A Gift from the Otherworld

A Gift from the Otherworld was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Basim Ibn Ishaq in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5, in which a vision of one of Odin's memories could be seen.
==Description==
Eivor receives a mysterious craftsman in Ravensthorpe.
==Dialogue==
===Greeting the stranger===
A red-haired man called out to Eivor near an occupied tent in Ravensthorpe.
*Everold: Eivor? Child of Varin? Eivor Wolf-Kissed? Is that you?
She looked to him, not recognizing his face.
*Eivor: Do I know you?
*Everold: You were too young to remember me but I stayed with your household many years ago.
The bearded guest turned to a nearby wooden cart, withdrawing an ornamented horn from it and handling it to the jarlskona.
*Everold: This is for you.
An amazed Eivor took the object, recognizing it as the Mead of poetry from her visions of Odin's time in Jötunheimr.
*Eivor: The Mead Horn of Suttungr! How is this possible? Can you conjure things from dreams?
*Everold: It's only a model. I fashioned it from a story, told to me by your father. But since he's dead, I offer it to you.
She inspectioned the horn closer, reminiscing.
*Eivor: It is exactly like I saw it... in my head... as Varin described it to me. Have you made other things from stories?
*Everold: Only if the storyteller is very good. Your father was. He would have made a good skald.
*Eivor: Could you do it from dreams or visions? Bring something into this world from another?
Valka, who was passing by, overheard their conversation and abruptly stopped at Everold's words.
*Everold: Not all dreamers speak, and fewer yet speak clearly. Seers talk too much and cloud your vision with—
Incensed, the volva interrupted the craftsman and joined in the conversation.
*Valka: What's this about bringing things into this world from another?
He turned to Valka, with a smile on his face.
*Everold: Hmmm. More like imagining it into our world. When I have the image, its design speaks to me in a language I do not know and yet understand.
Eivor showed the horn to her friend.
*Eivor: This is Suttungr's mead horn, Valka. From Jotunheim. As Varin described it to him.
*Valka: I do not like the business of trafficking in visions, but if it revives good memories of your father, there may be value in it.
The seer now addressed Everold.
*Valka: I will bring you a potion that will let Eivor dream and speak clearly. If you take advantage, your death will be painful.
*Everold: Nah, you need not go to so much trouble. You could give me the recipe—
*Valka: I will bring you a potion.
She then turned to Eivor, talking so that only the viking could hear what she would say.
*Valka: Do not dig too deeply. We do not know the true cost of this.
*Eivor: There'll will be no cost to the gods. You heard him. He does not take things from their realms. He imagines them, then crafts them.
The volva glanced away, concerned for Eivor.
*Valka: Not the cost to the gods. To you.
With this, the seer walked away, prompting Everold to draw Eivor's attention again.
*Everold: I will get the workshop ready. Come by when you want to get started.
After some time, Everold's workshop was constructed in place of the tent. Eivor entered it, encountering a room full of various items the craftsman had previously reproducted, including pieces of green silica and a drawing of the dwarven city of Eitri in Svartálfaheimr. The jarlskona then approached a bedside table, grabbing the vessel that contained Valka's potion laying on top of it and sitting on the bed. Once Everold joined by sitting on a stool, she drank the concoction while he spoke jokingly.
*Everold: You'll be safe in my care. Valka has promised that any harm you suffer will be visited upon me tenfold.
*Eivor: She is protective of her people.
As the potion began to take effect, her words started getting distant.
*Eivor: But I must exact a promise from you. You must not speak of this to anyone... whatever happens...
She laid her head on the pillow.
*Everold: I swear upon my life, I will not speak of this to any but you.
Eivor fell asleep as he finished talking, beginning to relive the memories of Odin's journey to retrieve Baldr's consciousness from Hel's guard in the heart of Niflheimr.
===The Forgotten Saga===
====A Manifold Path====
In an aggregate of land hovering outside of Niflheimr, Havi woke up in a cave under a tree glowing in blue and walked to its exterior to observe the rocky wasteland below him. His raven Munnin flew above him and squawked, drawing Havi's attention.
*Havi: Munnin!
Munnin squawked again and landed nearby on an animal skull altar. Havi extended his forearm and Munnin hopped to perch on it.
*Havi: When you're near, dear raven, my memory's sharp, my aim unmuddled. Down there, in Niflheim, things are... less clear...
The High One stared at the snowy mountains at the other side of the chasm.
