Frigga stood outside of the door down the hall a bit awaiting her husband's exit from Loki's quarters. Looking up in slight surprise, Odin approached her, "Good eve my fair wife, why do you linger about the halls?"

Frigga replied in kind, "Good eve my lord. I was curious in the outcome of your dinner with Loki. Did it fare well?"

Odin took in a deep breath recalling the course of the two's recent confrontation, "Aye, it went better than I had anticipated honestly. There is a seed of change that I see flourishing within him; it just need yet be watered to see it grow fitfully. He is stubborn beyond words sometimes!"

Odin's frustration was not lost on Frigga, and she smiled in slight amusement, "Where ever could he get such a trait from my liege?"

Odin's brow furrowed questioningly at Frigga's response bristling slightly at the comment before seeing the humor in it and grinning affectionately at his wife, "I suppose I have my share of stubbornness to offer."

Frigga nodded knowingly, "Indeed my lord, but I love thee all the same. I thought to speak to our son and make an effort to help in your course to rehabilitate him. He may need more than an active father in his life as I too have fallen short of such a needed parental task and wish to make my own amends in such manners if ye think such would be of sound idea."

Pausing a moment, Odin considered Frigga's words. Perhaps she was right and knowing that both of his parents loved and supported Loki may be quite beneficial to helping Loki get over his petty jealousy of Thor. If nothing else, Odin doubted it could hurt and replied smiling readily, "I think the idea marvelous my dear. He has yet to retire, so I am sure he would accept thy company gratefully. Although, if he gives thee any lip, come forth and fetch me fore I will not hesitate to correct him in manners of disrespect."

Frigga shook her head, "Worry not my lord, if our son gets out of line, he will not only fear the fierceness of thy palm but mine as well. I doubt he will be so brazen after such recent chastisement anyhow."

Odin nodded in agreement, "Let us hope not." Odin leaned down to deposit a kiss on Frigga's forehead, "I wish your talk well, and I will see thee in our chambers when you choose to retire my love."

With that said, the two shared one more kiss before Odin strode down the hall towards their bedroom.

Frigga straightened turning back towards Loki's door halting a moment as she approached to formulate how she too must change her behavior in order to help Loki become a better person. She had been somewhat cold to him for all the strife he'd caused both Odin and Thor over the many years, and this reaction had seemed fitting for Odin's response in kind for Loki's wicked deeds was to banish him from Asgard time and time again. Things would be different from now on Frigga decided then a strong sense of commitment forming within her to follow through on Odin's wisdom and overcome such adversity their relationship had suffered starting anew here and now. She knocked stating beyond the door, "Loki, tis I, Frigga. I have come to speak with thee."

Loki visibly deflated, as though hoping he could wish her away. Only the Lady Sif had spoken against him more than Frigga, and he neither trusted nor liked the woman...although, deep down, he craved the motherly attentions she showed Thor, though he'd never admit it. "Enter," he said softly.

The door creaked ajar slowly as Frigga stepped into the room. She'd never actually entered Loki's chambers before, and as she did, her eyes danced a line drinking in the adornments depicted by Loki's unique tastes finally settling on the Trickster. She gave him a small warm smile crossing the room to sit next to him on his bed.

Frigga lay a palm on his knee giving it a small squeeze before she addressed Loki in earnest, "I spoke with your father, and he told me that he sees a brighter future for you than what you have previously made for yourself. I want you to know that this pleases me greatly Loki. We both want to see you grow and embrace your family as it has need of embracing you. So I come here now to extend my hand and heart to thee as a mother should."

Loki watched her enter and approve him, flashing unsure, calculating sideways eyes at her. He bristled at her touch, wondering why – after all these years – she chose now to show him affection. It made him angry, as did her words. "Ah, I see. Now that Odin's heart changes, you scurry to follow? Where were you when I first graced these halls? ...do you remember? I do. You were watching me with upturned nose, never accepting me as Thor was accepted, before I could even speak." Loki's emotions were a combination of anger, sadness and indignation. He knew he was walking a fine line, but felt baited.

