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“I wish you wouldn't do that, Thor. I prefer that you and Loki spent more time at home. I think it would be very nice if you two stayed home this evening with your father and me," Frigga was telling three pairs of riveted ears whose stunned owners were now giving her their undivided attention. "Don’t you think that would be such a nice idea? All of us together for a change? Just like we used to do? We could play the games that we used to play when you were children,” she said as her eyes shone with nostalgia and with a mother's doting and sometimes unrealistic love. “You used to treasure them so much! And if you don’t want to do that, we could just sit in the parlor and visit. It would be ever such a delight to hear about all of your adventures! I know how much you young people do like to have your fun times together.” She gave her sons a huge smile.
Frigga might as well have announced that she was contemplating the idea of having her pet dragon brought up from his murky lair under the dungeons and installed in one of the boys' bedrooms-- she just hadn't decided which one yet and was wanting their help deciding which one would be getting a new roomie.
Odin cast his eyes down at his supper plate, and his silent sigh of emasculated sympathy for his sons' situation was understood even if it didn't dare be heard. The sons also understood that Odin's sorrow was for them and not for the departed soul of the musk ox who had been deprived of living any longer so that a healthy portion of its upper rump could now lie on Odin's dinner plate awaiting his consumption. And it was true. Odin had more on his mind than his serving of musk oxen meat.
Loki paused with a spoonful of steaming yellow squash soup halfway up to his mouth. Playing children games? Spending an evening visiting with Odin and Frigga? And Thor?! He and Thor? Together?! Really?! He might be able to do that, but could Thor?
His eyes flicked up so quickly at Thor standing nearby and away equally so fast that even an alert observer would have been hard-pressed to have seen Loki checking Thor’s reaction to their mother’s proposal. Loki was pretty certain what Thor’s reaction AND answer would be-- if he dared to be honest with either, that is. Frigga was a formidable presence in any setting, but in her own home she could be daunting-- especially if people were not doing as she wished.
But still, an evening alone... just the four of them... playing children's games... and visiting? With each other?! The idea was daunting-- and she hadn't even raised her voice or produced a sword yet. For she was a force to be reckoned with if she raised her sword. And if she raised her voice-- Well, more than just the disrespectful person's backside was in danger of being blistered. His ears might be ringing for days from her stinging tirade.
But still, these were gods of ancient mythology she was dealing with. And men. Men who didn't like to be told that there was going to be a new way of doing things in the lair. Something like that could dry up polite social intercourse in an instant and put a definite counterproductive spin on it that could affect adversely the remainder of the evening.
Well, to say that Frigga’s suggestion stilted the conversation around the family table would be putting it mildly. To be truthful, it did more than that. The fact was that everything that had been going on previously (eating, drinking, farting in casual contentment) came to a grinding halt, and for good reason. What she was proposing would all be a step backward in the family dynamic. For starters, Thor and Loki were far from being children any longer and hadn't been for quite a while now.
An evening with the folks hadn’t been a requirement for the young princes since Loki, the younger sibling, had started sprouting hair down where the sun doesn’t ordinarily shine on his royal personage anymore. The advancement of sexual maturity in the young princes had announced that they were considered to be men from then on and therefore entitled to all sorts of perks and privileges-- one of which was that they would be able to come and go as they chose to do. Anything less would be viewed as a lessening of their station and their manhood.
And now, here they were, being asked to spend time with “the old folks at home,” as it were. And not only spending time with them but interrelating with them as well! As if the generations had anything in common anymore! Which, of course, they didn’t. Well, according to the younger generation, that is, and Odin probably wasn't too thrilled with the idea either. Thor and Loki would be bored beyond endurance if they complied with Frigga’s request.
But it had to be remembered that it was Frigga making the request, so her proposal could not be taken lightly or (shudder) ignored. The consequences would be worse than facing unarmed a league of Frost Giants seeking revenge AND a pissed-off Surtur brought back to life all in one day!
