Freyja, yet in her bird-form, continued to travel back Ásgarðr— but in a much slower pace, in order to have a decent conversation with Önd. As feeling her need for a discussion, Önd thanked Freyja:
- I must thank you once more for your aid. I've never suspected that you would protect me from that half-moon faced lady!
- "Half-moon faced lady"— haha! I'm beginning to appreciate you Önd, you're a quite interesting person. But for your debt, pledge me to help me back in return, added Freyja.
- I ought to help you back, that's certain! replied Önd.
- But for now, I was at your side when you explained how you guessed the way that these person died. But please answer my question— how? asked Freyja in amazement.
- Honestly— I just meditated about it. The key is to asked yourself what's wrong whenever you survey something, confessed Önd.
- Truly? No, I can't just trust you! sceptically said Freyja.
- It's no seiðr! laughed Önd. I told you all I knew.
- Very well, I'll believe you. We're about to enter Ásgarðr— ready yourself! announced Freyja.
Önd had not notice that after this little conversation, they were now at the top of the magnificent tree. Freyja accelerated her pace in order to acquire a greater momentum, and pierced the bubble that contained Ásgarðr. On the land of the Æsir, a sunset had replaced the blue skies. But strangely, Freyja did not return to Hliðskjálf, in contrary, she began to go down and landed before another immense edifice. Freyja announced:
- I suppose that you seek Óðinn. Usually, in the evening— he's at his dwelling, well, this edifice, she said as she pointed at the gigantic structure, Glaðsheimr. It's the largest and most well-built place in the nine realms! Follow me Önd!
Önd believed her words when she said the largest and most well-built place of the nine realms. After closely surveying the outter Glaðsheimr for an instant, Freyja opened the tremendous main door which leaded to the inner Glaðsheimr, or as reckoned Önd to be the "largest and most well-built door of the nine realms". Once in, Önd saw a greater place than the Valhöll, a magnificent amalgam of gold and wood! What a refined sight—! And before him, he saw a long table at which end was seated Óðinn, thoughtful on his throne. Above him were hanging two ravens playing with the other. And before him was a cloth and circular pieces of hazel. The goddess and the human approached quietly and Freyja whispered to Önd:
- Seiðr.
- What? quietly stuttered Önd for he was not listening.
- He's doing seiðr— more precisely a divination, said Freyja.
- You're truly able to forecast the future? asked Önd.
- Some received their abilities innately, but some read it actually— thanks to the runes. Óðinn and myself have already mastered this art. Return to me one of these days, if seiðr interest you— I'll teach you, added Freyja in a taunting way.
- I believed that only woman could use seiðr—?
- If the Brísingamen's collar doesn't affect you, it might mean that you're a lady, taunted Freyja.
Önd gave an elbow bump to Freyja; the latter loudly complained and Óðinn was once again interrupted in his thoughts. As sighting Önd, Óðinn wide opened his unique eye and loudly stuttered:
- Önd! Huginn and Muninn have told me that Hel gave you back your soul! Are these rumors true?
- It's indeed real. But, I've come to claim my mind! daringly announced Önd.
- Have more decency Önd! You're talking to the greatest god! loudly whispered Freyja to Önd.
- Very well, I shall no longer be the master of your mind, resumed Óðinn.
Önd and Freyja widely opened their eyes, and the human quickly responded as a smile began to show on his face:
- Well, I thank you! I knew that you could be reasona–
Óðinn interrupted Önd and said:
- However, there's a condition.
- I'm hearing, said Önd, now serious.
- As I said earlier, my ravens narrated me your adventures. You've proven yourself to be rather clever.
- And what do he has to understand? asked Freyja, whom started to be bored.
- I'm growing more and more old— despite Iðunn's apples— and more and more busy. You're clever, foxy— the role of Einherjar doesn't suit you. Indeed— you must serve me differently— you're different. But, let return to our main discussion, shan't we? I'm asking you to do some errands for my concerns.
