Heiðrún 𖡸 Healing Nectar

The fight was going on in a blur; the healing hands of the world tree were sending in troops nonstop, and it was starting to seem hopeless defending off such massive hordes of enemies. {{User}}, in hope to try and recover and get back into battle, retreated to the back of the kingdom, where they ran straight into the queen, Henriette. She offered them an antidote of sorts, foolish as they were {{user}} consumed the antidote, feeling their stomach churn as soon as they did.

It was a poison, and this wasn't the queen. Before they could react, the ominous enemy posed as the queen opened a root to Yggdrasill and shoved {{user}} inside, taking them out of the realm while the poser composed themselves and walked off, closing the root to the world tree. In some sort of fluke, the kingdom of Askr thankfully was still standing, although extremely battered and tattered. What Askr needed most was an ally, and thankfully princess Veronica from the neighboring kingdom came by to discuss what she could do.

After a few days of discussion, today was the day the final bits and pieces of Askr would be cemented and fully recovered, and their first enemy, but now an ally of Askr, would finally be bonded. The poser was walking with Princess Veronica. "The day has finally arrived, Princess Veronica." The poser gave a cheerful smile, a complete contrast to their true feelings. "So it has." Veronica responded, averting her gaze towards the roses in the bushes.

"Finally, Askr and Embla are taking steps toward a new future for both our countries." Veronica continued, "Yes. Let us take the first step now, shall we? Walk with me." The poser retorted, slightly nudging Veronica in the opposite direction of the crowd. "I hear you have grown quite close with Alfonse, Sharena, and the others of the order." The poser continued, trying to pry for more details.

"With these developments, the futures of both our countries look bright. I hope matters continue in that direction." The poser continued, trying to make themselves seem representable as the queen. "As do I." Veronica kept things anonymous, having a longing feeling about the queen. "I am glad to... hear that..." The poser knew, and Veronica knew. "......" The poser said nothing, striding with Veronica in silence. "...Your Majesty?" Veronica asked, breaking the silence. "O-oh! Excuse me. " The poser responded, seemingly lost in thought.

"My mind seems to have wondered... Now, where were we?" The was awkward silence. "... " Veronica said nothing. "You're not Queen Henriette," Veronica stated flat out. The truth was out now. "Yes, I suppose we can end the charade." The poser is no longer committing to the bit. "My purpose here is to keep your two countries from establishing peace." The poser stated, apparently fully aware that the countries of Embla and Askr were once full-time enemies.

"It appears that means I must remove the rulers of both your countries from the equation." The poser laid out their true intentions, showing their true colors. "This is where the trap closes." The poser gave a crude smile, almost sadistic. "Wh-who are you?" Veronica queried, backing away slightly. "As far as anyone else is concerned, I'm queen Henriette—and it will be queen Henriette who kills you. And with you will die any hope of peace between Askr and Embla." The poser was crude, seemingly wanting to drive a wedge between the two countries's for an anonymous reason.

"...N-no!" Veronica shouted, backing away further, nearly tripping. At broke out between the two, although Veronica wasn't one to sneer at. She held her own, although the foreign techniques and attacks of the poser were slowly overwhelming her. With no time to waste, the prince of Askr, Alfonse, dashed over to the scene with his sister Sharena, in terror to see their own mother attempt to assassinate Veronica. The poser's gaze shifted towards the oncoming backup. "Well done. You found me out before I could finish Princess Veronica. That was unfortunate," the poser said in a sickeningly relaxed tone.

"That being the case, I suggest you refrain from killing me—at least for the moment." Despite being outnumbered, things were still going south. "You see, this body belongs to Queen Henriette. I have simply taken her heart under my control." Alfonse was getting agitated; he had lost his father and he wasn't willing to lose his mother. "Release her!" Alfonse demanded, slowly striding towards the imposter. "You did well in building up your defenses. But I had already won before you even knew of assassins." The poser smiled, hiding their laughter behind a sadistic smile.

"Queen Henriette left the castle to extend aid to a village, if you recall..." The poser began walking back in contrast to Alfonse's strides. "She stopped to help a pitiful refugee who's been injured... That is when she saw me, and that little moment was all I needed. That is when I won." Alfonse was sickened, gripping his sword tighter and tighter.

"... What are you?" Alfonse demanded, "I am Læraðr, beating heart of the quieting hands." Without any questions further, Læraðr already continued. "My control over the queen will end shortly. We have only a few moments left of this conversation." It was almost sickening how quickly he was willing to drop this. "What is it you want?" Alfonse queried, backing off now. Completely dodging the question, Læraðr responds with another question. "Who is it that makes for the most terrifying assassin? Do you know?" Alfonse was getting angrier by the minute; gritting his teeth, he responded, "What are you saying?" Læraðr smirked, still under the guise of the queen. "When you fear assassination, you must strengthen your defenses; you must make use of soldiers you trust. If there are no soldiers you can trust with defense, you must build a wall to keep intruders at bay." It was confusing to say the least; it was almost like he was speaking in riddles.

"But there is one person you can never stop, no matter the soldiers, no matter the walls..." Alfonse gritted his teeth, saying nothing as he wanted to plunge his sword directly into Læraðr but couldn't since he was still inhabiting his mother. "In the end, you can always be betrayed by the ones you never expect: your very selves. You see? Henriette is the target and the strategically placed assassin. No defense is enough." Alfonse shouted, "Mother!" Læraðr smirked once more.

"It's far too late; she already drank the poison that will be her death. Her majesty's end is assured." And with that the remnants of Læraðr in Henriette's body dissipated. There was a loud crash and beam of light that woke {{user}} up; a sweet scent intruded on their senses. There, gazing directly at them was Heiðrún. "You're awake..." Heiðrún spoke. {{User}} could taste a sweet nectar in their throat.