Gardenias (L. Laufeyson)

Chapter 9

It's okay, it's okay. Maeve kept repeating those words to herself as she paced in her suite, wringing her hands together over and over. She had been so excited about her ceremony until that morning, where any enthusiasm had dissolved into sheer terror. 

Someone knocked on the door, so she scurried over to open it. Loki stood in the hallway, bearing a single white gardenia.

"Happy birthday," he said, an innocent smile on his face. Maeve noticed how handsome he looked in formal armor and ducked her head as the thought formed.

"Thank you so much! It's beautiful," she said, taking the flower. "Here, come on in. I'm just about ready." He followed her back into the room and got a good look at the princess for the first time.

Her sleeveless dress was the color of sky, making her eyes seem bluer than ever. It fitted slimly around her curves in a mermaid cut and trailed out behind her. She had braided her long hair to the side and opted for a flower crown rather than a traditional one.

"You're awfully quiet," she remarked.

"You're awfully gorgeous." She blushed at his compliment and crossed to the mirror to smooth out her already-smooth hair. "Are you okay? You already look perfect, Maeve."

"Honestly? Loki, I'm terrified," Maeve admitted, plopping down on the couch as carefully as she could in the dress. He sat next to her. "What if I do something wrong?"

"First of all, there aren't many places you can even make errors for this," he said, putting an arm around her shoulder, ignoring the realization that he was touching her bare skin and the electricity it brought. "Trust me, this isn't hard. You stand there, say yes a few times, kneel, stand, listen, and everyone cheers for you. That's about it. Takes about ten minutes. And then you go to the ball after and wish you were anywhere else."

Her lips curved up into a smile. "Is that what you did?"

"Well, yes." He winked at her. "That was many years ago. I've never been a party person. I was a bit embarrassed to be officially known as the god of mischief and lies, but I think it's grown on me."

"I think the mischief part suits you." Maeve glanced at the clock, dread returning. "We'd better get going. I shouldn't be late to my own ceremony."

"Are you excited to see your brothers and your father?" Loki asked, taking her hand casually as they walked. It seemed natural now, but two months ago, it would have been unthinkable for either of them. He looked at her now with a fondness he showed to very few.

"More than anything! It's great here with you, but I've missed them way too much. Letters aren't enough, it's been months!" She smiled brightly at the thought of her visiting family. "I can't wait."

"Well, you don't have to wait much longer," the prince said, pointing to the doors of the throne room. She pushed open the door eagerly and was immediately bombarded by hugs.

"Hey! Hi guys, hey!" She exclaimed, trying to hug all of them as she laughed. "Scoot, you'll mess up my hair!"

"Hey, back it up!" Corey said, embracing his little sister. Asmund followed, looking tired as usual but thrilled to see her. "Give her some space, guys."

"Happy birthday!" Vali said. The rest chimed in, all repeating happy birthday over and over, but she didn't care. They could have repeated it forever and she wouldn't have cared. 

"I missed you all so much!" She said. Tears welled up in her eyes just looking at them all. 

"Believe me, the feeling's mutual." Asmund grinned. "You do clean up nice, shortie."

"And you all look perfectly presentable," she joked. "Are you ready? We have a pretty big ball planned for after this. Roscoe, there'll be girls."

"No need!" Endre piped up. "Roscoe already has one!"

Maeve gasped dramatically as Roscoe tried to duck behind Hemming. "You met a girl?" 

"Maeve!" Frey called as he entered the hall. 

Maeve shot Roscoe a look. "I've got to go, but I better hear about this later." She walked over to greet her father, who was decked out in blue and gold.

"It's wonderful to see you, darling. You look fantastic."

"Thank you, Papa," she said, glowing from the compliment. It wasn't often he gave them out. She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you." 

"As did we. We need you up front, the ceremony will start soon." Maeve felt slightly brushed aside, but nodded and took her place. The room had been set up differently for this occasion. Instead of the usual four thrones for the royal family, golden chairs had been set up for each of the gods and goddesses. Maeve saw Loki talking with Thor. When she caught his eye, she waved a little, and he grinned, getting momentarily distracted from his conversation. 

Soon enough, the hall was full with the royal court and subjects. Everyone took their places, and Frey stood to begin the ceremony. 

"Today, we are gathered to welcome Maeve Freydottir of Vanaheim as an official goddess. Today, she celebrates her one-thousandth birthday, symbolizing her maturity and ability to accept this. Today, her title will be given, along with the responsibility that comes with such a privilege. But before we bring in the new, it is customary to welcome the old."

Odin began to introduce all of the current gods and goddesses. Each stood to thunderous applause at their names. "Frigga, goddess of beauty and love. Thor, god of thunder. Loki, god of mischief and lies. Heimdall, god of the future. Frey, god of the sun and prosperity. Asmund, god of patience and wisdom. Corey, god of war. Endre, god of the arts. Vali, god of the harvest. Hemming, god of negotiation. And Roscoe, god of the sky."

Maeve stood straight and still as the applause died down. Loki gave her an encouraging smile from his place at the end beside Thor. 

"And now, we recognize Maeve Freydottir," Odin said. "I will ask her to come forward now." Maeve presented herself to the king and knelt before him. "Maeve, do you accept the responsibilities you will have as a Vanir goddess?"

"I do," she said clearly. 

"Will you protect the nine realms to the best of your ability?"

"I will."

"And will you respect those who have come before you, accepting their wisdom and guidance as you navigate this new world?"

"I will."

Odin smiled down at her. "Then rise." He offered her a hand, and she slowly turned to face the masses of people. "There have been many discussions debating your title, but we have found the perfect one to bestow on you. For the very first time, may I present to you all: Maeve, the goddess of joy."

Maeve's face broke into a smile amidst the cheers and applause. 

Here's the dress I based it off of ;)