- Errands? asked Önd for an explanation.
- Recover some artefacts... Aid persons... These sort of errands... timidly stuttered Óðinn.
- I reckon that he wishes you to be his servant, taunted Freyja as she began to sit out of boredom.
- But, reassure yourself— I'll rarely summon you, said Óðinn with hesitation.
- It seems that I have no choice, sighed Önd, if I may return on Miðgaðr— I thus agree.
- Very well! Hence, an agreement was done! yelled Óðinn whose words resonated in the entire hall. As my servant, you can now come in Ásgarðr at your will. I shall also offer you great weapons as a proof of your loyalty!
- And thus ended Önd's quest! added Freyja in a sarcastic tone. I'm exhausted— with your permission Óðinn, I'll leave, she finished as getting up of her chair.
- A moment Freyja– it's already late, and we're both too exhausted for returning Önd home— and he must have a place to stay for the night. Tomorrow, I also ought to have a discussion with him, said Óðinn as interrupting Freyja from leaving.
- I don't like the overtone of your speech, replied Freyja as narrowing her eyes.
- You seem to mutually appreciate each other! I'm asking you to house him for the night, resumed Óðinn.
- What— no! Óðinn! exclaimed Freyja.
- The idea doesn't incommode me, simply added Önd. I truly am exhausted!
- You're in no position to speak, Önd! she yelled in anger. And Óðinn— trust me when I'm telling you that I'm deeply sorry, but I shall not shelter this person!
- You once more owe me this Freyja, and you're surely aware that Glaðsheimr isn't a suitable place for a guest, said Óðinn.
She remained hesitant for a moment, and then replied:
- Very well, but only for a night! she yelled as trying to appease herself.
- How kind of you. Now— tomorrow, I ought to speak with you Önd, and come as well, Freyja, said Óðinn as smiling and getting up of his throne.
- Whatever, complained Freyja as rolling her eyes.
Óðinn quickly bid his farewells to Önd and Freyja and leaved the main hall of Glaðsheimr. The hall was now quiet and Freyja sighed. The silence was weighing on the hall's atmosphere, and as breaking the silence, Önd asked:
- Well, where's your dwelling?
- I solely accepted because of Óðinn, she harshly said with irritation. I expect you to be polite! Follow me.
Önd actually wished to reply her back, but he had to respect the one whom housed him, or else, he supposed that Freyja would discard him on Iðavöllr. She gestured at Önd as if he should follow her and she then opened Glaðsheimr's gigantic main door. Now on Iðavöllr's ground, Freyja announced:
- My dwelling's farther. Naturally, since we're all exhausted— we shan't walk until there.
- What's the plan then?
- Seiðr will aid us! she said as winking to Önd.
Freyja bowed down and took a nearby stick. And with its end, she draw some runes on the ground. As Önd meticulously observed her writings, he remembered her mother's classes. Once she finished writing, she rapidly stood up as the runes began to glisten. Suddenly, a magnificent cart pulled by two immense blue cat appeared. Freyja began to kindly pet the first cat and then the second, and speak to Önd with a gleam of fondness:
- Don't alarm yourself, they don't bite! They're my pets, Þófnir –at the left– and Högni – at the right. They're actually linxs.
Þófnir abruptly stuttered:
- Mistress, we've missed you so much!
- But whom might be this person? asked Högni as pointing his muzzle towards Önd.
- Well— I introduce you Önd. Don't mind him— he's a mere human, and our guest! taunted Freyja.
- Hey! exclaimed Önd.
Freyja quickly smiled to Önd as she ordered to the latter to mount on the cart. She took its reins and the cats began to pull the cart. It was travelling in a quite rapid pace, and the cats seemed to pull towards a grand manor afar. A little while after, the cart was now in a plain which lands were occupied. As noticing Önd's surprise whom closely surveyed the houses that were afar, Freyja explained:
- These houses are the dwellings of my Einherjar. We're on my lands— Fólkvangr!