Odin looked away in shame as if he wanted no part of the way that events were unfolding for his sons. He knew of Frigga's power and of her willingness to use it, even if it was against what other people wanted. But he seemed to be powerless to issue any edicts to the contrary when an iron-willed woman had made up her mind.
As if all of that was bad enough, Frigga’s suggestion had stopped almost in mid-sentence the monologue that Thor had been spouting about the wild boar hunt that had consumed his afternoon and of the tempting hog roast that was ahead of him and his friends that evening.
“But I thought that you would be dining with us,” Frigga had said to the flushed-face Thor who had been in too much of a hurry to sit down a few moments before. In fact, he had simply rushed in to inform his parents of his whereabouts and that he would be late, very late, when he returned back to the castle. And to forget about breakfast for him because he would be so full of wild boar meat.
But he never got that far. Because Frigga had chosen that moment to speak up.
“I was so in hopes that all of us could enjoy an evening together,” she continued in that soft, breathless voice that women can assume when they want to appear that they are daring to reveal a treasured dream and not really knowing if they should. And deep down, the men in her family knew that there was nothing timid or awkward about Frigga or her actions. If she wanted them to stay, they would stay. And that would be the end of that discussion or decision making.
Loki returned his spoon to the bowl without eating his soup in it, glanced over at Frigga, and knew that he would have to call forth every ouch of diplomacy at his command to get them all out of this situation gracefully. “That does sound like ever such a delightful way to spend the evening, Mother, but I really do need to be finishing that treatise to the Galileo scholar in Transylvania. My answer is long overdue the way it is, and that is ever such an oversight on my part. The young gentleman is such a delight to correspond with, but he is in dire need of being straightened out about some of the theories he harbors about the Florentine master whom we both love so much. Galileo was such an intriguing philosopher, extensive astronomer, and innovative mathematician that it would take a lifetime to study all of his works. That is why I feel that I am so negligent in my endeavors. You do understand my concern over my tardiness,” he said smoothly.
“Of course. And that does sound like an interesting endeavor, dear. Maybe you could tell us more about that in the parlor,” Frigga suggested.
That proposal threw Loki off for a moment, but he came back admirably. “I would be most willing to share my ideas in that area, but my thoughts are not completely formulated yet. And while verbal intercourse with all of you would be relaxing and yet exhilarating, I really believe that I need to apply myself this evening to something that is more stimulating simply in my mind. And if I am being so occupied, that would give Thor an opportunity to attend his wild boar roast with his friends. We could save our special evening for another time then.”
There! That should have gotten both of them out of a boring evening and likewise out of each other's company, although Loki would have secretly enjoyed that. It had been entirely Thor's doing that had driven a wedge in the close relationship which had been theirs as children.
“But it would be so sad thinking of you all alone in your room while the other young people are all together having a good time,” Frigga said with a sorrowing face.
“It is all right, Mother. I am used to doing that.” He could see Thor rolling his eyes at Loki's martyrdom, but Loki secretly preened. Younger siblings had some advantages, and Loki was not beneath using whatever of them that he could.
“I feel so sorry for you, my son,” Frigga sympathized with Loki. “Perhaps you could go with Thor sometime,” she said with sudden inspiration. “Wouldn't that be wonderful?!" she asked almost breathlessly with the enormity of what she was suggesting. "Just think of it! Then you could be having a good time with other young people, and Thor would be there to protect you.”
Wouldn’t Thor love that suggestion, Loki thought. The Odinson Brothers back together again! And loving it!
Not!
Out of the corner of his eye, Loki caught Thor glaring at him.
Definitely not! Loki had seen lightning crackling in Thor's beautiful blue eyes just now.
“Our paths diverged a long time ago, Mother," Loki explained. "We each have developed different interests."
"But you still could manage to spend some time together. For old time's sake, if for nothing else."
