Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Marvel-characters!

AN: Some of you asked for an epilogue and I thought about it. I would only write one if I had a nice idea and I would only post it if I was absolutely happy with it. Since you received a notification of an update, I guess you know how it turned out.

Please enjoy this epilogue and know that this story is now truly and irrevocably done.

~ Shadows and Regrets ~

Epilogue

"Happy birthday, mother," Thor said with a broad smile plastered on his face. He handed her a small, wrapped gift.

"You shouldn't have, Thor," Frigga smiled while she gratefully accepted the gift. She handled it like it was ever so precious. Carefully, she tore away the flower-patterned wrapping paper. It revealed a thin book that had a red, old-looking cover. The sheets inside were blank except for a tiny flower-design at the bottom.

"You can write your thoughts and ideas inside," Thor explained, "many mortals on Midgard do this. This can be your book, your diary as they call it. None may look inside so you can write what you want, whenever you want."

Frigga's eyes began to shine with joy. "This is a wonderful gift, Thor, thank you so much."

"Thank Jane," Thor chuckled, "it was her idea."

He wished Jane could be here with him, but unfortunately she had research to do for SHIELD so she was unable to attend this small feast. But Jane had come to Asgard many times these past few months and Thor felt grateful that his family and friends accepter her so well.

A servant came to fill Thor's cup with ale, disrupting his train of thoughts. When he focused on his mother again, he found her showing to gift to Odin. She was obviously thrilled and even Odin smiled profoundly. It had been a while since he'd seen his parents this relaxed and…almost happy. Loki's death weighed heavily on them and the pain always remained extremely visible in their eyes.

At least, it was when they thought none could see them.

Thor had wanted to tell them the truth for a million times already, but he had promised Loki to keep him secret. This proved to be the hardest thing Thor had ever done in his life.

But tonight everyone was feasting in honor of the Queen's birthday. Thor was relieved that only their closest friends and family were present. Frigga had requested it so. A more formal and grander feast would be held in a few days' time and Thor was excited that Jane would attend then.

"This is a nice evening." Sif sat down beside Thor. For once she wore a not her battle outfit, but a beautiful golden dress. Her long, black hair lay loosely around her shoulders. "It is good to see the Queen smiling again," she added.

Thor nodded. He too enjoyed the smile on his mother's face, but he also knew she felt guilty for enjoying herself. Loki had been gone for eleven months now, but still Frigga missed him like she missed him from that first day. Her pain never dulled. At times, she still cried for him and Thor could not blame her. Missing Loki like this was difficult.

"Are you alright, Thor?" Sif asked.

Thor hadn't realized he'd been deep in thought again. "Yes, of course," he assured her, "I only worry for mother. And for father."

Sif frowned.

"He is King of this realm," Thor explained, "he must stay strong at all times, but I know he grieves for Loki like everyone else does. He just cannot show it. That must be a heavy burden."

"Yes," Sif agreed quietly, "but I am glad you are coping so well. For a while there, I was ever so worried about you. It was like you had lost your will to live, like you had no more enthusiasm in you."

"It was never my intentions to trouble you."

"Of course not," Sif said quickly, "but I am your friend and I shall always worry about you to some extent."

Thor smiled and reached for Sif's small hand. "Then I am lucky to be your friend."

The entire room fell quiet suddenly when Odin rose from his seat. Every pair of eyes fell upon the broad figure of the King, waiting respectfully to hear his words.

"This feast is held in honor of Frigga, daughter of Fjörgynn," Odin said in his deep voice that only held affection and love. It was almost strange to hear since Odin normally spoke in a formal, almost distant voice. "My wife, my queen and the mother of my children."

Frigga smiled weakly and Thor knew that only one person lay on her mind at that moment. Loki might not be her natural son, but she refused to let anyone else say differently. Thor watched how Odin took Frigga's hand into his own. It had been so long since he'd seen his parents show this much love for each other.

"We have been through difficult times," Odin continued, only looking at Frigga now, "the loss of a child is never easy and I do not wish it upon my worst enemy. But every day I witness how you love and care for others with all your heart. It reminds me of a thousand reasons why I love you. There is not a woman in this universe that I love more than you. I hope you are enjoying this feast, my love, and I wish you a happy, happy birthday."

Odin sat down again while everyone began to cheer and applaud. Thor could see the cheeks of his mother turning red as she blushed. He reached for her hands and planted a kiss on each of her cheeks.

"Thank you, Thor," she whispered.

A guard came forward then, stepping around the table until he stood before the royal couple. He placed a fist over his heart and bowed his head. He waited until Odin called him closer. Thor wasn't sure what was happening, but he was suddenly very cautious. Thoughts of an attack flitted through his mind. Then he thought of Jane and earth and prayed that they were all right.

"There is another guest, my King," the guard explained, his eyes never fully landing on Odin's face, "he says he was invited."

Odin glanced at Frigga for a moment and Thor knew exactly what thought they exchanged: everyone was already present. A short moment of silence followed, but Odin turned to look at the guard again and said, "Then let him in."

The guard instantly hurried away to open the large doors.

Thor's mind was still racing, but there was a small voice in the back of his head that was shouting for his attention. Thor ignored it. He didn't want to listen to it because then he would only be in for a very big disappointment.

