alive in the Celestial Realm at home as well. Hmm... maybe it is a god aesthetic thing.

. . .

Is it right to force a kid to do this? Ah, but I still don't understand- is he human. What kind of kid is he... he still hasn't opened up much.

It took him a while to read the runes- with how they're etched out that was no surprise. Yet, still faster than expected.

Perhaps this was his blessing at birth.

But when he finishes, he's quick to share. I wonder if he only feels comfortable doing this, because he does hold trust for us. Or does he believe this is the only way forward, as well.

According to Rune, Misteltán is in the farest western reaches of Ásgarðr, deep in the forest there. He also added something Loki neglected to mention- but was quick to say she already knew of- which is a jewel called Aesc.

The inverse of the Misteltán.

"Misteltán fractures heaven... Aesc heals it."

It sounds like they were created with another agenda in mind, and I am curious to what. It's unfortunate we don't get to hear the stories of old, just the information needed.

There's never enough time here. As the cycles get tighter, and tighter. The runes sound like they're creaking with effort. The build up of magic from the completed cycles i̴s̴—̴

[ The page has a few smears, as if someone was trying to cover wet ink. ]

Loki cannot leave anything alone. Hovering over my shoulder, reading my writing.

Sneaky goddess. Ugh.

Rereading what I wrote after shooing her away- what else needs to be noted...

Loki says Misteltán is white and Aesc is black. If Misteltán can break the charm Aesc can restore it.

We agree to go find them as both are in the same forest, but she suggests we only collect Misteltán as the other gods will not know where it is.

Alfonse and I made eye contact, but as evidenced above- we're not being given time to really discuss or plot against her.

No time to weave truth from lies, or plan ahead. Guess it's time to see where this leads.

Let's see... Loki. She says she's helping, and then right as Höðr is on the approach disappears without a word while split up and look for Misteltán- Per Her Suggestion.

Really, stones in the middle of the woods is an all hands on deck sort of task. Though a bit easier, with Rune and I.

Rune had never been to these woods before, but seemed to be able to tell what was artificially changed to make way for the ruins that held Misteltán close.

Meanwhile I'm stuck watching the lines of fate cross and turn across this whole forest, holding breath as they wait to complete.

...

I think it's no longer avoidable.

As time marches forward, and it becomes more and more clear that this will only end with an age old cycle being completed, I can't keep my secrets completely to myself anymore.

So, future reader, I suppose I can explain something of the dragons of the World of Steel.

After some events I'll discuss later, I think it's safe to assume Alfaðör knows this much as Yggdrasil does much the same role.

We were created with purpose, with a dream, with a wish. The strongest wish humanity could muster at the time. A wish for the end of chaos.

Dragon's don't actually stop chaos, they're often something that creates it. But we've been given the ability to guard the one constant in life, fate and it's cycles.

This is why we act as observers, archivers, and witnesses of the world.

We create magic in our cores and spread it as the medium that keep the strings of fate flowing. The lines crossing my vision go onto a plane unknown to humanity, combining to make--

Well. That isn't necessary to get into yet.

Let's just say- the world used to be much more chaotic before this wish was granted and these roles were created. So when I am seeing these lines of fate, I'm seeing cycles in motion.

I can't tell a fortune, and fate is far too slippery to know where it will end but I can tell it's health, and strength.

As an aside, Yggdrasil was not healthy. It had a manipulated fate so potent it drove me mad, on top of a few other issues.

Was that sidebar too soon?

Without Loki over my shoulder this time I got chatty, yet larger threats looming close, maybe I should've kept quiet.

Dragon's do not share these parts, for fear of human misunderstanding or destruction in an attempt to act.

So moving on!!!

Loki reappeared before us just in time for Misteltán to be in our grasp, as white as heavens. And right before we were approached by Baldr's forces. Of course, she refuses to fight with us.

... And of course, Loki seems to know a lot more about Misteltán than she has let on.

Alfonse asks her plan, and she says we will fight in center of the Endwoods where the power will be most effective.

Rune never said any of that.

It seems she has her own source for this knowledge- so why did Rune need to translate anything.

Alfonse and I made steady eye contact. She's acting strange, and I can't tell where this is going.

The fate wrapped around her is thick, but with no way of understanding it- that's just normal.

Everyone has cycles of fate both big and small surrounding them. They can range from small, nearly trope-y things like 'losing your axe' (Vaike. Vaike please.) to the big things- like ending conflicts and wars.

