He could do this. His mother and all of Asgard were counting on him to do this and do it right. Hermod slowly rose to his feet and looked Hel in the eyes. It might not be the most pleasant sight, but it wasn’t like she had any choice in how she looked. At least she turned out human, unlike her brothers. Hel also deserved respect because of her position. It was made a little easier by the fact that half of her was really pretty.
He wondered if she was higher in the pantheon than his father? Maybe that was why Odin didn’t just order her to give Baldr back.
“Thank you, your majesty,” he said, not certain of how he should address her. Better to be overly formal than not show enough. “I know this is an unusual request, but it is of grave importance.” That might not have been the best choice of words, but it was too late now. His nerves were getting to him.
“Odin and Frigg have declared a pantheon wide week of mourning to help everyone recover from Baldr’s death. If they can. He is important to Asgard. He is our future. Baldr is the light to Hod’s darkness.” He didn’t like that line, but his mother told him to say it. Hermod always thought Hod was just as good as Baldr.
“The queen of Asgard asks that you release Baldr from your realm, not only for her, but for all of Asgard.” He bowed to her, letting her know he was finished with his speech. As he straightens back up, he opened his mouth to say more, but closed it again. He shouldn’t say anything other than what Frigg had told him to say. His personal feelings had no bearing on the matter.