*Havi: You know I cannot take you. I can barely get myself through the Warding Wall, and only then by abandoning my trusted weapons.
He looked at Munnin.
*Havi: Do not sulk. I will not risk you, for who then would remind me of my purpose?
The raven cawed again, louder, as if talking to him.
*Havi: Yes. Baldr. My son. The Light of the World, locked away in Hel's dark castle.
Munnin flew away while Havi turned and walked back in the direction of a stone beam projecting over the edge by his camp.
*Havi: He was taken too soon. Stolen from us! I shall not rest till I have denied destiny and brought Baldr back from the dead.
In the air, Munnin cawed once more.
*Havi: You're right, Munnin. If it is to be done, best it were done quickly. It is time to go to Hel.
Havi stepped onto the beam and performed a Leap of Faith into a pool down below, entering the cold region of Kaldstad.
<tabber>
|-|First defeat=
Havi woke up in the cave again, rapidly getting up and leaving in a rush, stopping near Munnin's perch. He reached to the ground, grabbing and throwing a bit of dirt in the direction of Helheimr.
*Havi: You think you can keep me out? I pulled your realm out of Ymir's ass! I will send it hurtling back to the Void if I have to!
The All-Father then spitted to the abyss, while a familar voice reached for him in his back.
*Thor: I do not think they can hear you, old man.
Thor slowly approached Havi.
*Havi: Have you come to lend us aind, my son?
*Thor: I have news from home. War rattles the gates of Asgard while you dally in this dream of rescuing Baldr.
His father replied agrily.
*Havi: My whole life I have defied expectations by doing the unthinkable. How could I do any less when your brother's life is at stake?
Thor's beard emitted lightning while thunder could be heard in the sky. Munnin squawked in concordance.
*Thor: My step-brother is dead! There is no life at stake! You are full of advice to all who will listen but deaf to anyone else.
*Havi: Can you name anyone with more wisdom than I? Who has fought and fallen and sacrificed more than I have?
After a brief pause, Thor responded.
*Thor: No.
*Havi: Then I hope you will understand, Son, why I do not take counsel easily.
The God of Thunder crossed his arms.
*Thor: So, you are going back. Back to Niflheim.
*Havi: As many times as it takes.
Following the conversation, Havi crossed the bridge in front of him, spotting a small tradepost that had been settled at the base of a ritualistic monument near the beam leading into Niflheimr. He then approached a dwarf near one of the tent's tables.
*Havi: Have we met before? There's something familiar about you.
*Nar: Ah. You may have met one of my brothers.
*Havi: Do they live around here?
*Nar: Haha! In a way, in a way. They're dead. Doomed to Niflheim for... well, let's just say they got into some nasty business.
*Havi: And now you come here to pay homage to them?
*Nar: Ha! I pay them nothing! I come to earn! You see, I have a bond with my brothers, like you with your ravens, but deeper. When I stand at the edge of Niflheim, I can see what they see. Hear what they hear, smell what they--
*Havi: I understand. But how can this profit you? Or benefit me?
*Nar: I have learned some secrets of the dead. Charms and spells that I offer to you as... Favors. Are you interested? Can I tempt you with a favor?
|-|Second defeat=
Thor was leaning on a tree when Havi exited the cave after being defeated, holding an arm against his chest.
*Havi: Each time you cast me out will only make me stronger!
He walked to the edge of the cliff, facing Hel's castle.
*Havi: You sharpen my will like a dwarf-forged blade! I will slice you from tail to ti–
His son lifted his hammer Mjölnir, casting lightning from the skies.
*Thor: Enough! I've heard this too many times! I cannot bear it any longer!
*Havi: The problem with children is their utter lack of pattience.
Havi walked fastly to the bridge that lead to the wooden beam, with Thor following behind.
*Thor: How can you say that? And who needs patience? When did patience ever win a war?
The All-Father turned to him.
*Havi: Almost every single time! When preparing for battle–
*Thor: No... No, no more of your... words of... wisdom, just... Please, Father... release me from my oath!
*Havi: Oath? What oath?
Thor hesitated, looking to the ground.
*Thor: If I tell you, I will... break it.
*Havi: So break it, if your need is so great. If you swore to be my wet-nurse, to coddle me, then I free you from your bond.
*Thor: I swore upon the head of Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, and the... glorious death it will know at my hands.
Havi approached him.