Frigga's eyes darkened at Loki's insolence, but she reigned in her immediate anger at his words replacing it with the courage she'd promised herself not to sway her from her current course. "I suppose I deserved that comment, but let ye know, I will not tolerate direct insult to my person Loki. Your father is not the only one in this castle willing to punish you most readily." She let that statement hang in the air a moment before continuing, "As for my behavior in the past, I do not excuse it. Odin is wise in many things, and I do look to him for advice this is true. However, when I became your father's wife, you had already set in motion a reputation of ill repute unmatched by any Asgardian that yet lived within these hallowed halls. I thought you no more than a miscreant for such deeds, but your father has shown me that there is more to be expected from you than you may even believe yourself capable. My mistake was not seeing that you could change this cycle you perpetuated yourself into. And, if it is one thing I have realized out of all that has come to pass since your recent return, we have today to make right our yesterday. I am not perfect Loki, but I believe, if we can put our pasts behind us, we can work to build a better future. Does this sound attainable to you?"

Loki visibly deflated at Frigga's warning, thinking inwardly how unfair it was – she never acted like family to him, what right had she to make such threats? Yet, he wasn't ready to test her resolve as he was reasonably sure Odin would see fit to spank him if he were to find out that Frigga found need to do so. Therefore, he held his tongue and listened. He only grew more irate with her words. Trying to keep his temper in check he said, "Do you ever think that, perhaps if given a chance, I could have put this 'reputation of ill repute' behind me in my younger years, if only someone took an interest? ...you were to be a mother to me, yet you did not seek out why I behaved the way I did, nor did you celebrate any of my achievements as you did with Thor. There was never a closeness, nor an attempted bond on your part. I haven't known a mother's concern since before Odin plucked me from my home as an infant. I do wish to build a better future – and I do think it attainable, but before you level threats of punishment against me, you first need to earn that right!"

Frigga's expression grew exasperated, "Loki, I am your queen; that in itself gives me the right to punish you whether you want to admit it or not. I have acknowledged my lack of responsibility and have deemed to make right what I have done wrong whilst ye have not committed to any such act. You sit here wallowing in your own self pity," at these words she stood rigidly with squared shoulders, "I tell you now, such behavior will not continue fore I will not tolerate your direct insubordination. I would suggest you change your tone with me post haste!" Frigga did not budge standing over the trickster quite ready to react if the prince did not take on a more respectful attitude towards her. She had tried to be nice and talk sensibly, but Loki was stubborn. Sadly, Frigga knew he would likely need to be put in his place before he would take her seriously and be able to move on, although she hoped his bottom already bearing the recent sting of Odin's palm would be sufficient enough warning of what would be forthcoming if he didn't alter his current course.

Loki stared up at her with large, glaring green eyes, his nose slightly crinkling in anger as his mind raced. He tried; he really did try to keep his mouth shut – but the gall of this woman! "I am Not wallowing in self pity, I am speaking the Truth," Loki griped, folding his arms in a huff as he jerked away from her, trying to turn his back on her the best he could while seated on his bed with her towering over him. Feeling the remnants his father's hand on his bottom as he shifted his weight, he added hastily, "But, I do accept your apology and will – in turn – show respect and like commitment if your motives prove true." At that, he peered up at her with big innocent eyes, hoping to ease himself out of any trouble he may have caused himself.

On the verge of snagging Loki up and throwing him over her own knee then and there, Frigga's frown grew tight lipped showing she was quite through dealing with the trickster's posturing. The only thing that stopped her was Loki's speedy interjection to comply to at least try to make amends.

The way he turned his eyes up to her with a hint of fear and child-like innocence gave way to lessen her anger as she sighed, "It is a long bumpy road ahead of us Loki, but ye will discover that I plan to stay the course whether you be willing to follow through with your vow or not. Your father does not have the time to keep a proper eye on you with the many duties he must attend, but rest assured I plan to take a more vested interest in your progress from this point on and deem to help when needed."

Loki's eyes went wide with relief, then wider with fear before returning to their previous glare as he regarded Frigga silently. He had thought he had her for a moment there. He blinked slowly in indignation as he set his jaw defiantly, lowering his head to glower at her from under his lashes. "Don't fool yourself, my father doesn't need your help – he *is* the Allfather," he muttered quietly, hoping to set her off her course.

Frigga had heard enough, Loki was testing her, and she was done playing games with him, "Fool myself? The only fool in this room Loki, is you! You wish to test my resolve? Fine." She didn't wait for a response as her hand darted to the prince's wrist wrapping around it in a firm grasp and giving it a slight tug, "Rise. My patience is at an end, and now you are about to experience just how 'helpful' I may be to your father!"

