"I have no need for treasure." Hel might have been insulted by the insult, except she knew this was difficult for Hermod. She thought it was a bit inconsiderate of Frigg and Odin to send the Messenger without proper instruction, but she wouldn't take that out on him. At least he was trying.
Hel also doubted Frigg wanted him back for the 'good of the realm'. Frigg wanted her son back, and that was really all there was to it. Yet, it did give Hel an idea. A way that she could show she was not cold hearted or insensitive, while still calling the shots in her own realm.
"You say 'everyone' loved him and 'everyone' misses him?" She could feel Baldr's eyes on her, and wondered if he'd appreciate was she was doing. There was the possibility he would be returning to Asgard, if things were as Hermod said. Still, Hel wasn't quite sure she believed that. She was pretty sure she was going to be keeping Baldr around for a good long while. "Then I suggest a test." A challenge that would not only test Asgard's word on the matter, but her own power as ruler, both to herself and the Aesir.
"If it is proven that everyone is as distraut as you say, I cannot see how I can be so cruel as to keep Baldr from Asgard. But know this -every single thing, living or dead, must weep for his death. Should even one creature refuse to cry, unable to feel the pain of his loss, Baldr will remain with me."
"Asgard need not bother with a second attempt at convincing me should the challenge fail. This is my final word on the matter." Her eyes softened then, and Hel yielded to kindness yet again.
"You and your brother may have a few minutes before you leave." It was the least she could do, for she did not expect to see Hermod return to her realm. Hel was pretty sure she had nothing to worry about. There were a couple of war gods she really didn't expect would shed a tear. She tried to picture Thor wrinkling up his face and making his eyes water, and only came away amused with her mind's image.