*Havi: Then tell me true. Will your words cause me to doubt my deeds? Sow suspicion in my thoughts?
His son looked aside, replying after a time.
*Thor: I cannot say.
*Havi: In that case, I am sorry, Son. I have no wish to burden you with my grief, but you are here, and Baldr is not.
Thor looked at his father as he walked away.
*Thor: Aye.
|-|Third defeat=
After being defeated again, Havi walked out of the cave, crossing the bridge leading to a zone of the camp where Thor had been previously resting.
*Havi: You do well to hide behind your monsters, daughter of Loki! If you were here, I would tear you–
The Asgardian Gate placed on the camp started to shine in a blue color as the bodies of Thor and Freyja materialized in front of the building. The two walked to his location.
*Freyja: No need to grab your weapon, Husband. It is not that kind of visit. We need to talk about Baldr.
Havi turned to his son.
*Havi: How honorable! Seems your oath does not stop you from complaining to your mother.
An embarassed Thor looked to the ground as his father talked to Freyja.
*Havi: So, this troll-tosser told you about Baldr, did he? Or have you been spying on me through your mirrors and pools?
*Freyja: I need neither Thor nor magic. You are on the edge of Niflheim and look like shit. Of course this is about Baldr. Jötunn are talking with Muspels. Týr thinks they will move on Asgard together.
*Havi: Týr will know what to do, he was War Lord once.
*Freyja: He will take that title again if you are not careful.
*Havi: What care I for titles? Or Jötunn or Muspels? I saw Baldr's body! His light snuffed out! How can I see that same light seated on Hel's dark throne and not take action?
As he talked, Munnin landed on its perch.
*Freyja: You saw him on Hel's throne? I did not know you had reached her castle.
Her husband touched on his forehead with his hand, confused.
*Havi: No... I–I did not think I had... I could not remember...
Thor looked at him pitingly.
*Havi: Perhaps it was a vision!
*Freyja: You are many things, Lord of Lords, but a seer you are not.
*Thor: His wits are curdled! We should take him home!
Freyja looked to Helheimr, looming over the horizon.
*Freyja: I sense a mystery not easily untangled. Asgard will not fall today. I'll stay and learn more before passing judgement.
*Havi: Thank you... for believing in me.
She stepped forward.
*Freyja: I shall believe what I see. Thank the Fates for gifting me patience.
|-|Fourth defeat=
As Havi walked away from the tree, Freyja was kneeling in a ritual circle near the center of the camp and glowing with light, while Thor stood and watched her. Havi came up and stood next to his son.
*Thor: She seeks a vision to help with your quest.
Freyja gasped and her eyes turned black, startling the other two.
*Freyja: I see a foul creature, half living, half dead... who feeds on the dead... or roots in their stead...
Havi pushed past Thor to get a closer look.
*Thor: Could that be Hel?
A swirl of blue light spiralled out from Freyja across the ritual circle.
*Freyja: I see a great throne in a room dark as night.. a king or a queen, their heart filled with light...
Thor came up and patted Havi on the back.
*Thor: That is like the vision you had! Baldr on a throne!
*Havi: Be quiet!
*Freyja: A sacrifice made, the price to be paid... one prince will be found, another one bound…
She closed her eyes and ceased glowing. Havi walked towards her as she shook her head. Havi pulled her into a standing position.
*Freyja: Ah... did you learn anything useful?
*Havi: You confirmed what I expected. I will need to face Hel to find Baldr.
Thor stepped forward to join them.
*Thor: And the part about the sacrifice. Do not forget that.
Freyja exhaled and rubbed her head.
*Freyja: A sacrifice?
*Havi: What do you expect? I am the King of Sacrifices.
Freyja sighed and hobbled past them.
*Freyja: And I am too tired to give argument. Do what you must do, but make sure you strike a good bargain.
She walked away. Thor nodded at Havi and followed her.
|-|Fifth defeat=
Once again, Havi left the roots of the glowing tree, meeting Freyja and Thor close to the stone bridge.
*Freyja: What happened down there?
*Havi: I penetrated deep within Hel's defenses but her forces pushed me back. Why do you ask? Did you sense something?
*Freyja: There was a... a push. From Niflheim. I do not know how else to describe it.
*Havi: You felt this in your body?
*Freyja: No... more like I... I felt it in my . A forceful presence, but far away. Like a great wind blowing from a distant land.
*Hel: Ahh!
The group turned to the glowing tree, which emitted swirling blue pulses as Hel's voice surged from it.