Loki's mouth opened as though sobbing before yelling out, "NO, Please!" He tugged at his trapped wrist while looking up at Frigga with desperate eyes, "I'm sorry – don't, please!"

Unconvinced by his plea, Frigga remained quite stern, "You are not near sorry enough yet, but believe me when I get through with ye, you will be. Now do not resist me, or would you rather I call your father in here to deal with you? He has already promised me if need be, I should hail him."

Loki was beginning to throw a pathetic fit in hopes of staying Frigga's hand and warming her heart, until he heard her threat. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked up into her eyes, large green eyes showing real fear and anxiety. "No don't call him, please," he said, turning sad eyes on her as he realized he was not likely to get out of yet another spanking. His wrist went limp in her hand and he stood for her, lower lip trying to protrude as he gave her wide, uncertain eyes. "Must you do this? I'll be good."

"I'm certain you will," Frigga spat not letting Loki's display affect her in the slightest as she pulled him forward swiftly turning him face forward towards his bed stating in a no-nonsense tone, "Undo your britches, pull them down, and bend over yon bed. Be quick about it lest you anger me further."

Loki let out a moan that sounded a little too much like a squeak for his liking as he was turned. He lowered his head and blushed furiously when she told him to bare himself. "At least let me keep my modesty?" He asked looking over his shoulder as he made to bend over his bed, angry that tears were already welling in his eyes, angrier still that they were more from fear than from the small amount of irritation he felt.

Frigga huffed, "You should have considered modesty before you decided to disrespect me. No. I think you need to learn to do as you are told."

Loki's face fell, he really thought she'd concede. Covering his face with both hands, he sniffled while trying to reason this out. He knew that if he disobeyed that she would call Odin, and that would be bad. Very bad – and Frigga was already huffing. Why had he pushed her? Why? But, how could he be expected to do this? Grabbing a hold of his messy bangs, he tugged at them for a moment before slouching his shoulders, his hands going to his britches to take them down as quickly as possible before grabbing his pillow and burying his face in it to hide his shame as he bent over with his belly resting on the bed.

As Loki bent over, Frigga slid over to the dresser grabbing the hair brush that lay atop it and moved over beside Loki lining up to begin punishing him without hesitation.

Loki moved his head up just enough to peer back at Frigga to see what she was doing. Seeing her pick up the brush, Loki drew in a quick breath before whimpering and nervously swaying his bottom back and forth in sickening anticipation.

Frigga didn't leave him waiting long pressing her hand down in the small of his back and arching down with four rapid and very hard swats on Loki's left check before moving to the right and repeating.

"OOOWWW," Loki cried, head thrown back out in pain before diving face first into his pillow again, holding onto it desperately. "Mmm sorry," he called out in a muffled yell, "I won't do it again!"

Shaking her head sadly, Frigga replied as she continued her mantra of swats, "Let's hope you won't as I promise for every reminder I must give you, the punishment will become worse!"

Loki whimpered sadly in between shrieks of pain from the brush, not liking the sound of Frigga's words at all. "Is this enough – please, can it be enough?" Loki cried as he started involuntarily twitching, his ass already sore from his father's spanking. "I can't handle much more, I was already sore – Please, have mercy!"

Not one to give in, Frigga continued her assault the tempo remaining a steady flurry almost too fast to keep track of when one would land and another would take its place, "Mercy? Loki, this be mercy I grant thee! If ye would not have decided to challenge my station, I would not feel the need to discipline you so. You bring this upon yourself, and perhaps a little more soreness to that bottom of yours will teach you to think before you react."

"But it huuurts," Loki whined through his tears as he beat the tops of his feet upon the floor like a child. "I thought mothers were supposed to be kind," Loki said pitifully as he looked back at her in suspicion.

Raising an eyebrow at the petulant stare Loki gave her, Frigga came down a little harder with the hairbrush sure to aim for the more sensitive under curve of his ass as she spoke most harshly, "It's punishment and meant to hurt. Taking you in hand is one of the kinder things I can offer thee Loki. As I told you, today we start anew, and I do not plan to be easy on you because you do not respond to easy, but you will respond to this to be certain!"