Who's to say what fate awaits Loki.

Hmph. Not the fate of answering questions, that's for sure.

She has so many tricks up her sleeve that she relies on our enemies attacking us to stop Anna's barrage of questions, so that things can happen as she likes.

Each battle gets more annoying too, our forces tired from the nonstop assault since we've arrived in this realm.

Eventually even I'm forced onto the battlefield, sword and flames in hand.

Ugh- I prefer to let contracted fighters actually do their job, but by the same coin they can't do their job without rest and support. Not with a smoke screen as heavy as this one.

Loki still has the gall to tell me to 'survive a bit longer'.

'It's almost time for my plans to come to fruition' as if that gives me the energy to fight.

... Perhaps I cut down the enemies too harshly, from my frustration with her. But all enemies must die, if they choose to cross me here.

As the battle came to an end, Baldr yells out a reminder that she is justice itself- and Loki meets the challenge.

Alfonse, Sharena, Anna, and I don't have time to interrupt their moment. We listen in confusion but there's still lingering lone soldiers in the smoke.

...

Whatever Loki's trick was, it truly made it appear to our eyes like she'd used the stone to take away Baldr's protection. And with it- energy released onto the battlefield.

A cycle completed.

Armor that was donned, was taken off, as the world decided it should be.

It-hmm. For a moment like this, I would've expected more energy. Enough that even the heroes could feel it and would call it something dumb like a 'morale boost', but it wasn't quite at that level.

Strange.

For that moment, it didn't matter. I shouted my orders, and we wiped the remaining stragglers and marched to chase Baldr down.

One swing of Fólkvangr had her on the back foot, much like a far younger hero who should never have been on the battlefield.

Then, of course, Höðr had to get in Alfonse's way before he could finish it. Yet again, we battle against both of the sisters.

I should hire someone to transcribe the battles themselves. Personally, a fight is a fight is a fight, and war is war.

But when I look at how humans archive their history, they cherish these details. Making sure to write down battle strategies for their futures to learn from.

Hm. I've mulled it over before, and I will again I assume!

But the time for mulling over nonsense is over. This journal ends on an important note:

Heaven's light descended, and with it something I've never seen before.

Lines of fate, a number unfathomable. It can't be their own actions that are being waited on- as they descended down it almost looked more like a puppet master's play.

Corrupted lines. Many- so many- corrupted. How does one end up in such a spot? Disgusting.

Alfaðör, the king of heaven, has appeared on our battlefield. And the smell is unbearable.

Not an angel, and not for any angelic reasons though.

Even as the ropes of fate started to cover the whole area, he was not the first to land before us. The one who did, Heimdallr, accused us mortals of having turned our backs on the king of heaven.

She also claimed to know of Loki's betrayal from the start.

Loki's sworn enemy supposedly. The way she talks about most people from this realm makes me wonder. Her claimed beef with both of his 'most trusted servants' does make her sound like she may truly be our ally this time.

[ Some drops of water scatter the page, leaving small smudges on the not-yet-protected pages. ]

Ugh, washing my face doesn't help cleanse how clogged my pores feel. When I think about seeing Him, face to face, for the first time... it's like it's all back.

Sure, I could see too many cycles of fate tied up with him, and I could tell many were starved of their power from decades-centuries?- of careful manipulation, but at some point... it blurs.

What line goes where, is it his own or is he just part of the cycle. I don't know.

It's not like I'm a fortune teller anyway. Perhaps there's just... too many. I didn't know that could happen. It's not supposed to.

He hardly seemed bothered by the Order of Heroes though. His first choice was to throw his 'most trusted servant', his daughter, to the wayside.

As soon as that was accomplished in his eyes, he turned to Rune.

"You are a source of knowledge, for you can decipher the writings that depict the beginning of creation." That was something we'd known, that he wanted that knowledge.

But-

"As such, you are a worthy offering for the Rite of Heaven. I shall offer your life as a sacrifice." Was new.

I still have my suspicions about Rune, but if nothing else is clear to me, it's that he's not someone I want to see sacrificed.

A dragon's distrust is plentiful, not an indictment of character.

Devils though, Alfaðör knows how to rub my pride wrong. To hardly acknowledge us, and at the end of it all say he is not fond of battle and call war an engagement for animals who lack knowledge.