There was a moment of dead silence and Thor could feel the tension in the air rise. None knew what was happening and they all strained their necks to get a better view. Then the guest appeared, walking into the room with nothing but confidence in his steps. Thor instantly stood, his eyes widening to almost comical proportions.

He should have listened to that small voice.

Before the open doors stood Loki, a broad smile on his face and his eyes shining with amusement. Thor swore he actually saw mischief in those green eyes again, just like he'd seen many, many years ago. He recognized them again and that felt incredibly good.

A shared gasp went through the small crowd and whispers erupted everywhere. Thor wasn't sure what he was hearing. Shock; certainly, as well as surprise and disbelief. A few were angry and some even shook their heads in disapproval, though none of it mattered when Thor's gaze landed on the faces of his parents.

Odin stood, his lips slightly parted as he wanted to say something, yet no sound managed to escape his throat. Frigga placed a pale hand on her chest as she tried to control her breathing. Her eyes held nothing but affection and tears.

Lots of tears.

The queen lost all of her composure as she rose from her seat and walked towards her youngest son. With her one hand still over her chest, she reached out for Loki with her other hand. It trembled greatly as she carefully touched Loki's cheek. It was as if she expected the figure before her to disappear, to dissolve into a cloud of smoke.

"Hello, mother," Loki said softly. His smile weakened and his gaze softened.

"Oh my!" Frigga inhaled sharply, hesitated another moment and then hugged Loki tightly.

When Thor had done so a few months ago, Loki had protested and threatened all he held dear, but now…now the young God simply gave into the hug, placing his own arms around the thin waist of his mother.

"Happy birthday, mother," he whispered.

It was said so quietly that Thor barely heard it, but everyone else present in the room was silent and you could hear a needle drop outside in the hall. None even dared to breathe.

"I am sorry to crash your party like this," Loki added, "but I have missed you greatly and I could not stay away."

Frigga let go of him and Thor could clearly see her face now. She was crying while her entire body now shook because of the shock she had endured. "Loki, I barely understand this. I…I do not…" She could barely form a decent sentence. "I have missed you. You cannot imagine the horrors I have been through. Why…why did you do this?"

Loki placed a hand on Frigga's cheek, wiping away her many tears. "I am sorry, mother, I felt I had no other choice. I needed time to think. I am deeply sorry for all the pain that I have caused you."

Odin stood then and walked towards his wife and youngest son. His blue eyes were unreadable and Thor had no idea what his exact reaction was. For a moment, he feared his father would start to shout, but he quickly noticed a soft side to the King's composure.

When Odin stood before Loki – who still held onto Frigga – he did not look like a King, nor did he look like the Allfather. At that very moment, he only appeared as a father who had just found his son again. He carefully placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "Loki," he breathed, "my boy."

A smile appeared on the Odin's face and Thor could swear he saw actual tears in his one eye. Thor could not remember one occasion where he had witnessed his father cry. It was a strange and peculiar sight and clearly none had expected it.

Certainly not Loki.

The trickster tensed for a moment when Odin continued to place both his arms around him. After three seconds, Loki began to return the embrace, although it remained a caution and calculated action to him. Thor knew that Loki expected very little love from their father and this was probably the first time in years that Odin showed this sort of affection towards him.

"Can you forgive me?" Loki asked, his gaze switching between his mother and father.

Frigga nodded fervently. Tears fell on her dress. "Of course we can," she said, her voice nearly breaking at the end, "I never thought I would see you again, my love, so we are incredibly relieved to look upon your face again."

Loki turned to gaze at Odin.

"What you have done," Odin said, his voice soft, "has caused your mother and I much grief and pain, but I understand why you have done it. I forgive you, Loki, but please don't do this again. Though I must admit it has been one of your greatest tricks so far."

Was that a hint of amusement in Odin's voice?

None knew.

Loki seemed unsure of what he could or should say next and Thor felt he had to do something about that awkwardness. He quickly hurried towards his reunited family and when he arrived, he pulled his brother into a hug. He kept it short, however, since he knew Loki disliked being over-hugged.

"I am glad you're back," he told his brother.

"This calls for celebration!" Frigga hastily wiped away the rest of her tears (although it was pointless since more tears streamed down). She turned towards the servants and ordered, "Bring us more wine! And food for my son! He looks too thin."

Frigga and Odin returned to their seats, but they made sure there was enough space besides them for Loki to sit. That way, he would sit I between Frigga and Thor. It wasn't his usual place to sit, but then again, this was an unusual situation.

This was probably the only chance the two brothers had at a private conversation. They simply knew Frigga would not leave Loki be for a long time. Even Odin would try and spend as much time as possible with him. So the brothers turned towards each other, their gazes connecting.

"I suggest," Thor whispered so none could hear them, "we do not tell our parents that I knew you were alive all along."

Loki grinned, an ever so familiar gesture. "I agree."

They walked towards the table then, side by side. For the rest of the evening, they laughed and told tales of what had happened to them these past few months. They drank ale and wine and told jokes and recalled old memories of adventure.

Frigga only listened and smiled.

She would not stop smiling for a long time to come.

~ o ~

The end.

~ o ~