[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/K2ssvzh.png[/img]
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[h1]Sanngridr[/h1]
[@Ponn][@Ariamis][@PlatinumSkink][@Majoras End][/center]

Sanngridr looked at Justine, her usually coy smile melting away in a little frown. “Oh yes, I’m going to rip your sister’s soul right now, eat it, and go mwahahahahahaha about it.” Sanngridr snapped back. “Plans, schmplans. I want a minute of your time, and in the middle of that scenery I wasn’t going to get it. Don’t worry about little Caroline. You know that as long as I am here, she won’t die. I can even make her come back without a potion, even. A little tricky, but doable. And Sanctuary has some of those too.”

“First, Privacy… If you would be so kind.” She added, as she handed Justine her Witch’s Queen crown.

Justine stayed tense as Sann joked about Caroline, cautious about her.
[color=bc8dbf]”Well, now you got your minute. Make it count.”[/color]

That was when Justine was given the Crown, and she put it on without hesitation: it wasn’t the first time she has done the gesture.
[color=bc8dbf]”There. Now what is it you want?”[/color]

“There is an offer, yes. But not from the Mint. I mean I could give you the Mint offer but who am I kidding? You’d be made their bitch in 0.1 seconds. Not to mention you’re working already for an offshoot of the Mint. Just washed over. And the fact they brought Valerie back means they’re desperate enough to try and bind you to them more using Caroline.” Sanngridr did say.

“But there’s always options. There’s even a harder path that might allow you to get Sonia. Because at this rate, you’ll have to fight. Or Sonia defaults on ol’ Al. That would be …bad.” Sanngridr said.

“You’re a great girl, Justine. I was angry. And we might have to fight. I only regret that I can’t give you a stud to look at any longer.” She said, pulling a gem from her collar. “This is all what’s left of me. This body? a meat puppet. Crush the gem, I die.”

Justine kept quiet as Sann made her offer, and while still, her hostility ceased once Sann showed her new weakness to her.
[color=bc8dbf]”It is true that Cradle could try to use Caroline too…”[/color] She mumbled.
[color=bc8dbf]”But how would I be able to save Sonia?”[/color]

“Well, Sonia is someone who projects a strong exterior but she needs a strong person to follow. As far as I know. Do you even look strong now? No, you try to please and be subservient.” Sanngridr said.” And thus you’re Cradle’s newest doll and poster girl, in an act of forced redemption.”

[color=bc8dbf]”But this is who I really am!”[/color] Justine retorted.
[color=bc8dbf]”Call it forced, but I am glad I was able to become free of that monster’s influence. Now I can at least make a choice for myself.”[/color] She bit her lip, showing signs of doubt.
[color=bc8dbf]”Are you trying to suggest I go back to that? Back to being an insane lunatic?”[/color]

“I refuse to believe the girl who made the world its enemy for the sake of her sister is only this.” Sanngridr said, before energetically plucking one of her feathers, and began to dab a rune on them. Ansuz. His Rune.

“No, He wants you to become a Valkyrie.” Sanngridr said. “Show some more of that determination and pride, and serve a Father who isn’t a Horror mockery, but an Allfather.” Sanngridr added. “And this is the choice I am offering to you, besides what you have already.”

[color=bc8dbf]”The Norse God?”[/color]
Justine did not expect the answer, and nearly dropped Caroline, causing her to slightly stumble.
She averted her eyes, looking shocked.
[color=bc8dbf]”I don’t know…I’ve really had it with Patrons serving as parental figures.”[/color]
She looked down at Caroline, and scowled.
[color=bc8dbf]”Would Caroline also be recruited?”[/color] She asked, weighing her options.
[color=bc8dbf]”I can’t say I’m too happy in the Cradle, but what does Allfather have to offer, besides this so-called pride?”[/color]

“Odin recruits on a one on one basis, and only courageous wills…your sister can apply if she wants, but she seems more like Freya’s lot. He doesn’t force things because he knows it’s best to join out of free will.” Sanngridr said. “Ancient resources, mainly. Freedom to tackle your objectives at your own pace as long as you don’t show cowardice. Wisdom beyond human’s understanding, too… and…and…”

Sanngridr clutched her head, as if she had a splitting headache, before blinking twice.

“...I’ll take over.” said in a much somber voice. As if she wasn’t Sanngridr. “What do you wish to know, oh kin of Visceral?”

Justine hesitated for a moment, before she addressed the Deity that had manifested through Sann.

[color=bc8dbf]”Great Allfather, Alföðr, your Chosen has spoken of your Wisdom. What mysteries can you unveil to one who may act as your sword?”[/color]

“Ah… a proper greeting. So unlike this fool who choked on a Red coin and had to salvage him as a valkyrie. Sorcery, Healing, Poetry for starters. Things that not even gods or horrors are supposed to know. I read upon all the runes, as you should know. And your actions have garnered my attention. But that one queer Mother fished your sister before I could…use it as bargain.”

Justine nodded. [color=bc8dbf]”I see. That is how Caroline returned.”[/color]
She looked over at the lake.
[color=bc8dbf]”I need time to think about my future, and what I wish for it. I have not yet cast aside the kindness the Cradle has offered. However, that may not last for long. I am interested in what your Chosen spoke about regaining my strength. Allfather, If you may grant a boon, a means to commune with your will again, I would gladly offer something in tribute.”[/color]

"My offer does not expire." The voice said. "Yet Ragnarok does not wait for anyone, be mindful of that. I will not protect you unless you are under my service." The deity handed the feather. "This token shall suffice. If you ever lose it, you may instead pray with that rune and offer some blood or flesh as payment."

Justine blinked from the mention of blood, but surprisingly accepted the feather without questioning, placing it in her pocket.

[color=bc8dbf]”Blood and flesh…The lifeforce of earthly creatures seem to be a common nourishment. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for granting me an audience, Allfather.”[/color]
She slightly bowed, encumbered by holding Caroline. She then took off the Witch Queen’s Crown and placed it back on Sann’s head.

[color=bc8dbf]”I’m now ready to go back, Sann. I have much to think about now.”[/color]

"Ugh.." Sanngridr took a few moments to get her bearings. "Ah well. Do you need Sanctuary assistance? This might be the last time we don't meet as enemies… so make it count, okay?"

Justine didn’t respond, and simply looked on at the blue lake. She could see her reflection in it.

Sanngridr just sighed, and grabbing her blade, slit her palm, allowing for some blood to seep into Caroline’s mouth, before sending all of them back into the real world.
[hr]

“Sann is sad. No dance partners want her…” She’d say as she returned, before stepping away from Justine, with an obvious pout, as her gaze rested on Valerie, then the twins and finally Connie and Gaia.