Fate and Destiny

[Níðhöggr]

The stars whirled around and the energy swirled around the door in the sky. A figure emerged from the door, his power obvious for all to see. An air of elegance was present there too, clearly this being was one of immense power and importance. The vision receded, the astral images faded away and the world returned.

Nornir... What is the meaning of this? The thoughts echoed across the base of Yggdrasil, eminating from the immense figure of Níðhöggr.

A warning... A cryptic message... And Fate... all in one. Came the intoned reply. The thoughts were faded, they came to Níðhöggr so quietly a lesser being would never have noticed they existed.

Such arrogance. I'm surprised you would attempt to show me my fate... Knowing full well that no mortal will impact my fate or destiny. Níðhöggr's reply was blunt and swift. He was never one to care about mortals and their workings, surely the Nornir had figured that out after their centuries of communicating.

You are almost completely correct. You're fate is sealed, and no mortal will impact that. You're destiny... is less clear. The reply was different this time, apparently the Nornir intended that to be the final part of this conversation.

Níðhöggr grunted and surveyed Yggdrasil. For milleniums he had sat here at the base of the world tree. For milleniums it seemed that would never end, and now the Nornir clearly believed it was about to change, whether or not they would tell Níðhöggr exactly why or how was another matter. His eyes swivled as he continued to view the scenery around him. Destiny and fate... what was the difference?

[Alfvaldr]

The stars shone down upon Alfvaldr as he walked steadily along the dark path. He looked up at them from time to time, as if to reassure himself they were still there. Even one as powerful and travelled as Alfvaldr needed reassurance here. Especially a Ljósálfr, who needed light to live. For he was travelling along one of the roots of Yggdrasil, towards Helheim. Helheim, the land of the dead. The land where it was always dark, and the wicked went upon death. It was a place few would contemplate travelling to willingly, even for the briefest moment. But Alfvaldr was no ordinary being, and his plans were no ordinary plans.

Seiðr, the magic of both manipulation and divination. It was this magic that he desired, and none living would teach him. With the power of seiðr, his plans would be far easier. He could protect the universe with the power of seiðr. He could see into the future with certainty and alter it before it even came about, with the power of Îgwaz. True, to do so often would surely unravel the web of destiny and destroy the universe, but he would not do so often. With the power of seiðr, he would have yet more ways to avoid using that most powerful of runes.

But even amongst the dead, would he find one who was willing to teach him? the magic was restricted now, Freyja guarding it jealously. She feared what would happen should its use become more common. And she ruled above all now, even the dead had cause to fear her. Still, Alfvaldr could be very persuasive. And he would have no caulms about manipulating and tricking a being condemned to Helheim for all eternity. There was just one major problem with his plan. Two, in fact, but the second was irrelevant until he could overcome the first. How would he gain entrance to the underworld?

Níðhöggr, the great dragon, guarded it. It was said he allowed no one through, and would make no exception. Alfvaldr did not truly expect to pass him this time. But he would keep trying, and work on that second problem while he did so. Níðhöggr would become familar with him before too long. He lifted his staff as he walked, holding it in front of him at gazing at the carving of Îgwaz. Was Níðhöggr above the power of even that? The short answer was that no, he was not. The long answer was that yes, he was in most respects. Alfvaldr had no intention of upsetting the universe whilst he was trying to gain the power he needed to preserve it. In the end though, he suspected that Îgwaz would provide the answer to both his problems. It was simply the only thing that had the power. And it could be used subtly enough to make little adverse affect, if he was clever. And he was clever. Very much so.

He settled the staff onto his shoulder. The end of the path was in sight. Here,Níðhöggr would confront him. Here, there was the chance that he would be tested as much as he ever had before. He considered preparing Îgwaz's other ability. Should he need to cast a rune, the extra power would be helpful in a situation like this. But Níðhöggr would surely see, or sense it. He could be watching him even now. Shifting his staff one last time, Alfvaldr smiled faintly and stepped from the root of Yggdrasil, onto dark soil before the entrance to the underworld.

