#ivading

Maebh was overall okay with what was expected of her as both Loki’s bride and wife. The ceremony was simple enough to remember and she knew what to say and when, but there was one slight issue as far as she was concerned, the wedding night. The talk with Loki did not fully calm her nerves, but she was less inclined to discuss it with Frigga, as she was his mother, so that only left her with Sif. She knew the woman would not be the least bit phased by any questions she had, after all, the day they arrived at their home unexpected, she could not help but notice that Sif was not the least bit bothered about her husband’s naked display to her and his brother. So she waited until after Sif had told her all about Ragnarok and the great beasts that would fight against the gods to ask her. It seemed somewhat apt in the Midgardian’s opinion.

“Sif.” The raven-haired woman looked at the younger. “May I ask you something?”

“You just have, but of course.” She seemed able to tell from Maebh’s face what it was in reference to, she smiled knowingly.

“About the wedding night…” Maebh looked at her hands in her lap as she spoke. “Is it true it has to be…?”

“Witnessed?” Sif completed the question for her, Maebh nodded. “Yes, but only by Heimdall and the queen, and besides, you’ll be too busy to notice.” Maebh blushed profusely at the thought of the queen having to endure watching her son’s in bed with their wives for the first times. Sif laughed “Are all Midgardian’s so prude?”

“It is the fault of the Midgardian faith. It is seen as a dirty and depraved act only good for breeding children, nothing more.” Maebh explained.

“It is a lot of fun, and with a good man, very pleasurable. Children are just an added blessing.” Sif smiled; seemingly unaware she was rubbing her stomach as she spoke. Maebh eyed her suspiciously, but Sif merely smiled wider and shrugged, Maebh continued her studious stare until Sif pointed at her, still smiling, “You know nothing.” Maebh simply bit her lips together and pretended to lock the shut. “I have yet to tell Thor, he is very concerned with regards the planning of the raids, and Odin is seemingly ill again. The last thing he need worry about is me and childbearing.”

“The raids are yet three full moons away, and I thought Odin merely fell asleep for some period of time when ill.”

“He does, but each time he sleeps longer and returns weaker. I fear some day soon, he may not reawaken, as do Thor, Loki and Frigga.” Maebh nodded in understanding. “And as for the raids, I do not want to distract him with such minor issues; the child will still be within me when you all return.”

“But you will surely show before he leaves?”

“I will deal with that as it arises.”

“I am sorry for being the reason behind the more risk filled raid. I often think I should have said nothing.”

“Do not apologise, we would not be planning for your marriage had you remained silent, and were I you, I would seek to put that bastard uncle of yours in Hel also. Besides, think of it this way, if your claims that Midgard is as rich a land as you say it is, Odin will reward both you and Loki handsomely, and Loki will finally earn some overdue credit from his father.” Maebh looked to Sif. “You think the rest of us do not see the way Odin mistreats Loki in favour of Thor. If Loki were a darker man, I have no doubt he would turn as your uncle did; thankfully, he does not blame Thor for his father’s actions. But no more of that.” Sif walked over to a chair and sat. “With regards to your wedding night; it will be dark, so you will not see them, and after it is done, the sheets are collected to prove your claim of maidenhood. Don’t look at me like that; it is how it is done here.”

“Does it hurt?”

“The act itself or the piercing of your maidenhood?” Sif did not wait for an answer. “Well Thor, as you saw, is not a small man in any aspect, so it was a small bit uncomfortable at first, but both he and Loki are good men, and it would never cross their minds to hurt a woman, let alone the ones they care for. I was never close with Aslaug, and we certainly did not talk of our marriages, but my understanding is that Loki is a lot like Thor in that aspect.” Maebh thought back to the day she walked in on Loki on his bed and her eyes widened at the memory of his size. Sif noticed the odd look on her face. “Have you two already…?” Maebh’s expression answered for her. “But you have seen him naked?” Maebh explained what had happened that afternoon when she had walked into the room, Sif merely laughed. “Poor Loki, only he would be found in such a predicament.”

XXXXXXXX

When Maebh pulled on the reins as she entered Loki’s homestead, she sighed in exhaustion. She was sure she was getting less than a handful of hour’s sleep a night, but she had too many chores that required her attention when she finally seemed to arrive back, and she knew she had another long day the following day. She dismounted and brought the horse to the stable, the stablehands would have heard the horse’s approach and one of them would be in shortly from their small dwelling to deal with the animal. She went to turn around but was shocked to feel a hand on her waist, as she had heard no one’s approach. Instinctively, she grabbed the offending limb, twisted it around, pulled out a small dagger she had hidden tied to her thigh, and placed it to her attacker’s throat. She produced a deadly glare for a moment before realising she was looking at a pair of highly startled green eyes. “Loki!” she let go of his arm and pulled the blade back. “I am so sorry.”

Loki rubbed his sore wrist, “You are quite alright. I am happy to see at least one of my wives is not willing to let every man in Asgard lay hand on her.” He smiled. “My love, you look exhausted, has my mother been pushing you too hard?”

“There is a lot more involved in weddings than I had previously given thought to. And even after a year living here, I clearly know little or nothing of Asgard.” Loki opened his arms to her, offering her his embrace, which she took willingly.

“Such as what, if I may be so bold to ask?”

“Well, today I spent mostly with Sif, who informed me of all there is to know of Ragnarok.”

“I did not think you would be as interested in such things as to know a vast deal about them, if I thought you so intrigued, I could have thought you myself.” Loki seemed somewhat hurt.

“I never thought to ask really and I need to know most of these things for the ceremony apparently.” Loki turned her around so that his chest was to her back, but he refused to release her from his grip, where she happily remained. “Though I had never really noticed your supposed belief’s on the gods, much to my own shame.”

“I have never really done it in front of you to be fair. I usually pray in my room or when I got for a walk.” He admitted. “But I suppose you’ll notice it more soon.”

“I was also told that your mother and Heimdall will be joining us on our wedding night.” She groaned.

“Only for a while, when they are satisfied we have consummated the marriage, they will retire for the evening themselves and we will have all the privacy in the realm.” Loki brushed his lips over her shoulder before kissing it gently. Maebh opened her mouth to protest further, but the sound of footfalls signalled the arrival of the stablehand. “Come; let us go inside, you look like you need a rest.”

“What rest? I have to prepare for tomorrow.” Maebh retorted as she walked to the house. Though Loki and Nafi had been keeping the place tidy during the days while Maebh was absent, there was still plenty that the woman needed to attend to. “What has Nafi been saying in about my daily disappearance?”

“Just that he misses you, though I am positive he knows something is a foot, though I have not told him. And I must commend you for all you do around here, between occupying him and the housework, you really are kept busy.”

“And yet we women are the weaker sex.” You smiled.

“Indeed it is a terrible generalisation, but you, in particular, are a more formidable being than the vast majority of Asgard’s men.” Loki took Maebh’s hand and walked her to the largest and most comfortable chair in the room; he sat in it and pulled her onto his lap.

“I have too much to do; I fear if I sit down now, I may fall asleep.”

“Well, that is sort of my plan,” Loki admitted. “You need to get some rest.” He interlocked his fingers as he tightened his grip comfortably around her, signifying he would protest her if she were to attempt to get up.

“Loki, I have to.” Maebh knew she was losing her battle as she leant her head further into Loki’s shoulder.