We may prefer the lie

Caligari walked along with the others, following Hela into the gardens. She considered Dyvia briefly then looked up at the Jotun. “The Dwarf is not well, she’s been cursed. That thing growing in her belly is not natural or wholesome. Even were she only with child, there could be no more mundane a curse to cast upon a woman. The rearing of young is a burden heaped upon the shoulders of the fairer race to consume our time, absorb our energy and youth - and prevent us from rising up against the male suppressors.”

There was clearly some animosity between Hela and Heimdal. Perhaps it was between Hela and any other god. Hela did spend an awful lot of time surrounded by the dead and rot of the underworld. If she wished for an easier role to play in the grand scheme of things, Cali would not besmirch her that. Given the opportunity the witch would have done many things differently and if it meant giving up her power to instead be surrounded by a silent, ignorance of the dead, well that was a price she’d seriously consider paying.

Cali gave Balar a wry smile. “Beware the child; she is more than she seems!” She raised her voice and addressed them all more or less. “You see me now for who I am; an old woman - because there is no need for charades here in the land of the dead. But the Queen toys with us to put us off our guard. If you know what we’ve come to do, why have you let us pass this far?” They looked upon the glistening blue pool and wondered what lie it represented; what horrible truth it concealed.