"YEOW!" Loki screamed, bucking up and grabbing his rear and rubbing desperately – unable to stop himself as he sobbed. He was much too sore for this treatment! He only wished he would have thought about that when Frigga first entered his room. She wasn't backing down, and he was wondering if she had meant all the nice things she had said.

Frigga sat next to Loki grabbing him about the waist and cinching him tightly into her hip to better restrain him as she remarked gruffly, "Remove your hands; I am not near finished with you yet."

"S-sorry," Loki stammered as he shakily removed his hands, once more clinging to his pillow as he tried to stop his sobbing.

As quickly as Loki's hands were removed and Loki had settled into place, Frigga pulled up on his waist to bring his ass into better range before returning to her task with the goal of being sure Loki knew she would not tolerate one iota of impertinence from him, "I did not come in here with such intentions of having to teach you a lesson of your place in regards to me, and frankly, I am disappointed in you Loki that you would even have the gall to test me in such a fashion! Did you wish to see just how far you could push me this day? Did you think that the fact your father had just punished you would save you from further correction? I do not pretend to understand your logic, but I do hope you understand now the lengths that I will go to in order to right such behaviors."

Loki was unsure whether she expected an answer, but did not want another sharp connection to his most sensitive region, and therefore decided to offer up the best answer he could. He swiftly admitted as he cried, "I was un-unsure of the honesty...AH...of y-your words when you...OH...arrived, as we have never known any c-closeness. OW! I distrusted you and became angered...YEOW...thinking of old wounds and that no truth lay behind your actions – AH – only a desire to please my father...OW!...I think I may have misjudged – I'm sorry; this is new to me." Looking up at her from over his shoulder he asked, "Let us try again?"

Frigga's expression softened at Loki's plea and she slowed the pace quite a bit feeling they were finally reaching an understanding. She nodded her agreement, "Aye, I think perhaps we can. It's amazing what a little bit of truth can accomplish eh?" with that statement said, Frigga stopped her hand from bringing the dreaded brush down on to his quivering bottom placing it instead on Loki's nightstand. "I think we are done now, so you can dress."

Loki looked up at her with large eyes, trying to gauge whether her question was said with any ill intent. Seeing none, he cautiously reached back and carefully tugged his britches up, fastening them with shaky hands as he stayed in place only partially raised. Not quite willing to admit it, he was hesitant to fully rise, wondering about the comfort of a mother.

Seeing his need for acceptance and love, Frigga took his face in both hands drawing him to stand in front of her as she wiped away a track of tears with her thumbs. She gave him a warm smile planting a soft kiss on his forehead speaking gently now, "All penance for your disrespect has been now paid Loki. We move on from here aye?"

Loki's eyebrows knit together, lip and chin still quivering as he placed his own hands upon hers while more tears spilled from his eyes at her kiss. "Aye," he answered softly, suddenly wanting nothing more than to bury his face in her shoulder, feeling very young.

Sensing Loki's vulnerability, Frigga drew him into her to embrace him in a solid hug. She spoke now in comforting tones, "All will be well Loki; you will see that time truly is the great mender of all things."

Loki melted into the embrace, holding on a little desperately as his thoughts moved over how unfair all of this was. Why did it take such humiliation for anyone to love Loki? Why must he bow so low? Why couldn't anyone have tried this with him in his youth? ...and why did this all have to be so painful? He was fairly certain that his bottom was swollen to five times its normal size! Yet, he couldn't deny how good the comfort felt, and he soaked it up as he snuggled deeper under her chin. Maybe he shouldn't have said those things to her, but at least now he knew where he stood.

Frigga felt Loki's form shudder slightly trying to contain a rush of emotion that he chose not to let escape. If it wasn't for the fact that he had brought this current plight upon himself, she may have had an inkling to feel regret for reacting in such a manner, but as it stood, she decided what had happened between them would inevitably bring the two closer in the long run. Frigga tenderly caressed the back of Loki's neck to comfort him as she soothed, "It is late; try to get some rest Loki, and I will check in on you on the morrow."

Not wanting her to go just yet, Loki softly mewed and stubbornly held on a little tighter, "The sun has barely set."

Frigga smiled at Loki's tenacious hold as she squeezed him a little tighter for reassurance, "I do not have to leave so soon. I would stay with you awhile if you wish. Perhaps we may converse on what your father has planned for you on the morrow? He and I have not spoken on the matter."