[Níðhöggr]

Níðhöggr could sense it, the being the Nornir claimed would influence Níðhöggr's destiny was approaching. The being, whether he was mortal or not, radiated an incredible power. With it was a danger, a danger that if it was misused could cause as much damage as any of Níðhöggr's powers. Níðhöggr pondered this as he felt the being drawing nearer. Who could command such strength so casually? Then it struck him. He could sense the runes, the immensely powerful runes said to be wielded by Alfvaldr, the lord of Alfeim. Níðhöggr knew much of that being's exploits, as well as having heard the gods bicker about several messes he had caused by abusing the runes he controlled.

Níðhöggr had no qualms about killing Alfvaldr and ending his attempt to get past Níðhöggr, which was likely his intention. But someone of such strength deserved a measure of respect. Níðhöggr would spare his life, for now. "Mortal, stop where you are!" Sent the tendrils of pure thought based energy swirling towards Alfvaldr. He would recieve the telepathic message, and a powerful warning along with it.

Níðhöggr lacked the patience to deal with him further, a new being was leaving Helheim, or so it seemed anyway. Dealing with mortals was never a strength of Níðhöggr's, but forced to exert his power over Alfvaldr he would do it very forcefully and end any threat the mortal posed swiftly.

[Innoreth]

Change of plans, eh. Always a pleasure, meeting with Hel, the ugliest of ugly. Even for Innoreth's eyes, she was a terror to set gaze upon. It stung, far into his brain, every time he had to. So it was 10 souls now, hm? She was relentless in her ways. Updating her pact with Innoreth at will, she asked no questions. Only gave orders. Perhaps this time, he would pick up a word or two from the Nornir. They had been awfully silent.

Garm was loud-mouthed as he had always been, viciously barking away at anyone who were not dead, but yet passed through the grand statue of horror that was the gates of Helgrindr. As Innoreth drew close enough to touch the dogs nose, he said nothing, but stared into it's eyes. Garm stopped barking, but was still growling. Innoreth was kind of tired of this. Any more of Garm's crap, and he'd be forced to let Hel know a thing or two about what his feelings concerning her control of her minions were. He couldn't count on one hand all the times she had summoned him all the way into the depths of her lair, just for the slightest change of plans. And all the same, he had to endure Garm and countless other obstacles of annoyance -every- time.

On the way, he had heard the screams from Nästrónd, and he knew damn well why there was screaming. It sent a shiver down his spine just thinking about it, even to this day. The bridge across Gjoll thundered as he crossed it, the boom's were deafening. Well past it, he had to take a break to recover. The sonic pounding had made him all dizzy. Ahead was the Well of Urd, and just beyond that the root of Yggdrasil. He wasn't sure how close to the well he would dare go, in fear of awaking the wrath of Níðhöggr.

It was silent around the well. Oh so silent. Where was the Nornir hiding, anyway? He had never seen them before, only heard them, and then only a gasp of air. It had left him with a taste and curiosity for what knowledge they possessed. The problem as to finding out, was as always, Níðhöggr. Sticking his fat dragon-nose into everything, it was impossible to do anything when he was around. And he -always- was. Innoreth decided he didn't dare go search for the Nornir. That would get him banished for eternity. He moved past it, and once again he faced a familiar sight - Yggdrasil. Níðhöggr was near too. Any time now, he would surely pop up to stuck his famous nose into things. Why, Innoreth couldn't grasp. It was said that Níðhöggr was older than time itself, so he would know what Innoreth had been up to in Helheim, for the 832947853rd time.

Along with the root, a sight he had not expected to see down here; a beam of light. Ljósálfr, down here? What in the two hells? And by Thor, if it wasn't Alfvaldr, the Lord of Álfheim. This was a day to remember, for it was not every day the realms of the dead had such company. Innoreth felt a strong surge within, a surge that demanded the knowledge of why such a person would be here, now. He walked over, hidden by his cloak. The biting cold lay its touch upon familiar ground as he drew closer to the root. There was strong magics floating about, but he could not be quite sure who was the origin. Some was due to the Lord, but there was more, something else. Innoreth didn't bother with any illusions, as they never succeeded in fooling Níðhöggr anyhow. Stopping some fifty feet away from the root, he awaited any sign of life from Níðhöggr, before attempting to communicate with the head of the choirboys.