That he's better than battle because he desires knowledge above all else.

When- when everything is turning up the way it has been- [ There's scribbling, and then a clear change in pen here, as if the writer lost herself for a moment and broke something. ]

He's not the first enemy to insult us but by Diavolo he is the first to piss me off. Is that what all that knowledge gets you? The perfect words to get under my scales?

And then he simply sends the God of Foresight to battle us instead.

I wonder what that says of her, but she seems disinterested.

Standing there- sitting there. Whatever, being technically correct in my words is only for archival sake. And as soon as Heimdallr has us positioned where she wants us, he swoops in to taunt Rune.

He says- something, about crows, I'll have to ask Anna as she was closest.

[ There's a note slipped into the page, with a proper quote, in Anna's handwriting. ]

Heimdallr attacked us again on his orders before much else could be understood.

She takes the hits but her retreats always seem on her own terms, not ours. Only retreating as soon as we are out of Alfaðör's way.

And now Rune has a curse on him. He keeps talking about crows, and their wings flapping, and a voice.

"Rune, my son. You have been cursed."

I don't have my other journals on me, but I think I've said before that no god in these nine realms knows what a family is.

I will reiterate that again. Even I have a better concept than them.

By the Devildom, it seems even Loki is bothered by his actions.

As she filled us in on the curse, I couldn't see an ounce of her chaotic planning on her face.

Even after Alfaðör leaves we realize there's only one path forward. The path he's set.

We're going to the Celestial Temple. It'll keep Rune alive, to follow his orders.

It's all we can manage for now.

...

He didn't want to lift a finger, sure, but if we are on his list of targets, couldn't he have crushed us during all of that. The answer why is obvious, but...

I wonder where all those fates are leading.

What has he been planning, and what role does the Order of Heroes have in this act of his stage play.

It's unnerving.

L'Arachel's giving me the stink eye anyway. She offered to write for me but- who knows how that'd go.

[ The journal entry is short and vague, written with smudged handwriting. ]

[ << Rewind to hours ago ]

[ The Order of Heroes is continuing their journey to the temple, in the middle of a short water break. Loki surveys the surroundings, but as her backs turned a shout is heard. ]

Váli: I found you... You're responsible for Baldr's suffering!

[ Alfonse is looking up and opening his mouth to respond to the approaching god. ]

Alfonse: You...are another god of heaven?

[ Eve's closest to the angered god, and though surrounded by heroes, no one was expecting the object in Váli's arms to tower over them and aim for her. ]

Váli: That's right! I am Váli, and I am here to avenge my sister! Prepare to take your final breath!

[ The battle begins poorly, to say the least. ]

[ Anna takes over command with the summoner down, and they push her back for now. ]

[ With the threat gone, L'Arachel gets Eve back up quickly, prepping her for a horseback ride. No time to stop yet. Before that though, everyone gathers to debrief. ]

Loki: That Váli can be a bit of a handful, and she managed to get the jump on the dear summoner. My, you used to be so much more careful.

Eve: Leave it for after my ribs stop hurting.

Loki: Unfortunately for you, we won't get much rest. Váli is the god of vengeance... No matter what, she will be relentless until she gets her retribution.

Loki: Each time she is defeated, her desire gives her strength... and she didn't seem satisfied with just attacking you.

Loki: She wishes for revenge against those who harmed her poor, beloved sister and against those who defeated her.

Loki: She will return and attack again and again, growing more powerful every time.

Anna: So next time we fight...

[ As always, Loki loves to weave the story for them. Eve listens, half leaning on Célia and wincing. ]

Eve & Alfonse: ...

[ With the threat of Váli's return in mind, it's time to move again. ]

[ If Eve isn't doing so hot riding a horse with two broken ribs and a twisted ankle, then Rune is doing worse. ]

[ The rest, Eve will surely document when she's able to journal again. ]

[ Suffice to say, even with legendary healers and a dragon's own ability to heal to some degree, she'll need some rest. ]

[ And perhaps, it's time to consider actual armor instead of jeans and a sleeveless top. ]

I can't believe I didn't make this choice sooner. Dragons can be stubborn.

Ah, the change and why. It's been something that's been on my mind on and off for awhile... ever since Læraðr pointed and said Eve Lavrenti had power beyond the nine realms.

That was a while ago now.

It's almost nearing a year since the tree burned.

