“So,” she said. “A dead apple tree under a sky full of cold stars, a single mountain, and Fenris’ chain.”

 

I nodded. “And the star told me it was a metaphor.” I didn’t repeat the part about me being a metaphor and a living being both. I was not entirely sure how I felt about that.

 

“Well, Fenris’ chain is Ragnarok, apples are associated with immortality.”

 

“So I think it’s a metaphor for Ragnarok.” A pause. “Is there another good explanation?”

 

She frowned. “It’s a metaphor for bad things happening to Asgard, at least.”

 

I nodded. “And fire is water and water is fire?”

 

“Muspelheim would be the place where fire is water.”

 

“Surtur told me Muspelheim is dying and Ragnarok can save it.” And I understood. Rebirth.

 

He didn’t care of the rest of the realms died as long as he saved his.

 

He didn’t even care for his own honor any more, or maybe he had decided his people were more important.

 

“So, if the dead tree represents Asgard.”

 

“The implication is that the apple tree can’t survive where fire is water and water fire, and thus…the gods are no longer immortal.”

 

She nodded. “So, you have to change it back. Or change the tree.”

 

“Change the…no. It’s a metaphor, remember. But the tree can’t change.”

 

“The rules can.”

 

I nodded. “Muspelheim is supposed to be a place where fire is water, but when the end comes, Muspelheim’s fire consumes other realms. Because those other realms…” I tailed off. “Grrr. It makes sense and doesn’t all at the same time.”

 

“You need something that counters Muspelheim’s fire.”

 

“Jotunheim’s ice? I have frost giant in me too…it’s just…not dominant.”

 

“It’s probably why you don’t need a jacket.”

 

I laughed. “Maybe Angrboda would…but no, why would she…”

 

“Not be in favor of her son being released.” Kanesha lifted her head. “Has she tried to talk you into starting Ragnarok?”

 

I considered that, then shook my head. “Not once, not at all.”

 

“Her sons are bound. Her daughter is a queen.”

 

And I thought about that and Angrboda and nodded. “But her daughter remains a queen.”

 

“Her daughter is death.”

 

I shuddered. “My sister is death. But…it’s a matter of bringing back normalcy to some pocket dimension as a test to see whether I can stop Ragnarok.”

 

She frowned, then, “Perhaps it is.”