*Hel: No need for timidity, I cannot do much harm. Yet.
Havi looked to his wife, who demonstrated similar confusion.
*Thor: Then why bother at all, witch? This feeble display is laughable.
*Hel: Testing the waters. I too have found a crack in the Wall, a crack that could telease the flood...
Freyja kneeled to examine one of the tree's roots close to them.
*Havi: You will only put yourself in more peril by dragging out our dispute. Release Baldr and we can end this here.
*Hel: End it? But there is so much more to learn about you... and your lands... all the soft places...
An enraged Freyja released a powerful cry followed by a burst of yellow mist.
*Freyja: Begone!
Munnin squawked and flew from his perch as the tree ceased emitting its energy pulses. Freyja looked upon her husband and son from atop the bridge.
*Freyja: Once I identified the right root, it was a simple thing to push back.
She approached them and sitted on a nearby rock.
*Freyja: But she was right. She will continue prodding that barrier until Hel breaks loose.
*Havi: I gambled with the fate of the Nine Worlds and may lose them to the forces of chaos.
*Freyja: Perhaps, and maybe Hel will be the harbinger of that doom, but I sensed something... unintended. She was afraid.
*Havi: Afraid? Of who? Of me?
Freyja stood up.
*Freyja: Do not act coy. Of course she fears you. Or what you might discover.
*Thor: So, what are you saying? I should continue on this course? Even if it weakens the Wall?
Havi glazed upon the ethereal bridge that connected Helheimr to the realm's borders.
*Thor: If anything gets out of that wicked realm, I will send it back. I need some exercise after all this waiting.
*Havi: Well then, I should go get your step-brother.
He left for another dive into Hel's domain whilst Freyja and Thor looked to one another.
|-|Sixth defeat=
Havi lied on the root-covered cave's ground and slowly got up, the fatigue starting to show on him. With his right hand placed upon his wounded left arm, Havi approached Freyja, who ran to lend him aid.
*Freyja: My love...!
Thor, who was sitting by the campfire, got up and watched with a smirk as his mother helped his father to slowly cross the camp.
*Freyja: Can you speak?
*Havi: Hel has grown strong since we last met... I simply need a moment... to catch my breath...
They stopped just before the bridge as Thor crossed it to meet them, Mjölnir in hand.
*Thor: You reached her? You fought? Was it glorious?
*Havi: It was... a challenge. But now that I've taken the measure of Hel, and her hound, I will cut her to the quick.
Thrilled by the new challenge, Thor twisted and placed the hammer on his shoulder with excitement.
*Thor: Hound?
*Freyja: No, my husband, you must not return. I fear Niflheim has infected us with a madness that will only worsen the longer we remain.
*Havi: Freyja, I cannot stop now. Not when I have gone this far.
*Freyja: And what has it gotten you? You have been to Hel and back and yet you are still no closer to Baldr.
*Havi: But I know he's there... I have seen him!
*Freyja: The vision you spoke of?
*Havi: It was no vision! It's... It is a... It is a memory! I cn recall it more clearly now...
Havi regained his compusure and walked with Freyja.
*Havi: I saw him, as clear as I see you, seated on a throne...
He recalled the image of his son seated on a throne of ornamented thorns in a dark ambient, surrounded by roots. A raven perched near him.
*Havi: When I reach for more detail, the image grows cloudy... as though covered by layers of some concealing veil.
Baldr lifted his head as the raven lifted his wings and squawked with might.
The couple passed by Thor on the bridge, prompting him to accompany them.
*Freyja: Could this be some illusion? An effect of Hel's magic?
*Havi: No. If anything, it is a fragment of a deeper truth. A truth someone is trying to hide from us. I lost Baldr once, and may be a fool trying to undo destiny. But someone seeks to rob me of his memory, and that I cannot allow.
Freyja stepped away in thought.
*Freyja: I will not question your resolve, but I need to step back. I am too exposed to the perverse energy bleeding from that realm.
Havi approached her ad pointed to the Asgardian Gate.
*Havi: I will not think you weaker for it. Return to Asgard and let Týr know he has my gratitude but that you hold my trust.
Freyja kissed Havi on the cheek.
*Freyja: Good luck to you, Husband. I hope your efforts bring you some measure of peace.