But still... it's been strange coming into my own. I'm used to happily taking advantage of my relationship to Lavi, and this is a place where it doesn't benefit me.

With some exceptions, I've forged all the bonds I've made here myself. This realm has become my responsibility.

So why would I keep wearing his coat and not make it my own?

...

Ohhh I make myself sound so cool! Like I was just inspired to change out of no where, after months of mulling it over!

Really I got my ass handed to me and I'm mad. Little god of vengeance Váli got me while my guard was down and knocked me on my ass with her Baldr plushies range.

Who could expect a plushie to grow giant and shoot lasers, ok.

Luckily with L'Arachel and my own draconic strength I healed quickly enough! But... armor. To prevent that from happening again. And look more of this place.

Loki was incredibly amused to see me crumple, saying back in Múspell she never would've imagined such a thing happening.

No one said Lavi's influence was gone, and I still haven't told any heroes that we're not the same person. Steps for the future- maybe. I don't think that's necessary to do.

Anyway- yes. Váli is out to avenge Baldr, and seems to love her sister dearly enough to weaponize her... plushie form... I'm sure it's cute. When you're not in pain watching Anna take command of the heroes. And then forced to ride horseback with a broken rib, and-

We found camp again before long, and I had to go through the ordeal of transforming into a fully human-looking state so L'Arachel could heal me easier as we gathered to talk.

I really tried to brush her off, insisting she look after Rune instead just to get her off my back, but she tutted and said only one of us had a curable ailment.

Sharena started to say something about it, trailed off, and instead declared she wants to do something for him.

He isn't too open to letting us 'baby' him, though.

Listening to him talk...

He's a very sheltered little god, isn't he? Or- he said he's not one, but referring to us as mortals, almost as fairy tales. What is he then?

He's not weak, that's for sure.

Alfonse and Sharena seemed perhaps unsettled? By the way he spoke of us and himself. The othering, and the struggling.

Maybe I'm weak for this kind of kid. I still don't trust him, but I'm starting to wonder if he's not all together.

He certainly isn't now. So instead, I stood up to go over to him, patted his head, and just told him to keep doing what he thinks is right.

He'll figure it out.

Now for all his talk of heroes, I don't know that the next part was very... 'heroic' of me.

It's a good thing I started having plans for this armor awhile ago, and just recently got the final detailing done.

To be honest, outside of changing the size of my coat, I've had it in my outfit presets for awhile! I just couldn't commit. It didn't feel.... hmmmmmm...

I don't know the words for whatever the reason was. Well, whatever. It's on now. So when little Váli showed up and told us scoundrels to prepare for her wrath, I was healed and ready.

Ohhhh Hapi's sighs really do just make a girl want to cross the field in one fell swoop! It felt so good to rush in and swing at her.

And swing.

And swing- Breidablik might not be the sharpest sword in the armory, especially when fighting solo, but the weight of it feels good.

Still, it's enough to beat Váli at this stage. She promises she'll be back again.

Of course, stronger than before. Loki seems worried, and it's an odd sight to watch us all agree with her, even Anna. She won't die from a killing blow until she's exacted her revenge.

That sounds like a lonely existence, but I'm not letting enemy empathy change my mind.

Let's see if we can get to the temple without having to fight her too many times. Maybe she just needs... a distraction?

It's not my place to weave fates, but if I can see them, I can...

Her horse has the most experience with monsters and doesn't flinch easily, steady in stride as they move.

Hapi and Constance fly above and report on the surroundings, so Eve can make whatever corrections necessary as the flames carve out their feast.

If the dragon could survive running around a burning realm a year ago, she was confident in her ability to survive now.

Even with others in tow. In fact with her treasures on everyone now double the strength they were, it's a walk in the park.

No one comes to stop them as they trek to the Celestial Temple anymore, their whereabouts hidden in the chaos as they travel the safest path forward.

Corian knows what the job is, and isn't fighting anywhere /near/ them, but as the fight gets more and more aggressive it's hard to not hear the lasers and flames in the distance.

Like a real warzone, as Eve's magic protects their small unit.

And then- it all falls silent.

As it does, Sharena yelps that there's something in the remaining brush.

They all turn to look, and the Summoner finds that creeping feeling appearing again. But before Alfonse can call out- a cough fills the air.

"Halt your ascent, mortals!"

As if her halo had never left, Baldr steps out with Höðr right behind.