[Alfvaldr]

A powerful voice rang out in Alfvaldr's head just a second after he stepped from the root of Yggdrasil. Níðhöggr had percieved him already, just as he had known he would. It was a simple command: "Mortal, stop where you are!" Mortal, was he? Maybe compared to Níðhöggr he was not so everlasting, but he was no... All thought was stopped for a second as a wave of pain burst into his head. He staggered backwards, almost falling. He swung his staff from his shoulder and used it to catch his balance. That dragon went too far. He would have words with him. Polite words, Níðhöggr was one of the few beings capable of killing him in an instant, but words nonetheless.

He was raising his staff when he saw a black cloaked figure standing a distance away from him. He was swathed in the cloak entirely, so Alfvaldr could not pick out any recognisable features, but he had not been there before. No one had been there before. He must have come out of Helheim then. Except, no one could leave Helheim once they entered, that was the second of Alfvaldr's big problems. No one, that is, except a being that had made a deal with Hel herself and been granted a new life. So this was an undead creature. It seemed content to watch him for the time being, and he was not especially worried about it. Many of his magics were particularly useful against the undead. He would be able to deal with it if necessary. For now, Níðhöggr was more important.

Alfvaldr gripped his staff tightly, raising it in front of him, parallel to the ground. He released a stream of his own energy into it, focusin on the rune Ansuz. It would take more power than normal to make psychic contact with a being like Nidhogg, but the quantity was still not vast. A brief moment was all he needed. "Ansuz, open my mind," he said softly. The undead creature would surely know who he was, but there was no point in letting him know exactly what he was doing. It could probably figure it out anyway.

The rune glowed brightly. He had made sure it was facing towards him before he activated it, so that the undead would not know which rune he accessed, and its light bathed his face. It mingled with the light from his own skin, creating a bright golden glow in the middle of the vast darkness. Alfvaldr did not see it though. His mind was elsewhere.

A sudden sense of the enormity of the universe came over him, wiping any the last traces of pain from Níðhöggr's warning. He had never done this is such an empty place before. He could sense a huge void, with only a few pinpricks of light in it. The undead down there, and the Nornir. And there, almost as vast as the void itself, he slowly sensed the mind of Níðhöggr. He directed his thoughts at it. Níðhöggr would hear them as though Alfvaldr spoke next to his ear, in a soft tone. That might suprise him, it was doubtful that many had the audacity to communicate with him so directly.

"I have stopped, great dragon," the message went. "See that even I obey you. I seek passage to Helheim, as you well know. But you do not know why. I seek one who will teach me the art of seiðr. With that magic at my call, I could protect the universe with far more ease." His mental voice changed tone, growing questioning and innocent. "Is that not what you want, o dragon? The protection of the universe? That is your purpose, why not allow me to aid it?" He broke the contact, knowing that Níðhöggr could reply under his own power. He had demonstrated that all too well earlier. Turning on his heels slightly, Alfvaldr grounded the staff and leant his weight on it casually, holding at one side with both hands. His gaze focused on the undead as he waited for Níðhöggr's reply, eyes dancing with their inner light.

[Níðhöggr]

Two things that rarely happened at all happened within the timespan of perhaps 2 minutes. A being came out of Helheim, something that almost never happened unless you had made a pact with Hel, in which case Hel better contact Níðhöggr soon, or he would be forced to send that undead abomination of her's back to Helheim. Now, the elven lord was another matter. He was one of few lesser beings who had the audacity to contact him directly. Most simply trembled in his wake.

Níðhöggr! Allow my servant to pass... The message was blunt and to the point, as all of Hel's messages were. Níðhöggr eyed the undead creature with his left eye.

"You're free to pass... Hel has asked me to let you go through, and I have no significant reason not to. However, if you dawdle I will be forced to remove you..." Níðhöggr's mental voice spiraled towards the undead demon. Any halfway intelligent creature would move, and do it quickly, after being told by Níðhöggr that he wouldn't attack them as long as they did.

Níðhöggr turned his attention to Alfvaldr. He had no patience for such pathetic attempts to coerce something out of him. "You dare request something you know full well is impossible? And what do you know of my purpose!?" Níðhöggr's mental voice thundered at the end of that message. "I have enough respect for your existence not to end it, but I will warn you, further attempts to enter Helheim will gain you a swift death."

