Önd continued to climb the immense stairway which led to Hliðskjálf. The width of the stairway was unusually large, but it length was ridiculously long! These stairs don't have an end! I'm exhausted! Hliðskjálf is the highest place in the universe, but it's becoming absurd! thought Önd. Fatigue rapidly invaded him, and he took rest on the oak stairs as sitting down. He then heard footsteps, which were resonating more and more loud.
The footsteps were now loud enough to understand that someone was on the top of the stairway. Thus, at its top, Önd saw a woman, with long and ginger hair, mighty, a noble figure. She was wearing a modest wreath made of braided wood. On her neck was attached a necklace, made of what seemed to be amber and gold.
She placidly carried on to go down the stairs, and soon she arrived at the stairway where Önd was seating. She still continued her descent, placidly and gracefully, and Önd followed her with his sight for an instant, but he then broke his gaze, invaded by his thoughts. After over passing Önd, she abruptly turned to him, confused. She suddenly stopped, and no longer seemed placid. She gazed at Önd in his eye for a moment, letting the stairway in silence, and then asked:
- Forgive me for this question, but— are you interested in men, by any chance?
- No! Obviously no! A–and why did you asked this absurd question? stuttered Önd, astonished and confused by this unusual question.
Now both with confusion on their face, the lovely maid lowered her voice, and as paying no attention to Önd, as if thinking in a quiet voice, continued:
- Quite strange! and she took her golden necklace, is it broken—? However, it was working fine an hour ago!
Önd, ignored by the creature, replied ironically as quickly as possible:
- Broken?— If you're referring to your manners— I reckon that you should have it repaired!
The maid suddenly turned her gaze at and, thus disturbing her thoughts, and replied more ironically and coldly:
- Haha... What a jester— I was referring to my necklace!
- Yet, it still hangs fine on your neck— proof that it's not broken, carried on Önd as appeasing himself.
- Not like that! I aware you that this necklace is the Brísingamen's collar— it provides its owner with an almost unerring charm to whichever creature wears it! By the way, aren't you attract to me?
Önd harshly answered:
- I don't feel so. Currently, the only feeling I feel about you is contempt! This necklace isn't so magical.
- I shall let you know that this collar is a highly powerful artefact forged by the Dvergr, the greatest blacksmith of the nine realms! You must be abnormal in order to resist to my incredible charm!
- Abnormal! What about your manners?
- Cease to be so insolent human! Fear me, for I'm Freyja, goddess of beauty, war, and seiðr, daughter of Njörd, of the Vanir tribe, honorary member of the Æsnir, the most fine creature that exist!
- And despite all those names, the "goddess" is not even able to seduce a mere human—! added Önd with a petty smile.
Freyja sighed:
- Enough of your impertinence! Let's change subject— what are you doing on the stairs of Hliðskjálf?
Önd calmed down and responded:
- I'm seeking Óðinn's wisdom, he ought to answer me to a certain question.
- And you believe that he will bestow you a part of his time—? asked Freyja as trying to retain her laughter, by putting her hand above her mouth.
- And why not? asked Önd as getting up, for he already lost enough time.
- Haha! You may be annoying at times but also amusing at others.
- Haha... I shall leave you now, I ought to carry on my way, replied Önd with irritation.
- Great—! Why wouldn't I accompany you? I reckon that it'll be a entertaining show, or even humorous, and maybe you'll have more chance with your request in my company!
- Very well, I'll allow you to come with me— but try not to be noisy, if you had the kindness to do so— it disturbs my mind!
- Who truly knows! But may I have your name, human?
- The name's Önd. Delighted of your acquaintance, he added with irony, Freyja.
And they continued chattering, or rather arguing about everything, as walking up the stairs of Hliðskálf. At last, Freyja announced to Önd that they would soon arrive, but he could not apprehend how was she able to estimate the remaining way. As he was approaching to his aim, Önd asked to Freyja:
- Are there things that I should be aware of about Óðinn?— in instance what kind of person is he?
- I'm certain that you're already aware of the answer to this question... He's indeed unimaginably wise, but he sometimes have difficulties to manage this wisdom, confessed Freyja.
- Knowledge drive him mad?
- No, no—He clearly comprehend the universe; he often meditate about it, and he more oftenly draw depressing conclusion. Well, it saddens him— thus, he sometime lost a part of his mind...
- It appears that it's the description of a depressive person, replied Önd.
- Well, "melancholic" is more appropriate to describe him. The accession of his death doesn't help either... added Freyja with a gleam of sadness in her eyes. All that to tell you that he's often thoughtful.
- As I'm hearing, I still can't believe that all the stories of the skáld were real! exclaimed Önd. He's truly going to die during Ragnarök then?
- As I said, it's an additional problem for him. His wisdom and the Einherjar only aid him in an only and unique goal— evade his death during Ragnarök.
- So, wise and "melancholic" aside— how would you describe him?
- Amazingly kind!— So much that he actually could accede to your request.
- What an hopeful new then!
- I've forgotten to ask you— what is your question?
- I'd like to know how to return–
Freyja interrupted Önd and announced:
- It no longer matters— we've arrived! I shall introduce you to Óðinn, afterwards, ask him your question.
Finally, after this long walking, the end of the immense stairway was before them. And was finally on Hliðskjálf, The highest possible place in the universe!