Sharena reaches for her tome, and Eve tilts her head curiously to Alfonse who is stepping forward to acknowledge them.

"You're in no position to fight, Baldr. Why are you still here?"

Tossing a drill of hair over her shoulder, the goddess ignores her previous loss for a moment.

"Take heed to what I say. I'd hoped Váli would be here by now to hear us, but I see we were early."

Anna's eyes dart over to Eve, her brow scrunched.

"It's of no matter. Höðr and I have entered Father's Chamber of Unkindness without his knowledge. We investigated what Father's ravens had obtained about the crimes of which the mortals are suspected. As such...we see the truth."

Rune breaths a sigh of relief.

"...And while Father's unjustly tried all of the Order of Heroes, we see there's only one individual who must face justice."

Höðr's weapon is at her side, as if expecting the individual to run on questioning.

"Eve Lavrenti. Two questions remain in your judgement. Hold, and answer truthfully!" Despite being in natural light, it feels as if the stage has opened a floodlight over her head. Everyone watches the performer enter the stage.

"Why did you aid in burning Yggdrasill to ash, and why did you aim to hold secrets?"

Ah- she'd promised Alfonse and Sharena that she wouldn't make choices on her own anymore. That's why they'd discussed hiring Corian again together, and came to an agreement on it.

This isn't the time to discuss, though. The play has begun and the actors weren't handed scripts. Eve steps forward, hands on her hips.

"If I answer, I request that Höðr puts her weapon away. Oh, whatever, at this point in the show- hiding things won't help."

Baldr looks to her sister and nods, before casting her gaze of judgement onto the speaker. Rune sits on L'Arachel's horse with her still, an especially thoughtful gaze watching, even as his fingers twitched with anxiety.

"The burning of Yggdrasill falls onto the shoulders of the Summoner alone. Well, her and one merc~! My choice to do so was twofold- fraaaankly, being trapped inside of the tree was causing mental duress, or whatever the word is, that made me a tad less sane. We can get into that if this sham court wants. The second reason is far more important."

A deep breath, hand lifting to rest over her chest plate. This is the part that not only did she genuinely believe, but would either sell or screw her.

"At the time, I genuinely believed restarting Yggdrasill's life cycle to be the only option to move forward. Not just considering our goals at the time- which were to fend off assassins, mind you~! But for the good of all of Zenith."

Baldr's expression doesn't change.

Father's ravens having exposed her to most of the truth means many of these claims do not shock her.

"I understand the importance of a being that is in charge of what Yggdrasill is in charge of, and that many of us older beings can only find the peace of death through insanity."

A thought flashes through Anna's mind, and she opens her mouth, only to shut it again. Not the time.

"Of course, Læraðr was already dead, as I later discovered through Yggdrasill's blessing of communications with other Zeniths~."

Did Eve ever talk like this? The only one seemingly unsurprised is L'Arachel.

"But~! I didn't know that at the time, and thought I was the most qualified person to restart the tree's cycle. Which, might I add, it appears I was. As our tree is back up and running, correct~?"

Höðr opens her mouth, but as the first noise squeaks out Baldr responds.

"So you claim it was good intentions, and not an attempt to set the groundwork for villainous schemes."

"Correct~! All Askr has ever done is defend it's right to stand, and while I went out on my own, I always have strove to support this cause."

"And what of the mercenary you hired?"

"He had his own independent reasons for taking the job. I won't speak for him."

"Ohoho... When you wish, you speak clearly. Such a young dragon, but you clearly take after that one that was here before you. And what of the second question?"

Lavi? Just how much did those Raven's truly see- no. She's known for awhile. They see more than she could ever guess.

... Including her nak--? no, no. This is not the time for silly thoughts.

"Where I come from, it's a dragon's duty to protect the information we hold close. Not even the gods are to know the specifics."

The summoner steps closer, lifting a hand to stroke Baldr's bleeding fate. A choked flow of magic, twisted into the shape someone else desired until it held little power.

Baldr eyes her, unable to see it. But having seen enough to have a guess to what she might be touching.

"Cease your manipulations-"

"Oh~! Let me clarify: I have no hold over fate. I can only see what's needed to maintain the fabric of reality together. I cannot read a fortune, or change a fate anymore strongly than another."

Eve's smile doesn't reach her eyes, tail flicking in discomfort. This is wrong. This is wrong. She's not supposed to talk about this. But- One look at Sharena and Anna says laying it all out now is the best option forward.