Níðhöggr paused for a moment. Surely there was a reason the Nornir would show him a vision of this man coming to him... Perhaps this man should be told of where he could gain seiðr, even if Níðhöggr had doubts as to this man's true intentions. "There is one place outside of Helheim or Vidblain you could learn seiðr... A Valkyrie named Himmelmez currently lives in the fortress 'Dark Whisper' in the air above Geffen... perhaps she would be willing to teach you seiðr..." His message was much lighter and calmer the second time. Something about this mortal was different, whatever it was, and although the Nornir didn't tell Níðhöggr what it was, Níðhöggr assumed there was something to be gained by helping Alfvaldr. What it was, he did not know.

[Innoreth]

"Hrrm." Innoreth made way for the root. He was always stuck in the middle when Hel was messing about. She had always some way of making sure he knew exactly how fucked up he was if he didn't obey her every word. His pace was as his body would allow, which was slow, compared to most other creatures. He gave a slow bow to Níðhöggr as he passed, to show he was grateful he wouldn't be returning to Hel's lair just yet.

The bushes around the root of Yggdrasil froze through and cracked at the slightest wind, as Innoreth reached his path upwards. The root itself was unaffected by the cold aura, to no surprise. He didn't even bother pondering upon it, as he had almost lost his sanity doing so many times before. Just accept it as a fact and move on. There was no reason to dwell on these things. Yggdrasil was what kept the worlds together, separated, alive, and ultimately, what would kill them.

As he came up to the newcomer, he hesitated slightly. As he stopped, a breeze blew towards the ears of the Ljósálfr. The air brought a whispering message, "What is your purpose here, Elf of Light?". Immediately after, he began ascending the root, slowly. He had probably bothered Níðhöggr way beyond his quota already, it would be best not to provoke anything. However, as he went, he pondered the Light Elf. He remembered the looks of him, and wondered how it had come to pass that one such as he had black hair. The red robe hung around him in a way Innoreth had only seen done by tailors of high esteem. He was a peculiar one, to come down here. Most would never think about, let alone attempt to, getting into the underworlds, whatever the purpose.

He felt a desire to turn and watch what would happen to the Elven Lord. Still, he couldn't allow himself to stop, not now. Yet, he wondered, had the Lord of Álfheim come all the way here just to face Níðhöggr's stomach? Probably not... But would he be allowed entrance to the pits of Helheim? Questions, questions, questions. And by the looks of it, no answers. So very tempted, overwhelmed by curiosity, he -almost- turned his head to throw a last look down the root. He stopped at the last second with a growl, returning his gaze up towards the realms of men and Gods.

[Alfvaldr]

Alfvaldr waited calmly for Níðhöggr's reply. He had expected it to come instantly, as he knew what is was certain to be. It did not, but he was patient. Perhaps Níðhöggr simply thought more slowly than normal beings. It would seem to make sense, the idea of thought moving slowly through that vast mind. Possibly it would not be wise to ask him. Hopefully he would understand Alfvaldr's genuine curiosity, and he should be above caring about perceived insults anyway. Except he was angry right now, as his blunt warning had shown. Alfvaldr knew that he was in far less danger than any but the Gods and those favoured by them, but there was such a thing as taking it too far. The cloaked undead began to walk forwards, slowly, bowing to Níðhöggr as he went. Ah, perhaps the great dragon had been dealing with that one.

The idea was given more credence as the dragon's thundering mental voice rang out in Alfvaldr's head once again. Yes, he was just a little angry. His threat this time was quite direct. A pity, Alfvaldr had planned to return here at some time in the future. The dragon might change his mind still, or be convinced to do so. And he had said nothing about Niflheim. Alfvaldr's lips twitched upon when that thought came into his head. Níðhöggr would not like that at all. Something to remember for another time.

Suddenly, and suprisingly, the great voice spoke in his mind again. It was far calmer this time. And it offered him... help? Advice and assistance upon who to seek out in order to learn that which he sought, seiðr? He had caught the dragon's interest, it seemed, or something of the sort. A Valkyrie though. The Valkyries where not enamoured of him, as a general rule. They tended to follow the lead of their mistress, and to say Freyja was "not enamoured" of him was like saying Níðhöggr was "quite big". He would try it anyway, if only because of who the knowledge had been gifted to him by.

