Walking into Odin's throne room was no less nerve wracking than the first time.

The council were all in their seats, eyes fixed on us as we followed the red carpet, taking our places in front of them. The raised dais was no longer in evidence, so Loki stood between Thor and I, flanked on both sides by his supporters. He was trembling lightly, yet trying so very hard to hide his anxiety.

Bersi waited until the Queen had climbed the stairs and stood placidly next to her husband before speaking.

"And here we find ourselves once more," the Elder intoned. "We have weighed all the evidence, both old and new. Argued ourselves hoarse, and finally come to an agreement that is acceptable to all."

Here Bersi paused, spearing Loki with a direct and appraising stare. He held his silence for so long that I was on the verge of screaming before he finally continued.

"The accused will step forward."

Loki shot me a quick look, trepidation weighing down his gaze. I took his hand, squeezing briefly as I whispered, "Go on. It's almost done, now. Let's finish this."

He nodded and gripped my fingers tightly before letting go, squaring his shoulders and stepping closer to the table.

"Have you anything further to add before we pass our sentence," Bersi asked.

"I do not," the god murmured, head held high. "I have laid bare my soul to this council and I now submit myself to your mercy. Do with me as you will."

I held my breath as Bersi studied Loki intently. My heart was in my throat, and I balled my fists, digging my nails into my palms until the sting grounded me once more. It wouldn't do to fall apart now; not when we were so very close to the end.

I just hoped that the council would show mercy.

God help us all if they didn't.

Thor shifted his weight next to me and I could hear him swallow thickly. Seemed I wasn't the only one on the verge of freaking out.

"Settle down, big guy," I whispered. "Scarface is gonna make us twist a little before he gives the verdict."

"Forever the need to posture," Thor growled quietly. "That is the way of politics in Asgard."

"Just hold it together," I replied. "Losing your shit isn't gonna help anything."

Thor gave a terse nod, eyes fixed on Bersi and mouth drawn into a grim line. "Indeed not," he muttered. "I do not intend to lose anything today."

I took in the double meaning of his words, content in the knowledge that if we found ourselves with a fight on our hands, then Thor would be by my side.

Lady Valgerd caught my eye, giving a small, enigmatic smile. I cocked my head, sending her a quizzical look and she simply raised one slender finger to her lips, giving me the universal sign for 'quiet, you'. I felt a wave of relief wash through me then. If things were about to go bad, I doubt that she'd have been quite so calm about it.

Bersi's voice rang out, startling me back to attention.

"Loki Laufeyson, former prince of Asgard, you have been called back from the wastes of Helheim in order to again stand trial for your misdeeds. Your previous sentence has been called into question due to the discovery of new evidence, and we, the council of elders, have weighed this information against the punishment you have already served."

Bersi paused, and I could almost see the words sticking in his throat.

"After a thorough review of all the evidence, we have no choice but to nullify the remainder of your sentence," the Elder ground out. "As of this moment, you are free."

Loki's gasp of surprise was immediately drowned out by Thor's gleeful bellow. I felt my shoulders sag in relief, all the tension draining out of me so quickly that I suddenly felt lightheaded.

"Of course, there are conditions attached to this reversal," Bersi interjected.

"Such as," Thor demanded.

"Loki's magic will continue to be dampened. He will have a measure of it returned, but by no means is he to be trusted with the full amount of power he once possessed."

"Of course," Loki murmured. "I had not assumed otherwise."

Bersi frowned at how quickly the dark god agreed to this judgment. Obviously he had expected a more violent reaction on Loki's part.

"Also," the Elder continued, "You will be remanded to the keeping of the mortal, Clint Barton, who will watch over you during your banishment to Midgard. He will teach you the ways of those that you tried to subjugate. Perhaps, in time, you will come to appreciate the same lessons your brother learned during his own time in that realm." Bersi turned to me then, asking, "You offered yourself up as his keeper, mortal. Are you still agreeable to this?"

"Absolutely," I responded.

"Be aware that Heimdall will keep watch as well," Bersi said pointedly. "In the event that Loki attempts to hide his doings from you, there will be one that still sees all. And bear in mind that if we find reason to believe that Loki has returned to his previous lust for power, then his original sentence will be reinstated, and he will be returned to Helheim."

"You needn't worry," Loki said quietly. "I shall be the very picture of obedience. You have my thanks for allowing me a second chance in this matter."

"Address your thanks to Lady Valgerd," Bersi replied acidly. "She was your staunchest supporter amongst the council members, and refused to be swayed. Her words brought the majority vote to her side, and won you your freedom. She has placed all of her faith in you; do not prove her wrong, Laufeyson."

Loki bowed his head, murmuring, "My thanks, Lady. You have given me the greatest of gifts and I will not disappoint you."

"Simply go in peace, Loki," Lady Valgerd replied. "Live the life you were meant to before your mind was twisted to another's purpose. Tear down the walls surrounding you and open your heart. Live well and love often, that alone will ensure that I do not regret my decision."

"I will," he whispered before turning away from the council.

Loki's bright green gaze speared into my own, and he stepped forward, capturing my hands. "It's over," he breathed, twining his fingers through mine. "I'm free."

I grinned at the barely contained joy in his voice and rubbed my thumbs over his own. "So, what do we do now," I asked.

"I will gather my things, say my goodbyes, and then we can go…home."

"Home sounds good," I said.

Frigga rushed in then, drawing Loki into a tight embrace. I stood back, watching as she fussed over her son; laughing as Thor snatched both of them up and shook them in pure glee. It was a lovely sight, the reunited family, and I made sure to give them the time needed to celebrate.

As I stood to the side, I wondered what the coming days would bring. I knew that things weren't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Fury was sure to have a fit, and I'd have a lot of explaining to do before the rest of the team was satisfied with my choice. And Loki himself was going to be a handful, no matter how much he promised to be 'obedient'. He had a couple thousand years worth of trauma to try and overcome, and I didn't have any illusions that that would be easy.

But I was willing to help him try, goddamn it.

And no matter what happened; no matter how much I had to fight to keep Loki from slipping back into that pit of darkness; I would never regret my decision.

I had my god back, and we would face the unknown together.

Side by side.

The way it should have been from the start.

-FIN-