Havi watched as his wife neared the portal emblazoned with runes of the gate and turned to look at him one last time before disappearing in a burst of a blue light. The High One then put his eyes on the entrance to the realm and readied himself for another attempt at reaching Niflheimr's depths and defeat Hel.
|-|Subsequent defeats=
</tabber>
=====Thor and Freyja=====
After his first unsuccessful descent into Niflheimr and the subsequent arrival of Thor to Odin's Camp, Havi met his son by the campfire at the center of the camp.
*Thor: Enjoy the fight, Father.
Havi later met Thor again after another defeat at the hands of Niflheimr's denizens.
*Thor: What was it like among the shameful dead? How is it with the worst that the worlds can offer?
*Havi: Not all down there are deserving of their destinies. Some simply suffer from ill luck, or a cruel twist of fate.
He talked to Thor after confronting one of the wolves experimented on by Hel for the first time.
*Thor: You have that look you get when you've been fighting wolves. Did you meet a match for Loki's son?
*Havi: Hel has bred some dreadful creatures, but none can compare with the wolf, Fenrir.
Upon Freyja's arrival to the camp, Havi spoke to his wife while she tended to her matters on her flowery tent.
*Freyja: A Helish fog clouds my vision...
After reaching Døkkerland and fighting against Hjalmgunnar for the first time, the High One met his son once more.
*Havi: You remember Hjalmgunnar? The King of the ? He has become a misshapen monster, twisted by hate.
*Thor: You were too hard on Brunhild over that one. Hjalmgunnar was a rotten bacraut (idiot) while he lived. He deserves a dark fate.
After crossing into Niðheimr and confronting Níðhǫggr for the first time, Havi spoke to Thor again.
*Thor: You stink of dragon turds. Have you met Nidhogg? He must be old and toothless by now.
*Havi: He sustains himself with the sap from Yggdrasil's roots, but cannot fully stave off the rot as Chaos reaches to reclaim him.
He then approached Freyja nearby.
*Freyja: Some say corruption springs forth from Nidhogg. In truth, it is his weakening of the World Tree that lets the rot seep in.
Once Havi finally breached into Helheimr for the first time, he went to see his son one more time.
*Thor: Why does your hate for Hel burn so bright?
*Havi: I do not hate her, I simply want Baldr. But I feel I have created a monster that could unleash an apocalypse.
He then payed another visit to Freyja.
*Freyja: The very best and worst of the dead find their way to Hel's castle. Be wary of both.
After reaching Róthásæt at the top of Heilheimr and unsuccessfully challenging Hel and Garmr for the first time, Havi talked to Thor again.
*Thor: You have been to Hel and back. Did Garmr fight at her side? Is he truly the best of hounds?
*Havi: They share a bond stronger than Munnin and I. Garmr is formidable because Hel lent him life and earned his undying loyalty.
He then spoke to Freyja too.
*Freyja: Do you regret how you treated Hel? Trying to trap her in Niflheim?
*Havi: Aye. Hel, Fenrir, Jörmungandr... Loki's entire line is like a string of curses.
====Descent into Kaldstad====
<tabber>
|-|First run=
Unarmed, Havi dived into the first realm of Niflheimr, cold Kaldstad. As he emerged from a pool of water in which he had landed, he was bestowed several pieces of equipment, a gift from the domain. He spotted a round and ornamented Lokkbox, locked by several ethereal chains and guarded by jötnar.
*Havi: Niflheim's riches are doubly defended. I must kill the guards before disarming the shield.
As soon as he killed all the enemies surrounding the chest, its safeguards dissipated, letting the High One loot it.
*Havi: The shield surrounding this prize must have been tied to its defender's life... or death.
Havi went on his way, finding it impeded by a chasm, with the only way of crossing it being two large chains hanging over it. After choosing one of them and reaching the other side, the chain broke, with its debris falling into the abyss.
*Havi: No going back now.
After defeating the enemies in the next area, Havi proceeded to a zip line leading to the following zone. Near it, there was a note, which he read.
After using the zip line, he saw a mysterious figure hiding behind some bushes.
*Havi: That skulking figure has the demeanor of a thief. Who better to lead me to things of value?
The All-Father searched the nearest area, finding another piece of land hovering on the other side of a chasm, which he crossed by using some tree branches. He spotted a chest, which turned to stone as he approached.
*Havi: The air appears to shimmer here. Much in the way it does when the jötunn weave their illusions.
Havi climbed to the top of the elevation, as the air was slowly filled with small shimmers of golden light. Along the way up, he read another note attached to a piece of wooden scaffolding near an altar.
