Balder had set out a few dull edged swords used for practice combat and as the sun had began to dip towards the mountain had assumed Loki was not coming after all. When Loki approached, Balder had been leaning against the far wall overlooking the sunset, his brow lifted is surprise to see Loki had actually made a stand to uphold his word to attend their planned practice session, "I was about to leave thinking thee had not taken my offer seriously. I will not lie and say it tis not a surprise that ye did decide to grace me with your presence."

Loki smiled and simply said, "Aye, certainly my change will surprise many." Looking over the blunt swords he continued, "I'm quite thankful for your offer, perhaps we can begin?"

Balder nodded with a more then confident smile of his own as he pointed to the swords, "Choose your weapon and we shall begin."

Loki nodded and picked up a sword, feeling the balance and taking a few swings to test it before stepping back and looking at Balder.

After Loki had chosen his weapon, Balder picked a short sword with a wide blade before backing away to give about ten feet of distance between the two announcing, "I will let you attack to my parry, it should give you a chance to re-acclimate yourself to using your weapon to exercise technique. Whenever ye are ready, I am prepared to defend."

Loki gazed at Balder for a long moment before launching his attack. He parried right-left-right wide, trying to work an opening for himself in Balder's defense.

Balder fended off Loki's attacks breaking into a sweat as the two swords clashed over and over again. He complemented, "For one who rarely uses a sword, ye have a good swing, but try not to focus mainly on your attack as that of your whole surroundings, " Balder side stepped then arching his foot out at the oncoming Loki tripping him as Loki was steadily plowing forward.

Loki hit the ground hard, inhaling dust before he jumped to his feet. Quickly looking at Balder to see if he was laughing, Loki exhaled in slight frustration before reeling in his emotions to try again. This time he kept careful watch of his footing as he parried left before following with an advance lunge.

As Loki advanced, Balder blocked barely missing the lunge as he commented jovially, "Ye almost had me at that one, now then, are you ready for me to fight back?"

Loki smiled at the compliment. "Aye, I'm ready," he answered, not feeling fully ready but not wanting to yet admit it.

Getting the go ahead, Balder parried the next lunge Loki made pushing his own attack as Loki back pedaled instinctively. Balder did not stop in his advance as he thwarted Loki's attempt to deflect his assault. With a quick flick of his wrist, he sent Loki's sword clattering to the ground to then point his own sword at Loki's throat with a wide grin splitting his face, "I believe I win this round; shall we go again?"

Loki's breath caught as his eyes went wide. His eyes traveled from the gleaming blade of the sword up to Balder's grinning face. "Hmmf...," Loki replied with annoyance, pushing the blade from his throat and readying himself after retrieving his own sword, "...lets."

Balder chuckled softly at Loki's annoyance, "I'm glad you are putting effort into this endeavor Loki; I think it will be a healthier outlet than your previous life choices. Now then, on the count of three, one… two… three…"Balder said as he rushed forward to engage once more.

The comment grated on Loki, causing him to be slightly off guard at Balder's rush. Thrusting his sword up at an angle at the last moment, Loki felt the connection and twisted his wrist, deflecting the attack before sidestepping away. He waited for Balder to turn and face him, and then launched his own attack, feinting parries as he went.

The two continued to duel for a solid ten minutes as the sun sank. Balder's smile broadened truly enjoying the sparring combat, "This is good practice for me as well Loki; it has been too long since I have tested my own mettle in such a manor!"

Loki had made some progress during their first practice, but it was clear that he'd need more than his own talents with a blade for his duel with Sif. As the sunlight faded, they nodded an end to each other. "Thank you, Balder. I'm sure that, with your continued guidance, I will fair quite well against Sif," Loki said as he smiled, eager to break away and search out reliant help before returning to the feast.

Balder wiped at his brow giving Loki a confident nod, "I will do my best to prepare you to face Sif in the coming days. Let us again meet when the sun is high and has began to travel westward on the morrow." Balder did not believe as much as Loki did not believe that Sif would or could be bested in their coming combat by Loki, but he wished to inspire hope in the least as was Balder's nature.

Loki bowed his head before retreating into the shadows. He was on the hunt, grinning to himself at the thought of a golden egg to ensure his victory, and he was reasonably sure where to find his egg. Sneaking through the door to the library and staying in the shadows, Loki amused himself with quietly walking up to Amora who was currently entranced in an old tome of spells and seemingly unaware of his presence. "Would you agree that Lady Sif needs humbling?" Loki asked cryptically, his mouth twisting as he grinned.