- Is there an otherness between Valhöll's Einherjar and yours? asked Önd out of curiosity, whom began to be bored by night's stillness.
- Certainly— those in the Valhöll are only interested in combat and nothing more. The ones on my lands sacrificed themselves for their beloved ones!
- Yet— I finished in the Valhöll, sceptically added Önd.
- Is that true? It reminds me that you've never mentioned your death, replied Freyja.
- I neither liked fighting— nor sacrificed myself for my beloved ones. Well— my death might be a joke for you! said Önd as regretting to have asked his question.
- I'm more than ever eager to hear your tale— just spit it already! she taunted.
- You'll sooner or later be aware of it, so why hide it! I was once a slave— a war slave. One day, I escaped. But unfortunately, a couple hours later, I finished in a battle against raiders, confessed Önd as trying to appeal Freyja's pity.
- What a terrible luck! But it seems that you were luckier today, replied Freyja as if trying to solace Önd.
- I appreciate your concern— but I've already told you, luck was no need— I merely tricked Hel, continued Önd.
- You give yourself too much credit Önd, answered back Freyja as chuckling.
- Are you in need of more credit then? taunted Önd.
- Why not? Your gratefulness is, as I said, oddly pleasant, she replied with a smile.
- Luck was no aid, but you greatly were— my acknowledgements. Does that please you then? joked Önd.
- It does, agreed Freyja still smiling. Oh! It seems that we've arrived!
And they were indeed before Freyja's dwelling, a large mannor made of ash, with four stories. Its wood was quite pleasant to admire, as was the entire architecture. They dismounted of the cart, and Freyja then walk until the tall main door. She opened it, entered along her cats, and announced:
- Welcome to my place, Sessrúmnir! I expect you to cause no trouble Önd, come in!
Önd was astonished by the beauty of her residence. The main door leaded to a hall, which walls were sculpted. Plants were harmoniously creeping up the reliefs of the walls and a gentle and warm light was enwrapping the entire room. In its center was standing a large banquet table. The mesmerising light was generated by thousands of torches, nearly aligned with each other, and hold by golden supports. Large arches were used as windows, and upholsteries of the same width were used as curtain. The whole place formed a magnificent view.
Once Önd finished to gaze in amazement to the hall from the outside, Freyja invited him once more to enter. He did so and Freyja told him:
- Now, I'll show you your chamber, follo–
A brunette maid, wearing a long robe that was trailing behind herself, with short hair, entered into the hall by one of the side doors, and after interrupting Freyja, she announced:
- Lady! Your brother has come to pay you a visit.
- Unusual—! exclaimed Freyja, please bring him to me Eir!
As she finished her words, a red-headed men, handsome and grand, clothed with a magnificent tunic and a fur cloak, entered the hall by the same door that used the short haired girl. As approaching Freyja and Önd, he said:
- I've waited you for a great time, my dear sister! The moon's an evidence!
- Freyr— she said as narrowing her eyes, and why this sudden visit?
As Freyr stopped before Freyja and Önd, he carried on:
- There are certain matters that I must discuss with you— important matters. But why are you so late? I expected that you would be here.
Freyja thought for an instant, and as feeling her hesitation, Önd replied instead of her:
- She aided me in my concern.
- Ah, at last—! You've found yourself another man, Freyja! jested Freyr.
- No—! As he said, I merely aided him— as a request from Óðinn, replied Freyja in a slight choleric way.
But Freyr gave little attention to her words, and told to Önd with humour:
- My friend, if you still have a slight bit of consciousness, flee the farthest away from this horrid creature!
- Reassure yourself, for the collar of the Brísingamen doesn't affect me— and without it, even the loneliest man would escape from her!
Önd and Freyr laughed together and Freyja sighed:
- You're getting along well! She raised her voice and continued, Freyr– here's Önd, an acquaintance— and Önd— here's Freyr, my brother.