After reaching the top, he slided down a rocky steep, breaking the illusion. He looted the chest, finding a letter and some memory fragments.
*Havi: I shall make better use of this than Hel's officer would.
Afterwards, Havi spotted a golden statue of an elk, with some markings on its torso and horns.
*Havi: Elk shrines are known to be places of healing.
He then activated the elk shrine, replenishing his health. In the next chum+nk of land, Havi found another jötnar camp, overseen by a Helchief, one of her officials.
*Havi: That looks like a warrior of rank. Perhaps he carries some prize on his person.
Havi then charged at the enemy camp, killing the official and claiming his reward.
Eventually, the High One came across a stone table with three ornamented cups laying on top of it and a note by their side.
*Havi: Hospitality without a host. Are these drinks for the dead, or might anyone partake? That note may shed some light.
Havi read the note, approaching the table afterwards.
*Havi: Which one shall I choose?
*Havi: Only one drink per visit. Generosity has its limits.
At some point, Havi encountered another ornamented chest, this time covered in shiny wooden roots. After being detected by the guards in the vicinity, a ghostly tree appeared above the chest, which in turn started emitting encompassed pulses.
*Havi: I'm discovered, and the roots would rake my reward!
The All-Father advanced through the region, eventually entering a heavily-guarded temple. After killing all the jötunn soldiers, Havi noticed that another ilusion had been placed by them in his surrondings. After passing through a specific entrance to the building, an elevator was revealed near one of the walls. He utilized it to go further up, climbing a ladder and finding a letter among various pieces of gold and jewelry.
After going all the way to the top of the frozen building, Havi found a small and cozy lair, with a small bed at its center. Beside it, was a tall, crowned man, to whom Havi talked to.
*King of Thieves: The King of Thieves welcomes all who wish to bargain fairly and freely.
*Havi: Can I expect fair treatment from one holding so dubious a title?
*King of Thieves: I was once a common thief, fighting over scraps, picking corpses clean of all that could be bartered or sold. But now, as their sovereign, the rogues of Niflheim trust me with their traffic, and you may do the same.
*Havi: I may offer trade, but my trust is not easily earned.
*King of Thieves: Fine by me. I'm not looking to make friends, only deals. Are you interested?
*Havi: Show me your stock.
The High One perused through his products, which the thief accepted to trade for jewels. Following that, Havi faith-leapt to a pile of snow below, using a zip line to reach the next area. Later, Havi traversed a stone bridge, encountering the entrance to Bangardhr and a man who had put up a tent and a bonfire near it, with a wooden wagon full of products next to him. The High One spoke to him.
*Olver the Unsettled: Why go to some other shop when my shop will come to you?
*Havi: You carry your whole shop with you? That is quite a feat.
*Olver the Unsettled: Anything can be negotiated if you have the means, even this difficult land. Would you like to see what I have?
*Havi: Let us get down to business then.
Olver showed him a variety of quality weapons and other products which could be traded for coins. After looking through them, Havi read a note laying on the wagon.
|-|Subsequent runs=
After descending into Kaldstad again, Havi visited the area where he had first seen an elk shrine, but didn't find anything in its place.
*Havi: I have a memory of an elk shrine here... or does some Helish magic muddle my wits?
Later, the All-Father climbed a steep elevation, finding a note laying in a small camp set up on its top.
Havi then took a zipline which lead him into the entrance of a cave. Eventually, Havi met the King of Thieves in his hideout again.
*King of Thieves: Ah, the wary bargainer returns.
After a while, he encountered the wandering merchant to whom he had spoken earlier.
*Olver the Unsettled: Looking for a deal?
</tabber>
Havi then entered the large tunnel in front of him, encountering a projection of Hel in an open space further along.
<tabber>
|-|First encounter=
*Hel: Leave, lest I make a monument of your bones.
*Havi: I granted you this realm, child, but I will unmake it if you deny me Baldr.
*Hel: You gave me a barren world filled with the dishonored and other undesirables. I gave them purpose.
*Havi: What purpose? An afterlife of constant death?
The projection approached a brazier near a grand gateway decorated with golden runes.
*Hel: No, a new kind of life, one free from the fear of death. All who serve me shall have their rebirth.
As the shadow disappeared, the brazier lit in a blueish flame, which gave form to either a fiery or an icy boar. The creature jumped into the snowy arena, preparing to attack the High One.
|-|Second encounter=
*Hel: Why have you returned, Old One?