Eyebrows shot up in both annoyance and surprise as the Enchantress spun her head around to meet the voice she knew too well, "Loki! What makes you think I'll help you after the last scheme you set forth painted me in quite a bad light? Thor would not speak to me for months after learning I'd helped you release that dragon on the warrior's three!"

Loki playfully pouted at Amora, eyes twinkling, "Ah, well....if you'd rather see Sif win, give her another reason to impress Thor, then...." at that, he sorrowfully shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave, sighing deeply.

Pondering a moment on Loki's words Amora turned her perplexed expression on Loki, "See Sif win? See Sif win what?"

Loki smiled devilishly before taking on an innocent look and turning to face Amora with wide eyes, "Sif challenged me, but never again do I wish to raise arms or ruse against a fellow Asgardian. I have turned a new leaf," he bowed his head solemnly, "Yet, I couldn't very well ignore the challenge. Gifted with superior skill and intellect, I've spent my years perfecting magical endeavors. ...my sword fighting skills are....a bit rusty. Perhaps it is nothing less than I deserve, losing to her. And, it will surely bring quite the smile to my brother's face, seeing his beloved Sif defeat me in battle. That should endear her indelibly to him," Loki said, watching for Amora's reaction. "Unless, someone wished to intervene, guaranteeing her loss...to quietly make a fool of her...ever so slightly, and without detection. Not that I'd partake in such a thing, mind you. ...new leaf and all." He finished, one eyebrow slightly raised.

A smirk played across Amora's face, "A new leaf you say? You sound very much like the old leaf to mine ears, but perhaps I will help you in your endeavor. Ye know Loki, you losing to Sif IS quite a comical thought, and seeing as Thor is not around these days, Sif would only have hearsay of her winning. Your argument does not work in your favor, but… seeing Sif humiliated is temping on many levels as well. Alright, I will help you. But, do not expect me to take blame for your little ruse if ye get found out for I will not have my name sullied any more than it already has been!"

Loki grimaced inwardly, his hopes of skirting any blame by throwing her with the mention of Thor's name were lost. It was not unexpected, what with Thor's absence, but it'd been worth the attempt. Well, perhaps if he at least had no knowledge of her exact plans.... Raising his eyebrows as he turned to leave, Loki emphasized, "Without detection."

Amora watched him disappear among the myriad of bookshelves thinking on whom would be more fun to humiliate. A dark grin stretched manically across her face as she thought, `Who says I can't kill two birds with one stone?"

Loki was swift in step and soon found himself at the Great Hall. Having worked up quite an appetite in practicing with Balder, he thudded into his chair and began eating and drinking with gusto. His mind was on his plans, which didn't seem to be coming together as well as he'd hoped. '...but, all things considered, they'll do.'

Noticing Loki bounding through the door to sit beside him and earnestly dig into the many plates of food laid upon the table, Odin raised his drink to him cordially and stated jovially, "Ho there son! I see thee has managed to return! I was beginning to wonder if ye would as I'm on the verge of retiring shortly myself. The day has been a weary one, but the night always tends to hold better prospects."

Meeting Odin's eyes as he swallowed and raised his own drink Loki smiled, "Aye? The night tis young!" It was nice to receive such attention from his father, and Loki basked in it for not only did it feel good, but desiring Odin's company furthered his efforts to keep suspicion away.

Nodding along with Loki Odin replied, "You are correct, the night is young, but I am getting old!" He chuckled to himself continuing curiously, "I will share a few more rounds with thee before I retire. Do tell, anything rousing your particular interests? Ye have pieces of grass seed protruding from the side of thy leggings, so I would gather sightseeing was not your only venture this night."

Knowing that Odin would find out sooner or later Loki did reply, "Ah, I found myself in the mood for challenge and swordplay." He smiled back at his father and shrugged before diving back into his food. Leaving his answer vague and acting shy about his actions at least gave him a window of ease before all became known.

A milling maiden carrying a huge jug of mead and tending to the warrior's thirsts was quick to fill Loki's awaiting goblet. Odin's brow raised in curiosity at his son's words, "Swordplay ye say? I did not see such activities as your forte, but it has been quite some time since ye have had the chance I gather, and it tis a worthy leisure interest that could come in handy for coming battles for certain."

Taking a long gulp of mead Loki replied simply, "Aye. Tis." After taking large mouthfuls of food and swallowing he added, "Perhaps different activities would benefit my change." Loki looked sideways at Odin before continuing his meal.

Odin studied Loki's mannerism noting his avoidance to make direct eye contact and wondered if he were up to something. His interest grew wanting to know who Loki was sparing with and so, Odin asked directly, "With whom in Asgard were ye testing your skills?"