It must be.

"I am simply a guardian, and nothing more. My only goal is the world's survival~!"

"I see.... while that does not free you from the consequences of your actions, it is enough to put it aside in the name of a larger justice."

Höðr pipes up, finding her voice.

"As you're not guilty of most of the crimes Father claimed you were, and the ones you are were misappropriated to the Order, instead of it's Summoner... It appears the truth has been misconstrued."

"Until we can sort through the proper charges, we shall send you children of Midgard back-"

"Wait! We have something we still need to do here."

Baldr seems displeased to have been cut off, but turns to the Askr royals without reprimand.

"We have to save Rune! We won't go back until we do."

Alfonse clarifies his sister's words, "We're on our way to the Celestial Temple, where we will likely fight your father, the king of heaven."

The goddesses expression grows serious.

"You will face Alfaðör, who even we gods of heaven fear?" Then it softens with something almost akin to... pride? "Thórr was right. You mortals have stronger hearts than gods."

Askr's prince waits to hear her answer.

"Though a criminal has no right to harm the king of heaven, in light of 'good intentions', and his twisting of the truth... As we cannot turn our backs on him, Höðr and I will swear you no harm for now. May this be the redemption upon us for the twisted truth."

"And the other sister of yours, Váli?" Anna is looking around, the far away fight had ended, but who won is yet untold. Surely, if it had somehow been Váli she'd be running over here to destroy them.

"We will discuss it with her when we next see her. If she hears it from me, she will take notice."

"Ah... right." Eve had a hunch who won. But- the fallout from that wasn't going to play in her favor. Not like this. Oh, shit.

Alfonse looks curiously to Baldr, taking the chance to ask someone who seems to have no reason to lie to them.

"There is one thing I would like to ask you. Your father, the king of heaven, goes by the name Alfaðör... But that is not the name he was born with, is it?"

"Precisely. He once offered up one of his eyes to obtain great magical knowledge. He then was called by the name Alfaðör, a god beyond all others."

Eve looks at the prince as he takes that in. His eyes brighten like that completely the puzzle he needed.

An itch at the back of her head, like she could piece together what that means too. Later, perhaps.

"Thank you. I see the path we must take now. Let s be off to the Celestial Temple, where the king of heaven awaits us..."

They were very close. Closer than anyone should expect them to be now.

But it seems this small section of unburnt forest makes for a perfect meeting place, and soon Eve'll get an update on how Váli went.

When I first saw them, I thought to myself that it was because he was to blame, as the string puller behind everything. And while he certainly was pulling some strings to manipulate us towards him, he did not manipulate it all.

I was just far too close to the cause of everything, far too fresh with this vision, to see who- no. This archive is meant to be chronological, I cannot state things I could not have known.

Even my writing sounds so formal, after everything that's happened. No flavor... but no matter.

At that moment when I saw him again in the temple, those blinding fates still had me fooled. So many, twisting together and around him, connecting to who knows how many others. Making it even more difficult to watch as he took Rune and began the ritual.

To think the king of heaven sacrificed not only his eye but hung himself, only to crave more. A third and fourth sacrifice, to reach his end goals of knowledge and power... Rune and I, the ever lovely summoner. Really, what drove him to need more? The knowledge he didn't have it? Or perhaps, knowing who he was named after?

By the halfway point of the ritual we were scrambling for a chance, and Rune so helpfully muttered a clue that seemed to help Alfonse start to piece together what was to come.

Alfonse was mulling over who accepts the sacrifices, who's on the other side, when we ran into Heimdallr.

It seemed her goal was to prevent us from following the Celestial King in his retreat, and to run down the clock for the ritual.

Loki stepped to the front to confront and tease her. When Heimdallr called her a god of betrayal, she couldn't help but toy with us, too.

Really... saying such a thing like 'I never betrayed Alfaðör.' and 'My body and my mind are forever by his side...'

I can't stand her. Heimdallr had a point in that regard.

And then came the game of pitting two gods against each other. As Heimdallr escaped after a quick skirmish, Loki stopped us from giving chase.

Using the power of foresight to lay magical traps... What a cheap trick. Such a pain.

But with the ever suspicious 'archnemesis' on our side, we stood a chance, time permitting.

Even an archnemesis can be fooled though. Or perhaps, as her archnemesis, she wanted to act fooled to--augh. The 4D chess is too much for me. How irritating.

