A New York Secret

Chapter Forty

On Asgard, Frigga was sitting in the middle of her gardens, reading a book. Upon seeing a shimmer in the corner of her vision, she looked up and gasped. "Loki?" She questioned. "How is this possible?"

Loki gave a huge sigh of relief when he saw his mother. "Are we alone out here?" He asked, needing to know it was safe before he could say anything more.

"Yes dear. Are you in Midgard? Your illusion is a little fuzzy."

Loki relaxed somewhat. "Yes I am. I don't know how long I can hold the illusion, but we just wanted to know what's going on."

"Thor and Odin have been researching the threat that is looming over us all," Frigga stated. "It is good to see you looking so well. Thor told us you almost perished."

"Does that mean nothing new is known?" Loki questioned his mother. "Emily saved me. It is thanks to her and her friend that I am still alive."

"I haven't spoken to your father today, but I know they are making progress in the matter," Frigga replied, then smiled wide. "When you say her name, your face lights up. She really must be special."

Loki felt his cheeks flush, but he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "She truly is. She sees something more in me... more than I have ever seen in myself."

Frigga walked up to the shimmering illusion of Loki, her smile never leaving her face. "She's good for you. I can tell that you care a great deal about her... maybe more than you have anyone else."

Loki's grin widened. "I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life with her." He happily told his mother. "I also want you to meet her."

"You want to marry?" Frigga said, her eyes wide with surprise. "This is happy news Loki! I would love to meet her, mortal or not."

Loki grinned and nodded. "I don't know how or when to ask her though. I also don't know the Midgardian traditions for such things."

"I could get a book for you if you'd like. I can send it with your brother," Frigga suggested. "I always knew you would find someone special."

"I would appreciate that, thank you. I have enjoyed the other books you sent as well." Loki said sincerely.

Frigga nodded and clasped her hands in front of her. "I'm glad you have, son. While I have you here, I also want you to know that Odin and Thor have been speaking with the courts about what will happen when you are able to come home. There is a good chance you could be acquitted."

Loki shook his head. "Odin will never allow that. I imagine Odin is fond of my current banishment."

"Loki, did you not hear my words? I said Odin and Thor are talking to the courts," Frigga stated.

"I did hear, but that does not mean Odin is speaking on my behalf." Loki pointed out.

Frigga crossed her arms with a sigh. "He wants to see that you're telling the truth, but has been speaking of you, yes."

Loki looked at the grass, feeling bad for frustrating his mother. "I am telling the truth. I have no memory of what happened. I can't even try to remember without being in pain. Emily says they have proof to support this."

"Thor has told us that. He is trying to find a way for us to see it," Frigga said softly, watching as Loki's illusion flickered. "You're starting to fade Loki."

"Please come visit us. More than anything, I want you to meet Emily." Loki said, then looked down at his fading hands. "I love you, mother." He said, right before he faded completely.

~~~~~~~~~

Emily watched as Loki lazily began to open his eyes and slowly turn his head to look at her. "Hey sweetheart. Welcome back."