Loki nodded and smiled into her shoulder, elated that he had finally gained some control. His smile quickly turned to exasperation as he looked up into her face to announce, "He means me to work with the *servants*, cleaning and carrying on for an entire moon! Can you imagine? ...and what have I done to them? What? It's terrible! …Completely dreadful and unfair." He searched her face with his large green eyes, expecting her to be as shocked and sickened by his sentence as he was, but seeing that she wasn't he shook his head and again snuggling it under her chin as he huffed at the indignity of it all.

Frigga just rolled her eyes up to the ceiling at Loki's childish response choosing not to comment on it as she didn't wish to push their relationship backwards after the hurdle they'd just overcame. Instead, she stated, "Perhaps you will learn a little perspective by walking in another's shoes? It is not toiling in the fields with the farmers; that would surely be worse than the fate ye suffer no?"

Her questioning had him fussing a bit, rolling his shoulders and slightly squirming in a sort of unwilling agreeance. After another hefty huff and with still no rescue coming from Frigga, Loki quietly offered, "I suppose. ...but not by much – all will laugh at Loki." At that, he snuggled closer as though attempting to keep away the taunts he knew were to come.

Frigga smiled at how young Loki sounded as she responded, "I cannot say I pity you; you took no thought to prevent such meted chastisement when you sought to humiliate Lady Sif. Your father has decided what penalty will benefit your further growth, so you must and will endure. We are a long lived people Loki, this humbling shall pass, and you will have a chance to put it behind you in due time." Frigga was sure this admission would have a negative response, but she hoped Loki would also see the honesty in her statement.

With as tired, confused and pained as Loki was, he couldn't help the tears that spilled down his cheeks at her words. He wanted to argue, to fight for himself, but deep down he knew there was pure truth to what she said, and her comforting felt so good, so new and wanted, and, and ...oh, he was so exhausted. He tried to hide the fact that he was again crying, and fussed when little sounds began escaping from him. It was all so unfair! He was so much more than all of this! When would his humiliations end?

Feeling the hot tears on her shoulder, Frigga's only response was to rub Loki's back in an effort to console him. After giving him a moment to collect himself, Frigga took Loki by the shoulders and pulled him back so that the two were eye to eye. She gave Loki a warm loving smile, "You are drained my son; lay down now and rest yourself. Try not to worry about tomorrow and instead think on the coming future for whence thou hast paid your penance."

Loki looked at Frigga, brows knit together, and merely nodded his acquiescence. He took a deep, watery breath and then scrubbed at his eyes before turning and gingerly climbing into bed to lay on his stomach, not even bothering to disrobe. His eyes were heavy lidded and fluttering before his head even reached the pillow.

Smiling at Loki, Frigga pulled the bed sheets up to his shoulders moving the few loose strands off of his face as she spoke, "Sleep well Loki; I will see thee again on the morrow." Turning gracefully, Frigga strolled out of Loki's bedroom to head off towards her own quarters for the night.

Loki returned the smile softly, and had meant to reply, though sleep was coming much too fast for him to do so. He was asleep before Frigga reached the door.

By the time Frigga had made it back to her and Odin's bed chambers, Odin was leaned over a desk reading over scrolls that only he was privy to. He glanced up at Frigga's entrance his smile illuminated by the delicate flicker of candle light in the room, "And how went your talk my love?"

Frigga not wanting to darken the All-father's mood merely gave a small smile responding, "Loki and I have discussed much, and I believe he and I know where each other stand and have both agreed to put our best foot forward."

Odin beamed at this news, "Excellent mine wife! It is good to know that our family can be as one, and Loki also has want to accept thee and try to work for change for his own betterment. It pleases me so to know this. As always, thou proves to me your wisdom my love." As he said this, he kissed her hand that had found his shoulder squeezing it lovingly.

Frigga leaned down to kiss him on the cheek as a response before stating with a hint of mischief, "Do not be at that all night my lord lest I fall asleep before you choose to retire."

Her look said sleep was the last thing on her mind, and Odin grinned at her widely in understanding as he set the scrolls aside, standing, and coming to embrace his wife letting out a gruff, "Aye. I think mine work has seen enough attention for one day."