Loki mentioned a door that neither her nor Heimdallr knew how to open, and that we could gamble on it somehow with... Rune and I? But once we'd approached the door she checked it and found it trapped.

And then she pretended to lie about it all, tell Rune and I that the door was not trapped, and Heimhalldr called her out for it.

Her tricks are old hat by now. At the time, I knew, and in hindsight I know /even more/ that she was playing a game. Yet to see it in motion, her acting truly is for the stage... I was biting my nail in a rage.

Who can stand to hear someone say it'd be fun to let us touch a door that would kill us? That it'd be interesting to see what happens if we die.

A game all to manipulate Heimdallr's foresight, to make her see that end. To-

Convince her to deactivate the trap.

Even now, with all the hindsight I hold, the idea we were so close to an action that would lead to our deaths makes me annoyed. I won't die. She led us to the door knowing from the start it'd be trapped, and simply make a spectacle for us.

But a success remains a success, and Heimdallr didn't have to die for us to find it. Perhaps, when she recovers, she'll tell us what she knows. I'm curious to what else her foresight has shown her.

So, from one near-death directly into another we went, through the deactivated door to more halls for us navigate carefully as Rune continued to have his remaining strength pulled at by the ritual.

Until finally the Celestial King on his throne was right in front of us. He kept taking a beating from us, refusing death. Refusing anything but his infinite knowledge.

Calling us ignorant, which we clearly were.

Two Alfaðörs... The Celestial King, and the creator of all. As we continued to chase after the Celestial King, Rune read the writings we passed.

According to him, they depicted the order of the realms. Something that's stuck with me, for reasons I can't scratch.

Above are the celestial realm and the realms of light and dreams.

The center holds the worlds of the jötnar, the dvergar, and humanity.

Below, the realms of ice, flame, and the dead.

...

Noting it for archival purposes is always justified, even if I don't know why it feels important right now.

A long, harsh battle played out when we finally reached the Celestial King. Arcane weapons coming from all angles, and yet...

And yet.

Alfaðör, he who carries the creator's name, and is praised as his return, who has grasped all knowledge, yada yada yada... he's not quite so skilled a battle strategist as we first thought. Perhaps he was hoping to hold out until it was all complete. That Rune would fall, and we would give an opening for the decisive blow.

Instead, as we fought Anna got behind him and worked in tandem with Alfonse. With their strikes hitting back to back, he was thrown from that throne and laid flat against the temple floor. It sounds so much cleaner in text than it had been.

There was a moment of silence as his last yell went out. Then Rune and Loki confirmed to us the rite has ended. Alfonse listened to them, moving himself as they talk. I didn't know why, but I moved to stand to his right nonetheless, a hand on Breidablik.

He had spent much of our free time thinking at the time. Truly, he is better suited for piecing together mysteries. Perhaps I should find some puzzles for him for the winter festival. Or would that annoy him? Hmm.

As Anna and Sharena cheered for a job well done, Alfonse's face didn't change. His voice filled with resolve to unveil the truth as he explained himself. How it seemed like Loki was having fun earlier when she said she was never far from Alfaðör.

Our prince also pointed out that the mystery this whole time was not a mystery at all. When Alfaðör- The Celestial King- said that only the creator was capable of deciphering the writings, it was honesty. Fact.

Rune is Alfaðör, the creator of all.

That sweet cutesy face, smiling at us as he started to speak of heroes again felt sour this time. Rune didn't hesitate to confirm, and instead talked about how he purposefully made humans weak and liked how they were like heroes from myths and fairytales.

How he appreciated seeing us work first hand. How he was fond of us.

... And then there were two.

Another Rune, red-eyed, barefoot, lacking the shoes Alfonse had gifted him. While I can tell them apart in person, differentiating them in writing is more difficult. They both spoke, and at times they spoke as one. To that end, does it matter which is which? Maybe not.

The one who arrived later introduced himself outright as Alfaðör, confirmed that the "first" Rune created him. The only difference between them appeared to be the red eyes. Was that an intentional distinction?

The two of them talked in tandem, finishing the others thoughts. Standing side by side, it was unnerving. Even Alfonse was taken off guard.

The love in their voices, about how watching us was so fun, and they want to see more...

That they've been anticipating what is to come, the twilight of the gods.

Ragnarök.