Thor smiled in relief as they reached the palace grounds. Loki hadn't stirred at all during the journey. He slept quietly against Thor's shoulder, the blanket pulled tight around his shoulders. They arrived in front of the palace where some guards and stable hands were there to meet him as well as Frigga. She greeted Odin as he dismounted his horse. The guards assisted Thor with getting Loki off the horse and once Thor had dismounted the horse, he gathered Loki in his arms as Frigga approached them.

"How is he?" she asked placing a hand to Loki's cheek.

"He is fine mother. He is just tired, he used his magic to help fend off the Creed warriors." Thor reassured.

"Take him to his chambers. I will send Eir along in a little while to check him."

Thor nodded and started carrying Loki to his chambers. The halls of the palace were quiet except for Thor's footsteps as he walked to Loki's chambers. Loki stirred a bit in Thor's arms before falling silent again. They arrived at Loki's chambers and the guard opened the door for them. Thor nodded in thanks as he stepped in to the room. Loki's chambers were always neat and organized, except the books. Loki loved to read so there were books piled everywhere in his room. Thor stepped around a couple of piles as he made his way to Loki's bed. He gently laid Loki on the emerald green sheets. Loki stirred a bit again as he rolled over and fell back to sleep. Thor smiled softly as he pulled the blankets up to Loki's chin. Thor ran a hand through Loki's hair and turned to leave. He wanted to go to his father to ensure the Creed warriors were fully charged to the highest extent, but a small voice stopped him.

"Don't go."

Thor stopped and turned back to the bed. Loki's eyes were still closed and he breathed evenly, but it was almost like he sensed Thor was leaving. Thor walked back and sat on the edge of the bed.

"I'm not going anywhere Loki. I'm here." Thor whispered placing a hand on Loki's shoulder.

Thor sat there and watched Loki sleep until Eir, Frigga and Odin came in. While Eir checked Loki over, Thor spoke with his parents.

"What is to become of the Creed warriors?" Thor asked.

"The council and I are still deciding their punishment. For now they are in the dungeons, but worry not my son. They will be charged to the highest extent." Odin stated.

Eir came over at that moment.

"How is he Eir?" Frigga asked.

"He is fine my Queen. He will make a full recovery, but there will be scars on his back from some of his more severe injuries. As well as the carving on his arms. I will try to see if anything can be done about them. Don't be surprised if he sleeps for the rest of the day and into the night. His body is very tired and he needs to rest." Eir explained.

"Thank you Eir for everything."

"You are welcome my Queen. Please call for me if anything changes."

Eir bowed and left the chambers. Frigga and Odin walked over to the bed. Frigga placed a soft kiss to Loki's temple and Odin simply put a hand on Loki's shoulder.

"I must go. I must meet with the council on what we are going to do with the warriors." Odin stated.

Before leaving, he placed a kiss on Loki's forehead.

"I'm glad you are finally well my son."

Odin left. Thor went and sat on the side of Loki's bed, taking his hand.

"It will be dinner hour soon my dear. You should go rest and freshen up before you eat." Frigga mentioned.

"I wish to stay with him, I can have my food brought here." Thor pointed out.

"My dear I can tell you have not had much rest in the past day nor proper time to freshen up. Loki is safe now, he is better. Eir told us he will recover. I will sit here with him until you return, now please go take care of yourself." Frigga insisted.

Thor knew there was no point in arguing with his mother, so he pressed soft kiss to Loki's forehead and left to his own chambers.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Loki stirred around the midnight hour. He couldn't remember the last few hours clearly. The Creed warriors had found them in the forest but he couldn't remember what happened after that. Was he captured again? What about Thor and Helen? Were they safe? The throbbing in his head came back full force and he couldn't stop the moan that came from his lips. He felt a hand caress his cheek.

"Relax my son you are safe." a voice soothed him.

Loki slowly opened his eyes and saw his mother leaning over him.

"Mother?" Loki asked.

"Yes my dear. You are home, your back in your chambers." Frigga whispered.

"What about the Creed Warriors? Thor and Helen? Are they safe?" Loki asked trying to sit up.

"Shhhhhhhhhhh…calm yourself Loki. They are fine. They are both here at the palace and safe. Thor is right there next you." Frigga reassured gently pushing Loki back down to the pillows.

Loki felt a slight pressure on his right hand. He turned his head and saw Thor kneeling beside his bed, his head pillowed on his arms and one of his hands gripped Loki's in a slight grasp. He was sleeping somewhat peacefully.

"He hasn't left since he returned from the dinner hour. He is still worried about you." Frigga stated.

"What about the Creed Warriors? What has happened to them?" Loki asked.

"They are in the dungeons. Your father and the council are still deciding the proper punishment, but you shouldn't worry about that right now my dear. You need to rest." Frigga insisted.

"What about Helen? Is she ok?" Loki asked.

"She is fine Loki. A bit shaken up, but she is ok. Is there anything I can get for you?" Frigga asked.

"No. I'm just tired." Loki mumbled.

"Rest my dear. You are safe now, everything is alright. I'm going to step out for a minute, but I'll come back. Go ahead and go back to sleep." Frigga soothed.

Loki nodded and Frigga kissed his cheek before leaving. Loki waited until she left the chambers and turned to Thor. He started to squeeze his hand and brushed up against his arm.

"Thor? Wake up, Thor." Loki whispered.

Loki kept poking and prodding at him until Thor finally stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Once he realized that it was Loki that was waking him up, he sat up fully awake and leaned over him.

"Brother, are you well? Do you need something?" Thor asked putting a hand to Loki's cheek.

"I'm fine Thor. I wanted to make sure you were alright after the Creed warriors attacked us." Loki stated grasping at the hand that was on his cheek.

"I'm fine Loki. It was you I was worried about, I'm glad your finally well again." Thor smiled grasping Loki's hand in return.

"Your not going to let me out of your sight for a long while are you?" Loki asked.

"I certainly don't plan on it," Thor chuckled softly.

Loki smiled softly as his eyes began to droop.

"Sleep Loki. All is well." Thor whispered.

"Will you stay with me?" Loki asked.

"Yes brother, I'll be right here." Thor stated.

Thor went to sit on the side of the bed but Loki pulled on his hand. Thor smiled and laid down next to Loki as his eyes slid shut and he fell back asleep.

Frigga came back in a little while later and found her boys both on the bed, Loki laying against Thor's chest and Thor's arms wrapped around Loki in a protective manner. She smiled softly as she went over and placed a kiss on both of their foreheads and pulled the blanket up around them. She left chambers wishing she could always have a way of remembering the moment.