Chapter 1

Fandral and Volstagg landed in the observatory of the bifrost. The two friends had just returned from Vanahiem after completing their mission to round up the war criminals left over from the previous battle. It was not a difficult mission, but nobody back at Asgard had to know that. Volstagg had already concocted up a heroic story of their bravery on that perilous quest that had nearly ended their lives …but thanks to the skills of Fandral with his sword and Volstagg with his axe, the two had another tall tale to tell to the lads back at tavern.

Fandral and Volstagg lead the group of shackled prisoners through the Observatory and into the dungeons of the palace. They confidently marched down the long gloomy corridor past many other prisoners. The prison cells were brightly lit with three white walls and a shimmering gold barrier that separated the prisoners from the corridor. Nothing could break those barriers, not even a magically skilled sorcerer who silently watched from his own cell as Volstagg and Fandral led the prisoners to their new temporary homes.

Every time they delivered a group of prisoners to their cells, Fandral and Volstagg had no other choice but to walk past that sorcerer who was once a man they had called a brother in arms, a friend. As they passed his cell, they saw the tall, long-limed, slender man watching silently from behind the barrier. His green eyes scanned the group of prisoners and they landed on Fandral and Volstagg. A mischevious smirk spread across his face as he watched them pass.

Fandral and Volstagg quickly averted their eyes away from Loki; trying to avoid the awkward eye contact. Feelings of betrayal, anger, and sadness were often felt when they thought of the fallen prince. They set their eyes forward and kept marching on, trying their best to ignore Loki's watchful eyes and haunting smirk.

From within his cell, Loki watched the prisoners walk past. He had a brief sight of Fandral and Volstagg and it was clear they had no intention of acknowledging him. Despite their best efforts, Loki could see the resentment in their face.

"Odin continues to bring me new friends...how thoughtful." Sacasm laced his words as Loki turned to face his visitor. A tall woman with long golden hair and gentle blue eyes faced him with a confidence that could have matched that of any soldier in Odin's army.

Frigga knew visiting her son was strictly forbidden and that it meant she was disobeying the commands of her king. However; Frigga would never allow herself to be separated from her son. Especially now when she knew he needed her, even if he didn't realize it.

"The books I had sent, did they not interest you?" Frigga had ignored his sarcastic remark and walked toward him with a leather bound book in her hands.

"Is that how I am to while away eternity? Reading?" he sighed.

"I've done everything in my power to make you comfortable, Loki." Frigga said rather sternly.

"Have you? Does Odin share your concern?" Of course he already knew the answer, but he was curious to see how she would defend Odin.

Frigga gave him no response and moved her eyes to the white stone floor. Silence.

Loki continued, "Does Thor? It must be so inconvenient, them asking after me day and night."

"You know full well that it was your actions that brought you here." She didn't like it when Loki tried to play the victim.

"My actions? I was merely giving truth to the lie that I've been fed my entire life. That I was born to be a king."

"A king? A true king admits his faults. What of the lives you took on Earth?"

"A mere handful compared to the number that Odin has taken himself." Loki defended himself, his voice growing agitated.

"Your father-."

"HES NOT MY FATHER!" Loki yelled; his temper lost momentarily. Frigga took a few steps back from her son and tried to control her emotions. Loki had never raised his voice at her before.

"Then am I not your mother?" she asked him.

Loki hesitated. He realized that if he was going to deny Odin as his father, then he must also deny Frigga.

"No, you're not". He had more difficulty admitting to that. In his entire lifetime, Frigga had always been there for him. She had been his supporter, his healer, his comforter, and his teacher. She had devoted herself to both of her sons, giving both equal love and care. Loki regretted his words the moment they rolled off his tongue.

Frigga felt her eyes heat up and prickle as unshed tears filled them up. She forced a smile on her face; not really caring if he saw her cry. She stepped close to him and sighed," Huh…always so perceptive about everyone but yourself."

Loki wished he hadn't said that to her. She had gone through so much trouble just to make his situation more comfortable. If not for Frigga, he knew he would have been executed the day of his trial.

He shook his head ready to take back what he said and ask for her forgiveness. He went to place his hands in hers, but as they met, his hands slipped through hers and her illusion began to fade.

With tears falling down her face and a smile forced on her beautiful face, Frigga looked into the eyes of her lost son as she felt her illusion begin to fade out.

Now once again alone, Loki closed his eyes feeling deep regret, hating himself even more for how he had treated her. She didn't deserve his anger. It was not her doing that put him in this loathsome prison cell. Next time she came to visit him, he would apologize to her. He would tell her she has and always would be his mother. He would make it up to her some way and earn back her forgiveness. He couldn't afford to lose the only person he ever truly loved and cared for.

Frigga stepped away from the basin. It still projected an image of Loki in his cell. Hearing Thor enter, she dispersed the illusion of Loki and turned to greet her eldest son. "Welcome home son." She had made an effort to appear as though she had not been on the verge of weeping only a minute ago. Cheerfully, she walked to his side and together they walked to her balcony. Thor, however, was not fooled by her façade. He saw that she was hurt again by Loki's cruel words.

"Why induldge him such gifts, visits?" Thor asked.

"I think if you ask his gaurds, they will tell you I was never there." Frigga smirked seemingly pleased with herself. Thor had seen that same smirk on Loki's face when they were younger, causing mischief throughout Asgard together as children. Loki had inherited that same smirk from their mother.

"Mother, Loki is not the boy you once knew."

"Nor are you. And I loved you no less when your father banished you to earth." Frigga did have a point. No matter what trouble her sons get themselves into, she would always love them and be their mother.

"Do you ever regret sharing your magic with him?" Thor had inquired.

Her response was immediate. "No. You and your father cast large shadows. I had hoped that by sharing my gifts with Loki that he could find some sun for himself."

"I admire your optimism and your compassion. I wish I could still share it." Thor spoke, wishing to change the subject away from his lost brother.

" Now am I to take it that by your presence that the nine realms still stand?" Frigga asked, sensing Thor wanted to change the subject.

"Yes. They do. I came to give Father the good news."

"And you thought to find him here. You will find him where he is most at ease."

Thor nodded and kissed his mother on the cheek, "My thanks, Mother. It is good to see you again."

Frigga smiled and nodded back. "I am happy to have you safely back home my son. I have missed you. I shall see you later then."

As she watched Thor leave, Frigga looked back to the basin she used to communicate with her other son. She would speak with Loki tomorrow, after he has had time to cool off his temper. Frigga would never give up on him, she would keep trying. For as long as she lived, she would not give up on hope that her son would return to her.