As trying to stop chuckling, Freyr said:
- Pleased to meet you Önd!
- And so did I, replied Önd as he regained his neutral expression.
- Very well— Freyr, come with me! I reckon that we ought to discuss about an important matter, shan't we? interrupted Freyja, annoyed by their antics. Eir— please show to our guest where he'll sleep for the night.
She took her leaves as pulling Freyr with his hair and Önd was now alone with the maid. Meanwhile, Þófnir and Högni fell asleep before the main entrance. Eir then spoke to Önd:
- I'm Eir, and Sessrúmnir's housekeeper. You're Önd, correct?
- Yes— pleased to meet you Eir, he responded.
- The pleasure's shared. Well, I'll show you your chamber— if you would follow me, suggested Eir to the guest.
- Lead the way, added Önd.
Eir then headed to a door at the left side of Freyja's throne, and entered. Önd continued following her and before him stood a large circular stairway. They went up until the second story and walked towards a couloir. Ah last, they reached the end of the corridor, and Eir opened a door. She entered in, and so did Önd. The chamber was no ordinary room!
Its most noticeable feature was its golden chandelier hanging high, lighting the whole room. Gold was not lacking in this place! At the left of the room, there was a immense bed, with many cushions above it. It seemed really comfortable and soft. In the center was a large table filled with fruits, breads, meats and wine. In the right side was a hearth and a kind of big box. Furthermore, the place was filled with refined upholsteries and sophisticated carpets, shaping a quite charming whole.
As Önd admired his chamber, Eir announced:
- This is your quarters. I advise you to not abuse of the deliciousness on the table, for we shall soon dinner. If you're in need of fresh clothes, inform me please. And I'll call you when the dinner will be set.
- The place's grandiose— but I've nothing to entertain myself here. I might play with Freyja's cats, resumed Önd.
- Of course! Þófni and Högni love to be pet. Just take the same way we did earlier if you want to go down to the hall. Well, I could also accompany you— would you mind?
- You may leave me alone— it's no great matter, added Önd.
- Very well— have a great time in our home—!
As she finished her words, Eir went out of the room. Önd rapidly layed on the bed in order to relax himself, and then got up and leaved the room. He made the inverted path until the hall, and headed to Þófnir and Högni. As they were playing between themselves, or rather kindly fighting each other, Önd cheerfully asked:
- You both seem to have fun, may I join you?
A familiar voice interrupted him:
- Leave them alone, Önd!
Freyja and Freyr were back in the hall. Freyja seemed to hold a board and a tiny pocket. After turning his eyes towards the siblings Önd replied:
- There's nothing to entertain myself in here— and the dinner is yet unfinished!
- And that's why I brought my Hnefatafl board. Let's value your cleverness against my idiotic brother, taunted Freyja as sitting on a carpet of fur.
- Hey! exclaimed Freyr. You might be mistaken— but why not spend some time until the dinner.
- Hnefatafl is one of my favourite and most mastered game, then why not? agreed Önd, as sitting next to the siblings.
Freyja put down the board and placed its pieces. As she let Freyr and Önd play first, she began to observe their game. But as expected, Önd quickly won and Freyja took the place of her brother. Freyja was indeed much more skilled than her brother, a good challenge for Önd. As their game silently carried on, Freyja asked:
- Does my dwelling please you?
- It's indeed pleasant, but what about the dinner? My hunger's growing more and more, answered back Önd, ironically.
- Önd's right, sister— the diner lingers, and my wife awaits me—! added Freyr.
- We shall dinner once my servants have finished. Your question's been answered— please stop complaining now! Both of you—! replied Freyja in a strict tone.
Eir's voice then interrupted their discussion:
- The dinner's set!
- What a great timing! sarcastically exclaimed Freyja, as getting up.