*Havi: Why do you not face me, Queen of the Shamed? Or better yet, give me back my son and I shall leave you in peace.
The projection landed near Havi.
*Hel: I can shape dead flesh into new life, summon an army with a whisper. What makes you think you still have power over me?
*Havi: Then why would you not show your true self? What is it you fear?
Hel's shadow levitated to a tunnel entrance, where it dissapeared, unveiling either a wolf of fire or ice.
*Hel: My fear is beyond your imagining. Your fear, however, is well known among the dead.
The wolf walked outside of the tunnel, howling to the sky, then launching itself into the arena and attacking Havi.
|-|Third encounter=
*Hel: Leave, lest I make a monument of your bones.
*Havi: Like your dead, I will keep coming back, Learning, growing stronger until I take back what is mine.
*Hel: You know nothing of my dead. Not all I do is driven by war. But quite a lot is.
Suddenly, Bálsvín or Íssvín appeared behind him in blue flames, launching itself at him. Havi noticed it, dodging in time, and beggining to attack the animal.
|-|Fourth encounter=
*Hel: Why have you returned, Old One?
*Havi: You think me afraid of your creations? I have had nightmares more terrifying.
He walked to the gateway to face the shadow, while Hel conjured Bálulfr or Íssulfr again, behind him.
*Hel: What an interesting thought. If one can harvest memories, could one not plant a dream?
Havi turned to face the wolf.
|-|Subsequent encounters=
</tabber>
====Crossing Døkkerland====
<tabber>
|-|First run=
Havi entered Døkkerland, the industrial centre of Niflheimr, where the Muspels serving the Queen of the realm oppressed the Dwarven miners in their weakened state. At some point, he climbed an unfinished wall which possessed a dwarven style, finding a war table with a letter laying on it.
He then leapt to the area below, causing a distant horn to be blown, which prompted the lava pits in the area to starting filling and causing waves of Helfire.
*Havi: Better hury. This place grows hotter.
In the following area, Havi discovered a trail of scaffoldings and ladders which leaded to a small plateau illuminated by small braziers in the skull-carved active volcano nearby, where another chest protected by one of Hel's ilusions was located.
*Havi: The air appears to shimmer here. Much in the way it does when the jötunn weave their illusions.
He continued to climb and traverse the lava-filled chasms of the mountain, using two lifts to reach its utmost point, overlooking the entire region. There, between two rocky thornes, the illusion was undone, with Havi performing a Leap of Faith to leaf pile next to the now accessible chest. The High One opened it, finding another note from Hel and the Dwarven Defender outfit in its interior.
*Havi: Impressive attire! I shall add it to my wardrobe.
He then used a nearby zipline to descend to the lower set of foundries. Afterwards, Havi saw a deserted enemy outpost, the only thing remaining being a chest impaled by a colossal sword engraved with several runes. Once he touched it and picked his reward, the Stalli dissolved into a force field around him and summoned a group of Muspels which ambushed Havi.
*Havi: Only one of us leaves in one piece!
The All-Father swiftly defeated all of the enemies until only one was left. After dispatching them, the force field receded.
*Havi: The last of that lot...
In one of the safe spots provided by the silica crystals in the next area, Havi saw a cut zipline which would've led to the interior of the nearby mountain. He read the note pinned on its pole.
Given that the chasm was impassable without the rope in place, Havi continued further into the courtyard that led to the castle at the border of the realm. Nearby, he found another stone table with cups arranged on top of it, with a note by their side.
*Havi: More drinks on offer. Will the result be any different?
He approached the table.
*Havi: Which one shall I choose?
After that, once he reached the inner bridge, he encountered Olver again.
*Olver the Unsettled: Looking for a deal?
|-|Subsequent runs=
After helping the dwarf Dani release his men from the Muspels' custody, Havi found out that the various severed rope-lines left throughout the region had been repared. He returned to the one that separated him from the mountain and slided through its rope, landing on the entrance of a great mine of green crystals, guarded by several Muspel soldiers. Amidst the silica formations, he spotted another hooded figure of a thief.
*Havi: Another thief... another opportunity.
Nearby, he found a crack on the rocks, sliding under them to find a tunnel sided by some mining carts. After reaching its end, he encountered himself on an open space, where he saw a tradepost, closely resembling the one settled on his camp. The High One then talked to another dwarf, strangely similar to Nar.