That undead was near him now. At last. It walked very slowly. It had power though, Alfvaldr could sense it as easily as he could his own. His ears caught a faint crackling, and he turned his head to see what had caused it. A few bushes around the root had frozen. It was this beings aura, Alfvaldr could feel the cold radiating from it now. A chilling breeze set his dancing, bringing with it a whispered message. "What is your purpose here, Elf of Light?" The undead continued on his way, slowly but steadily up towards the worlds of the living. Alfvaldr was sorely tempted to strike it down while its back was turned. The only thing that stopped was the presence of Níðhöggr, yet again. He had let the creature past, he would not appreciate seeing it destroyed now.

He could not leave it with the last word, never mind that it had continued without waiting for a reply. A flow of energy seeped into the staff at his side. The word "Ansuz" left his lips, and the rune of the Gods brought light into the underworld for the second time that day. The mind of the undead was an unpleasant thing, but Alfvaldr did not flinch from making contact with it. "You," his mental voice spoke. It was stern and intense. "Hel's servant. What I do is not of your concern, unless it affects you directly. And then it shall only be of concern to you briefly, as you will be worrying about other things when the underworld is your only home once more. Know that you continue with your unholy existence only because even I do not dare to try the patience of Níðhöggr." Not too much, anyway, he had added silently to himself. The rune continued to glow, leaving the way open for the creature to reply, and whilst Alfvaldr started back up the root behind it.

[Innoreth]

In response to his question, he had gotten a rather rude and threatening statement. It seemed to Innoreth as he was either out for battle, or mayhaps was he just afraid? It certainly would be a daunting experience for a creature who had lived all his life on the surface, to travel down into the darkness where the dead walk. And on top of that, to have Níðhöggr tell you where your place is. Obviously, that's what he must have done, for the Elf turned around and started upwards at the root again. Or maybe he had inquired knowledge from the dragon? Innoreth wasn't sure, but either way, the Elf was closing in on him from behind.

"Ah, arrogance, as I expected from one of your kin. The underworld is always my business, Hel's servant or not. And because it is you, Lord of Álfheim, I shall leave it at those words. You could not possibly have known any better.", he replied through the mental connection the Elf had opened. "Why is it, though, that such a knowing and respected being as yourself passes these prejudices? Are you sure of what you are speaking to?", he added.

Innoreth motioned slightly with his hand, as he whispered into the air, "Sálbróðir." Given the hostile tone of the one who was now behind him, it was better not to take any chances. "So, you will not tell me your errand in the sub-terranean worlds?"

[Níðhöggr]

Níðhöggr listened as the two elves, whether or not one of them was actually a demon didn't seem to matter in this case, exchanged banter. One of them was even bold enough to cast a spell in the presense of Yggdrasil. Luckily for him, it was not an offensive spell, and Níðhöggr had no reason to kill him, especially if Hel wanted him to remain in existence for whatever reason. Still, Níðhöggr, would not allow these two to continue their banter around the world tree.

"Take your petty concerns somewhere else!" Came Níðhöggr's loud mental shout to the two of them. "Yggdrasil will not be desicrated by two foolish lesser beings. Now leave!"

If they didn't comply Níðhöggr would be forced to manually move them away, and he was fairly sure such arrogant beings wouldn't be too happy with that.

[Alfvaldr]

Arrogance. It could hardly be called arrogance when it was the simple truth. And from the undead's next words, it sounded rather hypocritical. He might be a denzien of Helheim, but that did not make Alfvaldr's business into his business. And again he asked, after a rather more odd question. Oh, he was possibly a demon then. They did not like being refered to as "undead". It was all the same to him though, just a matter of semantics. Alfvadr prepared to reply, when Níðhöggr's voice burst into his head for the third time, stopping him in his tracks. The dragon was irritable, which was likely his fault. It was not like the tree would be damaged if they fought here. He had the power, but he would not have to use it against this undead. Or demon. Whatever he was, it did not make much difference. Anyway, he had already decided not to do anything. His decision was simply proved right now.

