Nine Realms

While it was true that Twilight and her party had encountered many strange things and visited many strange places during their unexpected journey through the nine realms, somehow, this right here managed to top all of them. Walking on a rainbow bridge through space. If you'd have told anypony back home that you were doing this, they'd have thought you insane. In fact, Twilight secretly wondered if she was sane at this point. But, despite the bizarre nature of where she was, she maintained that air of calm she was known for, walking beside Gullveig, who, as ever, walked on without ever batting an eye to what was going on around her. The other ponies, as expected, were just as awe-struck with this whole situation, though several were constantly looking like they were worried of falling over the edge of this place, which was perfectly understandable when you thought about it. Spike especially seemed concerned for his safety, staying very close to Twilight as he journeyed.

"Um...couldn't this bridge get some railings on the side?"

Twilight smiled to him, letting out a brief giggle.

"I know, I know, it's a health and safety nightmare. Whoever thought of this thing clearly didn't take user wellbeing into consideration."

Gullveig, hearing that, couldn't help but smile.

"You're certainly a strange one, Twilight."

Rainbow chuckled.

"That's putting it lightly!"

The group shared a laugh to that, even Twilight, though she had been somewhat irritated by it. But, in spite of how good they felt from the laugh, there was nevertheless the lingering issue of where they were and where they were going to. And speaking of which, Gullveig raised a hand, stopping the group. They looked to her with worry, which only increased when they heard her speak up in a more serious tone.

"...We're here."

Looking ahead, the ponies' eyes widened to see, there ahead of them, was a great gate of what appeared to be gold, shining out in the space-like environment that surrounded both them and the Bifrost. But, it was not this gate alone that caught their interest, but rather the person standing before it. For there, looking more than a little intimidating, was what appeared to be a human. With a great grey beard, he bore clothing not unlike that of the humans of Midgard, though his had colours of green and brown. Upon his head was a helm from which protruded two rams' horns, and within his hands was a great sword, which he held onto while keeping that weapon's point firmly into where he stood upon the Bifrost. But, as Twilight had learned long ago, just because someone looks human doesn't mean they are, and so, she turned once more to Gullveig.

"Is he...you know...an Aesir?"

Slowly the woman beside her nodded, before turning to her and speaking calmly.

"Stay behind me...I will speak to him."

Twilight nodded back, gesturing to her friends to do as instructed. They listened, though remained wary of the man just ahead of them. Taking a deep breath, Gullveig sighed, taking a few hesitant steps forward. The others followed, and soon, they were within range of the man at the gate, whose eyes narrowed at them.

"Halt!"

And halt they did, awaiting his next words.

"Know this, stranger...you stand before Heimdall, gatekeeper of Asgard. None may pass without my leave."

He raised his sword, gripping it tightly.

"Speak your name and your purpose."

Gullveig stepped ahead of the rest of the group, stretching out both hands and speaking up in a firm yet calm tone.

"I am Gullveig, of the realm of Vanaheim. I came to Asgard to seek an audience with your people, and to offer my services as a sorceress."

Heimdall raised an eyebrow to that, before promptly turning his gaze upon Twilight and the others. The young Princess, understandably, didn't quite know what to do, so simply smiled widely and gave a little wave. Heimdall, unimpressed, looked again to Gullveig.

"And them?"

The woman turned, gesturing to her travelling companions.

"Beings from a realm unknown to us...called Equestria. They seek the aid of the All-Father, hoping he may return them to whence they came."

A silence passed, and Heimdall regarded each of them carefully. What was going through his mind as he looked over this unexpected collection of travellers, none could say. In fact, during one moment, Twilight feared that he truly would use that sword against them. But, this fear proved baseless, as that aforementioned weapon was soon brought back down into the ground, with Heimdall assuming a less aggressive stance than before. After a time, he gave a solemn nod, standing to one side and gesturing to the gate.

"Very well...you may enter...for now."

Smiling, Gullveig gave a respectful bow of her head.

"Thank you...we will not forget this kindness."

The ponies too bowed, and soon, the whole group made their way over, getting closer and closer to the gate. Heimdall kept a close watch on all of them, and as soon as they were close enough, he uttered one final thing to them.

"Know this, people of Equestria...if you should trespass...my Master will not be as welcoming as I."

Twilight understood, giving a nod to show this, and Heimdall, after nodding back, assumed his vigil once more, looking out into the empty space and the unused Bifrost. Twilight glanced ahead, and there, she saw the golden gate begin to slowly creak open, ready to welcome her and her friends into this highest of realms. Realising just how important this was, she sighed.

"Well...here we go."

Spike, leaning in closer to her, began to whisper.

"So...do you think they'll have a better sense of health and safety in Asgard?"

Twilight cast her ward a look, and he nervously chuckled in response.

"Right, got it, no making fun of Aesir."

Smiling, Twilight gave him another pat on the head, then once more looked onwards, just in time to see the gateway open in earnest. And, as soon as it had done so, her eyes widened, betraying the sense of wonder and awe she was feeling right now. The others, matching her look, seemed just as flabbergasted, while Gullveig, by contrast, simply seemed amused by it all.

"Well...it's certainly impressive, I'll give them that much."