Loki caught the tone of Odin's voice, but managed to keep his features even and jolly. Turning to face Odin he replied easily, "Balder."

Odin brightened considerably, and his smile grew hiding no joy that Loki was keeping company with Balder. Balder was favored in Odin's eyes as a most worthy and noble individual, and the king was quick to state his approval, "Balder? Well then! Ye shall learn quite a bit from him! It pleases me that you would seek company and tutorship with the likes of one so valorous. One is often judged by the company thy keeps. That being said, you are making great strides towards change already my son."

Loki's eyes shone with mirth, "Thank you, father." It was the first time Odin had been pleased with him that he could remember. The fact that his actions weren't fully genuine left him with only the slightest guilt, which was easily covered with satisfaction that his plans were coming together so well.

Fandral and Hogan had been seated within ear shot of the two's conversation. Hogan had paid no heed, but Fandral found this news to be of great interest. Knowing Loki well enough to see a plot afoot, Fandral configured a quick plan to throw a monkey wrench in his plans and see Loki squirm in agitation. He leaned forward onto the table and commented offhandedly, "Balder is tutoring you in the art of the blade Loki? If it is teaching you are seeking perhaps Volstagg would lend his services as he is and always has been one of the lead teachers in the warrior's guild."

Hearing his name being praised, Volstagg was quick to bellow happily and quite drunkenly, "What? Do mine ears deceive me Fandral? I thought I heard ye boasting of my accomplished skills with a sword?"

Not giving Loki a chance to interject, Fandral stated, "Why that I did my voluminous friend! It seems Loki is working to become a better swordsman; I only sought to inform him that since ye taught Balder and Thor that ye would also be an ideal teacher for him of course! Would ye not agree Loki?" Fandral fixed Loki with a mischievous grin awaiting his response.

Loki's eyes widened in surprise by the sudden onslaught from Fandral. 'How dare he?!' Loki thought as he released an irritated breath, trying to keep his face neutral. "It is more the camaraderie than the training, Fandral, that I seek – not that I would not seek it with Volstagg," Loki nodded at Volstagg. "Balder offered his tutelage, do you suggest I decline his offer?" he asked Fandral, forcing him into a corner himself the best he could while attempting joviality.

Odin peered on quite interested but said nothing as the conversation continued. The glint in Fandral's eye never left and his smile did not falter as he responded, "I did not suggest any such thing Loki, I only assumed that you would also enjoy learning a thing or two from Volstagg as the more teachers with differing techniques the better trained you will become. Is that not your wish?"

Volstagg piped up with a hearty laugh, "Aye! I will ask Balder if we all three cannot find time to practice so that I may observe your progress and give ye insight! What do ye say prince? Volstagg would be honored to help ye in this endeavor!"

Odin smiled at the willingness of his people to help Loki and was curious to see how his son would take this new found offered help.

Loki's quick mind decided that – although verily unpleasant – agreeing would endear him further to Odin, and make his involvement in Sif's impending loss seem all the less likely on more than one level. Nodding, he did reply "How fortunate! Then it is settled. The honor would be mine, indeed."

Volstagg held up his mead and laughed impossibly loud, "Tomorrow after the mid day meal then! One can not fight on an empty stomach!"

Fandal quipped, "If that were the case my rotund friend, I fear ye may never see battle again fore ye rarely leave the table!"

Volstagg grumbled, "Why you!..." as he reached across the table to snatch Fandral up for a good shaking. Fandral expecting this move quickly darted out of the way while Odin laughed at the scene merrily.

Looking over at Loki, Odin asked, "Why the sudden interest in sword's play? Is it merely camaraderie? Or is there another purpose to such lengths?

Loki put on a strange smile as his eyes widened, thinking. "Both, but overall camaraderie." To take the pressure off, Loki became rather interested in the antics of Fandral and Volstagg as he began stuffing his mouth with food once more.

Odin petted his long beard musing as to why his son did not answer him, and decided to let it go for now tired as he was. Volstagg went back to his previous conversation and Fandral bid a farewell alongside Hogan who merely nodded his respect in his departure.

Finishing his mead, Odin turned his cup upside down onto the table and rose announcing that he was set to retire. Before leaving the table he peered down with serious intent at Loki to comment before he left, "Stay on this path Loki; ye are making good for a promising future, and it does so please me." With those last words, Odin let a smile pass his lips.

Loki grinned impishly as he looked up at Odin with flashing green eyes. "Aye," he replied warmly to his father's words, clearly satisfied.