Loki felt that stab directly in the heart. He really did miss Thor's companionship and being special to him as he once had been. But that just couldn't be anymore, so he decided to stay resolute with his own resolve and to protect himself as much as he was able. "I really should be spending my time in quiet contemplation, Mother,” he informed her firmly. Sometimes a person just had to stand up for himself and forget about everyone else.
“Pity,” Frigga agreed in sympathy. “Well, another time, perhaps. Perhaps this evening can still be salvaged for the rest of us, though. In fact, I believe that it could be a rare opportunity for us. Thor could stay and visit with us. That would be so jolly, wouldn't it, son?” she asked with rising enthusiasm as if this idea was better than her original one of the four of them spending the evening together.
Thor blinked as if he was coming out of a trance. Now, he could partake in an interesting conversation as well as the next person, but not when there were the prospects for an evening of general debauchery ahead for him. “What?!” he bellowed.
“There are so many matters about your life now that I would love to hear more about,” Frigga explained. “I would want to hear as many details as possible, of course. The adventures of the warrior have always intrigued me so much. I could just listen to you for hours!”
Thor paled. Hours?! There went the evening and whatever romantic entanglements that were certain to have come his way after the feasting! But last-minute discretion cautioned him not to mention possible bedroom activities to his mother. But there was plenty of other reasons to protest, and he did. Vehemently.
“But the wild boar feasting! I am supposed to be there! My friends are expecting me!” Thor blurted.
“Just the wild boar feasting, my dear?" Frigga asked gently. "How about all of the mead drinking that will be going on until all hours? Or the lively sporting with the young serving wenches and with whatever other accommodating females you can attract by trickery and enticements into your general debaucheries? Oh, yes, I do know of such happenings when men are out celebrating a successful hunt. And don't be forgetting all of the fighting and cussing and jesting among yourselves that is bound to be going on also. Oh, I know all about those wild boar feasts. Consuming roasted meat of animals that you have recently slaughtered in a mighty contest of skills is just the start of it. No, Thor, there will be other opportunities for you to attend those events. Perhaps you can skip this one for once. Your friends can manage without you."
"B-but!" Thor sputtered in unless protest.
Frigga continued with her powerful argument. "Look at Loki applying himself to worthwhile study. Let him be an inspiration for you to try to better yourself in that area. And what a lovely way to start. Your father and I will appreciate having your company all to ourselves this evening. The three of us can have such a merry evening together all by ourselves!"
Thor looked wild as he felt the steel trap spring tightly shut around him. "W-what?!"
"Oh, it can be so perfect!" she said as she clapped her hands together in delight. "And we all can have sweet Loki to thank for this joyous opportunity!"
Ever the one to take advantage of an opportunity when it presented itself, Loki managed to look angelic and a candidate for sainthood all in one glowing moment. It was as if a celestial light had been focused on him, and he graciously allowed his well-deserved glory to wash over him. It was not often that he was found in favor over Thor, and he soaked up all the praise that was now offered to him.
Of course, Thor might have gotten angry at Loki for being so pious. There is nothing as aggravating as a good example that can be thrown up to taunt someone. But that really wasn't what was concerning Thor at the moment. A quiet evening with the folks was. He wouldn't mind that so much, but a party was waiting for him, a party that he really wanted to attend. So Thor took it a step further when he came up with a brilliant plan of his own. And it was practically foolproof!
“Loki really needs to get out more!" Thor decided with shining eyes. "Studying so much is not good for anyone! I know! He can come with me to the wild boar feasting! You had such a wonderful idea, Mother, of Loki getting out more with people and away from books! And now I am quite in favor of it, too!” Thor declared.
“What?” Frigga asked in surprise, and Loki’s shocked face was asking the same thing. The celestial light shining around him clicked off abruptly. Anybody who was a candidate for sainthood should not be invited to a wild boar feasting and general debauchery afterwards.
“Sure!” Thor continued with a huge grin and shining eyes. “Loki needs to get out more! Mix a little with people his own age! Run with the big dogs, as it were!”