{{#tag:tabber|
First visit=
*Havi: Are you...?
*Dar: No, no. I'm sure you're thinking of someone else. Perhaps one of my cousins.
*Havi: Right. And I take it you are also involved in the family business?
*Dar: Ah! If you want a fair deal, look no further!
*Havi: Let us get down to business.
The All-Father looked through his wares, finding out that he too accepted to trade them for jewels.
-
Subsequent visits=
*Dar: I am always open for a friend of the family!
He then found a note on a table with a scarecrow nearby and read it.
Havi then moved a stone pillar from another narrow passage, which he used to get out and advance to the next area.
</tabber>
Eventually, Havi reached Gardhr Nárjarls, the residence of the region's lord and one of Hel's lackeys, Hjalmgunnar. He continued around the inert figure of a giant skeleton before continuing deeper.
<tabber>
|-|First encounter=
Havi jumped into the fiery arena in front of him.
*Hjalmgunnar: All-Father!
A four-armed fire giant carrying an orb on his back and dripping lava appeared behind him, with a smoldering scythe in his possession.
*Havi: Be thou one of Hel's experiments gone awry? What shameful crime could have earned so twisted a fate?
*Hjalmgunnar: It's not the Nornir, but you and that bitch Brunhild who made me thus!
He approached a clueless Havi.
*Hjalmgunnar: Have you betrayed so many Goths, Oath-Breaker, that you no longer recognize their king?
*Havi: Hjalmgunnar? Why has Hel raised you as this grotesque monstruosity?
*Hjalmgunnar: (laugh) I rebuilt myself from abandoned appendages and discarded flesh. A labor of loathing, fuelled by vengeance and driven by hate.
The two entered a fight. When injured enough by Havi, the giant casted a circle with his scythe on the ground, awakening his fiery orb, turning out to be an eye, to invoke several fire beams to aid him on the fight.
|-|Second encounter=
*Hjalmgunnar: All-Father!
*Havi: Your fate shames me, Hjalmgunnar. I would have given you the victory I promised had the Nornir not tied by hands.
The giant appeared from behind a rock, jumping over it and facing the High One.
*Hjalmgunnar: I don't give a rat's turd about your shame. I lost my life and my kingdom, and I won't rest till I've destroyed yours.
The two fought again.
|-|Third encounter=
Havi jumped into the fiery arena in front of him.
*Hjalmgunnar: All-Father!
Havi searched the arena with his functioning eye, watching as the Unforgiven emerged from behind a dwarven statue.
*Havi: Whatever wrong was done you, giant, your actions have cancelled my debt.
Hjalmgunnar rolled into the arena and wielded his fire scythe.
*Hjalmgunnar: Honor won't be restored until I have ground you underfoot.
The High One snapped his fingers before fighting him again.
|-|Subsequent encounters=
Havi jumped into the fiery arena in front of him.
*Hjalmgunnar: All-Father!
Perched on another dwarven statue, the giant followed suit and prepared to fight his enemy one more time.
*Hjalmgunnar: I'll tear you apart!
</tabber>
====In the Bowels of Nidheim====
<tabber>
|-|First run=
Havi found himself in Niðheimr, the swampy realm home to the followers of the dragon Níðhǫggr, where the roots of Yggdrasil spreaded deep, threatened with corruption. Havi followed the overgrown corridor and traversed a root before performing a Leap of Faith into a pile of leaves below. He looked to the bubbling waters of the swamp.
*Havi: One would boil, bathing in that.
</tabber>
====Returning to the Roots====
==Outcome==
==Behind the scenes==
Due to the roguelite nature of The Forgotten Saga, all of the encounters in the four realms of Niflheim are randomized in terms of confrontations, rewards and challenges, not to mention the different paths one could take in each area. However, the probability of certain interactions being available varies according to the player's current number of runs. As such, this article lists the dialogue options in an effort to respect that order of events and emulate how players would find them.
Although the dialogue transcriptions treat Havi's several deaths as result of failing to defeat a major opponent at the end of one of the realms, the cutscenes that play after any defeat are triggered if Havi's dies from other causes.
==Gallery==
ACV A Gift from the Otherworld 1.png|Everold introducing himself to Eivor
ACV A Gift from the Otherworld 5.png|Everold's workshop built
==References==
Category:Memories of Eivor Varinsdottir
Category:Memories relived using the Animus HR-8.5