Nine Realms

Twilight had thought up many images of where Gullveig might choose as her home in this realm. But, when it came time for her and her friends to actually see her home, she was taken aback to find that it was actually little more than a simple wooden hut. Not a bad home, exactly, but far simpler than she'd been expecting. If Rarity had been completely open about it, she'd have most likely called it quaint. But, she couldn't deny that there was a peacefulness to this place, and as she and her companions rested up outside the hut in question, they could hear the sounds of Gullveig within, no doubt arranging things for her upcoming departure. There were birds tweeting happily in the nearby trees, and the ponies, grateful for a chance to rest after their trip so far, sat in silence, with Spike staying close to Twilight like he always did. After a while, however, Pinkie elected to speak up first.

"So...anypony wanna pet one of them?"

Doubtless, she was referring to one of the two great cats, both of whom stood guard outside of Gullveig's home. While neither had done anything to suggest that they were violent, the ponies were nevertheless not willing to test their luck with them. So, after hearing Pinkie's suggestion, they simply looked to her with incredulity, leading to some shrugged shoulders on her part. But, before anypony had the chance to speak further, they were interrupted by the loud sound of a wooden door creaking open. They turned, and sure enough, their guide in this realm now exited her home, carrying with her a moderately-sized bowl of what appeared to be soup. Carefully, she brought it to the centre of the group, laying it upon the ground before reaching over to several smaller bowls nearby. Taking hold of one, she gently filled it up from the main bowl, and once she'd done so, she handed it over to Twilight.

"I didn't know what you liked...so I hope this satisfies."

Smiling, Twilight took the offered food, giving a gentle blow on it to get rid of some excess steam, before taking her first sip. She savoured the taste for a while, then nodded, looking to her host once more.

"It's very nice."

Gullveig smiled to this, filling up several more bowls and offering them to each of her guests. Soon, everyone present had something to fill their stomachs, which Rainbow especially seemed to appreciate, given how vigorously she wolfed it down. Many of the other ponies shook their heads to this behaviour, but Gullveig herself simply smiled before taking a sip of her own meal. Twilight, after taking a few further gulps of her own, looked to her with some curiosity.

"I'm not ungrateful for what you're doing...but what can you tell us about the last realm? The one we're heading to?"

Instantly, all other ponies looked to Gullveig also, clearly interested to hear what she had to say. The woman herself, after having finally finished her meal, took a few moments of silence, carefully considering how best to answer.

"The final realm...is known as Asgard. It is the abode of a people known as the Aesir. Mighty, brave and strong, they are renowned for their great ability. Their King, who, like me, bears many names, is said to be among the most powerful in all the nine realms."

Slowly, she turned facing the young Princess.

"If there are any who can get you home...it is he."

Twilight nodded, dwelling on that information. But, as she did this, Applejack took on a curious look herself.

"If ya don't mind me sayin' so...we ain't seen anybody except y'all out here."

She glanced around the immediate area.

"Ah mean...there are other folk out here...right?"

Gullveig gave a hearty chuckle to that.

"Oh, there are others, to be sure. But this realm is vast, and it is unlikely you'll see them. I, for one, have not seen my own brother for quite some time."

A knowing smirk came to her.

"Doubtless he is enjoying some time with his beloved boar."

Fluttershy, as one would have expected of her, looked up with interest, scooting over closer to their host.

"A boar? Is he friendly?"

Gullveig nodded.

"Indeed. My people, the Vanir...you will find that we show far more respect and connection to nature than those of other realms."

For a time, she paused, looking around at the forest surrounding them.

"These trees...the animals who dwell within...they are far older than any you will find in the realms beyond. Ancient and free...that is Vanaheim."

Given how she'd felt as she and her friends had traversed this place, there was no doubt in Twilight's mind that Gullveig's description of her homeland was an accurate one. But, as she considered that, a nagging thought came to her, and she raised an eyebrow.

"You seem very eager to go to other realms for one who feels so connected to this place."

Gullveig nodded, acknowledging that point.

"You are not wrong, Princess. But the truth is..."

Again, she paused, staring down into her now-empty bowl.

"...my people have never truly spoken to the Aesir before. Nor have any of their kind ever travelled to our domains. I decided that perhaps the time has come for us to speak to one another."

Hearing that, Twilight smiled.

"A first dialogue between two peoples? How exciting!"

Another chuckle escaped the nearby woman.

"Indeed it will be. I intend to offer them my services. My ways and those of my people may be the old ways...but those powers still have much to offer the realms. I am certain that, despite their pride and their suspicion of outsiders...the Aesir will accept me among them."

The group had listened carefully to all of that, turning to one another to try and see their reactions. But, among them all, it was Spike who took on a look of uncertainty.

"If...if they don't like outsiders...do you think they'll refuse to let us in?"

Gullveig thought on that, and, realising that she was speaking to a child, she spoke in a calm and collected manner.

"Have no fear, young one. You and your friends have been through much in your travels, and I am confident that good fortune has smiled upon you during this time. You will find your way into Asgard, with or without my help...and you will find your way home."

It was a pleasant thought, nopony could deny that, and they all smiled to her, appreciating that she was trying to lift their spirits. But, the moment eventually passed, and as Gullveig let out a long sigh, she got to her feet, observing her gathering of guests before turning to face her two cats. She gave a nod, and after letting out a low growl, the aforementioned beasts drew nearer to her, prompting her to look to the ponies yet again.

"Well...let us not waste any more time...for the Bifrost awaits us."