Rapidly, Önd and Freyr sat at each lateral side of the table, and Freyja and Eir sat at the end of the table. The scent of meat and other deliciousnesses were floating across the entire hall. The table was filled with bread made of wheat, wine, ale and many kinds of meat. Önd was amazed by this splendiferous landscape, and even Freyr, whom was accustomed to this kind of meal, was also astonished.
Soon after they sat, each person was served by maids. They poured out some soup of vegetables in each person's bowl and served some wine, and leaved. Once everything set, Eir announced:
- I reckon that everyone's hungry— thus, let's begin!
As she finished, everyone cheerfully began to eat. Önd could not stop wondering if each god had so refined dwelling and delicate meals. As the dinner went on, Freyja told Önd:
- Önd— do not forget that Óðinn must discuss with us, and more precisely with you. Hence, we ought to wake up early— and I expect you to have no trouble waking up early.
- I still wonder the topic of this discussion— is there already an errand that I ought to do? asked Önd, finishing as quickly as possible, for he wanted to resume his meal.
- Who knows— but please take a bath! Óðinn has already enough trouble— your stench's shouldn't be an additional one! replied Freyja with irony.
- What kind of business do you have with the Allfather, Önd? asked Freyr.
- Well— it seems that I was made into Óðinn's servitor, added Önd.
- You must be peculiar to become one of Óðinn's servitor. Actually, I can't even name one, replied Eir.
- Indeed— Önd was clever and foxy enough to retrieve his soul from Hel, answered back Freyja, sarcastically.
Eir and Freyr stopped eating for an instant, and then laughed. But as seeing Önd seriousness, they began to understand.
Eir resumed:
- But no one, nor even the gods have accomplished such a task. But you were able— were you?
- Freyja will someday tell you the entire tale. But it's a living creature that's sitting before you! added Önd as resuming once more his dinner.
- Pay me a visit in Alfheimr one of these days— we should discuss! said Freyr with admiration.
Time flew, and table discussions followed until the end of the dinner. Thereafter, Freyr had to return home, for he declared that his wife was waiting. Eir wished good night to her lady and Önd, after which she took her leaves. Now the two of them alone, Freyja announced once more to the human:
- We ought to wake up early. But before falling asleep— please bathe yourself! Follow me, I'll lead you there.
Soon after finishing her words, Freyja began to walk towards the stairway. Önd quickly sighed and followed her. They went up until the third story, and as reaching the bathroom, there was a gorgeous inner-garden. This garden was very well organized, with outlandish and rare plants, flowers and trees; many were unknown for Önd. Þófnir and Högni were already slumbering in the center of the garden, bathed in a mild and soothing light. At last, the pair reached the end of the garden, and was now before a big door. Freyja opened it, and went inside. The place was wide, entirely made of shining gold and silver, and had a view of whole Ásgarðr, for it was a sort of balcony. Freyja spelled few words, and water magically leaked from three statues depicting a woman and two cats. Rapidly, the water filled the entire large bathtub. Freyja then add:
- It's time for me to leave you. Well— I'm exhausted—! Have a good night, Önd.
- You as well—! I must admit that once on Miðgarðr, I'll miss your unbelievable dwelling, or rather palace, added Önd.
- My— thank you for the compliment, replied Freyja as kindly smiling to her guest and bowing.
Önd slightly bowed his head in return. Freyja leaved him alone, and he promptly took of his clothes. He dived into the water and stayed in for a long time, as gazing at Ásgarðr and its stellated skies which tended to infinity. He finally went out and realised that his clothes were magically replaced by more comfortable ones! He put on the pyjamas and headed to the stairway.
For a moment, he wandered around Sessrúmnir's corridors, for he could not find his room, and finally arrived. Finally in his chamber, he quickly took an apple, and sat before the warm hearth before eating the apple. The apple was quite delicious, but somehow different of the ones that have eaten Önd. As staring at the blazes of the hearth, Önd rapidly summarised his journey, starting at the last time he saw his family. Once he finished, Önd jumped into his bed and wrapped himself in the sheets on his bed. Soon after, he began to sleep.