“Well, I don’t know,” Frigga said hesitantly. “Loki, would you like to do that?”
Meanwhile Loki was having a problem answering Frigga's query, because he felt so numb inside. Ordinarily, he was quick on his feet and his tongue was generally glib, but this astounding amount of rapidly changing plans and an even faster onslaught of emotions about those plans were overwhelming him. First, he had been nearly granted sainthood for being a reclusive student. And now, to be willingly included with Thor on one of his wild evenings of debauchery? Like they used to do before Thor had decided that he needed other companions in his life? What was this amazing turn of events?!
Surely, he had died and gone to Valhalla without being aware of it!
Would he like to go with Thor, the older brother he secretly adored? To a party with other people whom he longed to be around again?
Hell, yes, he would!
But he knew he couldn’t seem too eager, or Thor might still turn him aside. It had happened too many times in the past.
“I do not know,” Loki answered cautiously. “There are my studies….”
“Loki! No!” Thor thundered. “Not your studies! Not this time! Come! Now!” he ordered as he hurried toward the door before Frigga or Loki might find further arguments to change Thor’s plans. "I will have your horse called for!"
"I really need to excuse myself properly," Loki explained.
"Then make your apologies and be quick about it!" And he tore open the door and disappeared.
Loki lay aside his linen napkin, pushed back his chair, and rose to his feet. He had an almost apologetic look on his face as he looked at his parents. But a slight hint of happiness and even of hope were also there. “You must excuse me as I find that my plans for the evening have been altered.” He stepped over, took Frigga’s hand, and kissed the back of it. Then he hurried after Thor to do his bidding.
Loki did not want to tarry a moment longer from where he really wanted to be. Galileo could wait! The correspondent in Transylvania could bide his time a while longer! Loki had been invited by Thor to go somewhere with him, even if Thor had been using him to escape a boring evening for himself. But Loki didn’t care how this good fortune had come to him. He was just going to take advantage of it! And consequences be damned! He was more than ready for some great debauchery to be a part of his hermit life again!
After the dining room door shut on Loki, the room instantly quieted. It always did that when the boiling presence of young people left it.
Frigga looked at Loki's soup dish. “I will have the squash soup saved for him to be reheated by cook later. It is a favorite of his, and it would be a pity to waste it. The squash has been uncommonly good this autumn. I am happy that I tried this variety of winter squash this season. I will have to remember its name and have it planted again next year.”
“Too bad you are not as respectful of our son as you are of his liking for squash soup or of the squash itself,” Odin grumbled. "And the treatment of your other son! Your behavior was appalling!"
“Oh, stop complaining, you old fart. You had a problem, and I solved it.”
“But you fooled them! And it was so deceitful, so manipulative, so, so--”
“Clever?" she asked with a knowing look. "Thank you, my dear. Now, eat your own squash soup before it gets cold. You know there are a lot of vitamins in it that are healthy for you, and the roughage it will provide will be very beneficial to you.”
“But the boys never realized what actually happened. They think they did it to help each other.”
“Which is what they need to be thinking and doing. You with your contests of strength and might! They are a natural way to drive a wedge between our boys by making them think of themselves as individuals who are always in competition with each other. I just helped them to pull together for both of their common good. Both approaches are needed for a well-rounded person and for a close relationship between them.”
“I’m not exactly proud of myself for my part in the matter. I just sat there and watched it happen.”
“I told you that I could get them back together.” At another time, it might have sounded like bragging. But Frigga had something else that drove her, and she stated that incentive now. “I am a mother. I want my boys happy. And amiable.”
Odin finally gave her the warm smile of approval that she deserved. “And they will be happy with each other, as much as they are able. And they have you, their blessed mother, to thank for that.”
Frigga beamed. It was all the praise that she or any mother needed. Never mind that she had used trickery to achieve her goals.
Sometimes it was necessary to do that. Especially if the outcome was as wonderful as this one had been.