He switched his mental attention away from the undead, directing it back at Níðhöggr. "We are leaving, great dragon. Fear not." He spoke aloud to undead at the same time. "You recieved that..." he should be dimplomatic, Níðhöggr would probably hear. "Warning from Níðhöggr as well, I trust. I suppose I shall tell you what I was doing here. Something must have provoked the dragon's outburst, and it was not me. I am not so foolish as to do that."

"I was seeking entrance to Helheim, you can figure out that already. But why was I doing such a thing?" He moved closer, not bothering to ready any defenses, not after what Níðhöggr had said. His voice became light and playful. "That is the question that must be circling round your head." He tapped his own forehead with the tip of his staff. "Come, let us walk. Níðhöggr will watch us for quite some time, if I have judged his current mood right." He set off again, staff clicking on the hard root beneath his feet. "So, the question you wish to find the answer to. Why don't you try to guess?"

[Innoreth]

"You recieved that... Warning from Níðhöggr as well, I trust. I suppose I shall tell you what I was doing here. Something must have provoked the dragon's outburst, and it was not me. I am not so foolish as to do that." The words came out loud this time, and not through the mental abilities the Elf had shown to be capable of handling.

"You know this as well as I do, Álfheim, I was not the one to start such an unfriendly tone. Do not blame your shortcomings on me, you will only be fooling yourself." Such was his reply, and so with a very calm demeanor. He was used to the protective Níðhöggr and his short temper. He wasn't very accustomed to such insolence from a trespassing creature, however, but figured it was best to lay low for now. Perhaps was it just out of nervousness.

The Elf bid Innoreth to walk with him. "So, the question you wish to find the answer to. Why don't you try to guess?", he asked. Clever question. His tongue was slick, indeed, but Innoreth was not fooled. He had heard such attempts before. However, what could the harm be? The Elf wasn't about to get into Helheim anytime soon, anyway.

"Games, hm?" Innoreth paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Ah, well, the only reason one such as yourself would be interested in the underworld would be to get hold of something no living being could give you. Then we're left with two choices, it's either knowledge of some kind, or you seek to redeem a soul. What soul you would seek to redeem is beyond me, so I shall guess it's the other part, knowledge. What knowledge can you find in death that you cannot in life? Hmmm... There are many things. I cannot guess upon which it would be you seek. But it is not simple knowledge, for example the whereabouts of this, or the history of that. It must be something of more... Power. Something that would be worth for you to risk everything for. And as you have quite alot to risk, I'm guessing you seek something equally powerful. An artifact, I would say." Innoreth's rant ended bluntly and conclusive, rather certain he had found his way to the right answer. If he hadn't, though, the Elf would surely tell him, as Innoreth believed he had shown quite a bit of insight.

[Alfvaldr]

"Games, hm?" was the reply he earnt. Yes, games. "They distract me from the trial of having to talk to you," was what he wanted to say. Instead, he nodded silently. Everything was silent for a moment, except for the tapping of the undead's staff. Alfvaldr checked his stride. He realised that he was pulling ahead, though he had tried to walk slowly. It was not in his nature to dawdle at a time like this. The undead proceeded to think aloud, or at least that was how it appeared on the surface. Perhaps he simply wished for Alfvaldr to see his chain of reasoning. Setting his own staff to the ground, he listened intently.

An artifact was the conclusion the undead came to at the last. Ah, his logic had been perfect up until that point. But a thing of evil like him was sure to focus on the physical and the mundane, things that could be owned and used. Even had he guessed differently, there was little reason for him to think of seiðr. It was not seen as something with a great deal of power, not by most. Only those that understood the value of subtlety, and the worth of seemingly insignificant things, would covet it as Alfvaldr did. The tone of the undead's voice was confident and blunt, as though he was sure he was summing up a correct conclusion. Well, there was no harm in letting him continue in that confidence, was there? Níðhöggr would not be concerned, this had moved into areas he did not show much interest in.

"Ah." He said shortly, his voice sounding mildly irritated. "You jump straight to the correct conclusion rather more quickly than I had hoped for. I should have realised that you, obviously a being who craves power, would be easily capable of unraveling the motives behind my actions" He sighed very slightly, as though wearied or exasperated. The light of the rune Ansuz winked out. He did not need its power now anyway. He felt out with a small tendril of his own energy, and called up some of the divine magic. A white flame appeared on the tip of his staff, and he rested it on his shoulder. The stark light bathed his face, and he let a what looked like a small relieved smile touch his lips. Behind the flawless impression his face gave off, he was thinking only of how he could use this to his advantage. "Well, since you answered my first question so easily, how about another?" He rolled a golden eye towards the undead. "Can you guess what it is I am seeking?"

[Innoreth]

"You jump straight to the correct conclusion rather more quickly than I had hoped for. I should have realised that you, obviously a being who craves power, would be easily capable of unraveling the motives behind my actions", the Elf sighed in response to Innoreth's conclusion. Unseen underneath the cloak, he narrowed the crooked eyes of his. What was this drastic change? He had gone from damn nearly assaulting Innoreth at sight, to praising his intelligence. Something was wrong, and if it was one thing he disliked, it was mockery. Paranoid? Perhaps.

Seiðr. A powerful magic Innoreth knew only through myths and legends. He didn't know there was anyone in the underworld that knew this magic, so he had never really considered it an option, as for what the Elf was seeking. He wasn't even sure it was real.

And what did the Elf do now? He light a goddamn fire. He arched away from the source of the light. "What in the name of Thor are you doing?" Rather upset, Innoreth was -not- very pleased with the divine light. Light in general hurt, divine more so than any else, save for sunlight. He raised his hand, weaving forth a black cloud with his bony fingers. The cloud shielded his face barely from the penetrating light emanating from the staff of the Elven Lord. His facial muscles relaxed shortly after, knowing well the game of manipulation. He would not let himself be played like a string on a fiddle. His eyes shone only in response.

"What you are seeking, specifically? Heheheh.", he chuckled. "I know many artifacts that are lost to the realms of the dead, but not even one such as myself would dare hunt for them." The reply was rather arrogant, he knew that. "I am not about to give you any clues for what exists within the domain of Hel. I think it's an artifact, but I wouldn't know which."

"Frankly, this riddle-game is boring. What do you intend on using your... Knowledge, for, once you aquire it?" A perfectly un-cloaked question. Likely, he would get but another question in reply, but that would be a matter for that hour. The root was long, and the trek tiring, as there was but one path. And there was no nature, no animals around them. It was only the tree. A sorry sight, he thought. This old tree, just sitting here, with a cranky Dragon to watch over it's roots. Who would be interested in harming a giant tree anyway?

[Alfvaldr]

Glancing at the undead again, Alfvaldr noticed that he had formed a black cloud around his face. The light from the white flame atop his staff must have been bothering him, Alfvaldr had not really thought about that. Of course even a small amount of its light would hurt him. Not that it mattered, he was pleased actually. The undead deserved some punishment. It did not bother him now, he was laughing. He then replied properly to the question directed at him. "I know many artifacts that are lost to the realms of the dead, but not even one such as myself would dare hunt for them." Almost properly. It had been worth trying, even a chance of knowing about something else he could obtain from Helheim was a thing to be seized. His next words indicated that he had thought of that. Very well, one could not have eveything the way one wanted it.

He had another question after that. The journey back up the root was looking to be a long one. Alfvaldr sensed that he was talking to someone nearly as skilled in the art of manipulation and lies as himself. He would not get far with this. The question, though. "Frankly, this riddle-game is boring. What do you intend on using your... Knowledge, for, once you aquire it?" It provided more opportunity for misdirection.

"Why did Odin hang from this very tree," he brought his staff down sharply on the root, "For knowledge? Why did he give up his eye? Because knowledge is power, undead, and power is everything. Power is why you still live; Níðhöggr's power ensures that. Power is why undoubtedly serve Hel; she does not let those given second life run freely with their abilities. Power is what makes the sun rise and the moon fall, what makes the tides run and the crops of men grow . Power is everything." He hefted the staff, swinging it back to his shoulder with an exggerated motion. "And this artifact I seek will give me both knowledge and power." He continued smoothly with his game of deceit, creating a fictional artifact without hesitation. "I seek Foldaspegil, the mirror of the world. Is that one of the artifacts you have heard of?"