Hey!
Well guys, I decided to divide my Freya-Elijah one-shot in two chapters because it was too long to be considered a normal one. I recommend you to read this vocabulary before starting:
- Loki: god of tricks and lies in the Norse mythology. We may consider him as the equivalent of the Devil.
- For Odin: Odin is the main god in the Nordic Mythology. I used the expression as we use "For God's sake!"
- Norns: they are goddesses that rule the destiny. They spend most of their time spinning the threads of life, deciding the fate of every human, animal and every god. When they cut the thread, the person that owns the loom dies.
Chapter 1
Norway, the Mikaelson's childhood
Freya watched her target, from behind the thick trunk in which she was hiding. He was kneeling on the grass, picking berries and wild fruit from some bushes. She guessed Esther had commanded him the task as, in her childhood, had ordered to her and Finn. The only difference was they were so unruly and restless that pretended to not hear and so, keep making mischief. She was aware Elijah was distinct.
On the rare occasions that Dahlia travelled far, in search of ingredients for spells and potions, Freya always escaped and went to see her loved ones. Well, rather, she simply moved like a shadow and soaked up memories to which later she would cling for overcoming the days in her own personal hell. Elijah was part of many of them, in spite of never meeting. The boy had won, somehow, a piece of her heart. It could be it was because she had a weak spot for sad and lonely individuals like her, as well as for those absolutely dedicated to the family. Elijah wasn't only both of them, but after a few of those visits, she had established he was also responsible, disciplined and unselfish ... until the end. Truth be told, she wouldn't be shocked if he actually had volunteered to help his mother.
Freya would have given anything, anything, to listen to Esther scolding her once more, to sing a lullaby to Finn on stormy nights and, although she felt too old for that, to allow her father to lift her and make her sail the air, simulating the seagull's flying. She would even sell her soul to Loki to get to know Elijah.
She breathed profoundly. Most of her wishes were genuine impossible cases, and the latter was very close to be unreachable, too. However, she could feel the warmth of a possible victory slipping through her fingers. It would be a small one, yes, but considering that these last years had been full of failures, as much in trying to get compassion of her aunt as her love, Freya urged a success to survive.
From her perspective, this could probably be the perfect opportunity to get close to him, because circumstances were in her favour: the nearest civilization was a few miles away and there weren't another Mikaelson around. No one would hear them nor interrupt them. If she wanted to act, this was the right time. But, would she really dare to go and talk to him? Do it would be equivalent to treason, and Dahlia doesn't forgive treachery; she punishes it, with death. And Freya wasn't going to deceive herself, her aunt, disgusted, terrified her as much as in her own version of satisfied.
Freya sighed in defeat, realizing the decision was made before she was even conscious that there was a decision to make.
She approached silently until placed just behind him and glimpsed him working for some seconds, looking the thin muscles of his back moving through the fabric. Elijah was methodical and meticulous: he cut, cleaned and put the fruits in the basket. Then, he repeated the action, without doubts or mistakes. The girl couldn't spot his expression from that angle, but considering he hadn't yet noticed anything, Elijah had to be very focused on the job. Steeling herself, she touched his shoulder a few times with her index to warn him of her presence.
Elijah turned away suddenly, frightened. Freya noticed that from this close, he was lovelier: his eyes, already dark and intense, seemed deeper and expressive, but still maintaining the kindness and innocence; and his brown hair, was even more rebellious and dishevelled. So much as to want to put her fingers through it and comb it, as she used to do with Finn years ago. If to all of that you add his strong jaw and cleft chin, Freya was sure Elijah would be a very attractive man when he grew up.
However, there was something that shattered his appearance. His body was covered in bruises and cuts, more or less recent; especially the cheeks, arms, the collarbone and chest. At least, those were visible through the low-cut sleeveless shirt he wore. Freya didn't understand of where all those injuries came: either he was the dullest kid of the world or were inflicted. She didn't know which option seemed more troubling to her.
Elijah was surprised. Where did this girl come from? He was stuck in a clearing in the forest! It wasn't like he could find someone by chance.
She was a female, older than him, of course, but still not enough to be considered a woman. The first thing he paid attention to was her blue eyes. How couldn't he notice them? They were totally fixed on him, observing carefully. They were of such a crystalline colour, that reminded him of the water that ran through the stream that surrounded his village and Elijah was sure they would be able to freeze him as well as the water did in winter. He also believed they were too big for factions still so childlike.
Her face, with white and immaculate skin, had heart shape and was framed, as a halo of light, by a very blond and curly hair. She seemed a little elf and, keeping in mind she had appeared from nowhere in the woods... Shaking his head slightly, he deleted the temptation of discovering her ears and finding out if she really had them pointed.
The girl was dressed in a dirty and tattered rag, too wide to be valued as feminine garments. It was disconcerting. Didn't she have a mother who could weave a beautiful dress for her? Or teach her to do it, at least? That's what they did the ones in his town. Even his own initiated him into the art of sewing when the boy wanted to spare her the amount of work that would be plugging all the holes in the knees of his pants. Elijah raised his look when he realized she was moving over her feet, embarrassed by her clothes. Her poor gown wasn't a big deal for the child, but the last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable.
The more he gazed at her, the most powerful he felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach. Elijah didn't recall have ever seen this young, and still had the feeling she was known, that there was something about her he had seen in someone before. Maybe they were those almost snowy curls that were falling gracefully above her clavicle? Or perhaps that strong nose? Would be the large and clear eyes with slightly drooping corners?
- "Forgive my boldness" – Elijah apologized – "but you seem familiar...somehow. Have we m ...?"
- "Don't think so" - Freya quickly cut – "I'm new in town."
- "Really?" - The disappointment in his voice was evident – "What a pity, I swear I ..." - began, though he preferred to let it go -. "Never mind" - paused and offered his hand – "Welcome, my name is Elijah Mikaelson" - He introduced himself with gentleness.
- "Nice to meet you" - Freya claimed smiling while she shook it. Her smile widened even more when she realized that he was waiting for her presentation.
- "Well, Elijah Mikaelson" - His name sounded much better out loud than in her mind – "Bring me up to date with what's interesting: what do youth do here to have fun?"
The boy wrinkled his nose, confused by the evasive. Still, he didn't press. Few things he hated as much as feeling obligated, regardless of what it was that he was forced to do: to open up, fight, repress and put a good face ... It didn't matter. Elijah was a firm believer you should always have a choice. That's why he tried his best to not to do what he wouldn't want others to do to him ... not that he often got it.
- "To have fun?"
- "Yeah, you know, playing, dancing…all this" - frowned upon seeing the boy wasn't following -. "Come on, don't say you don't know what it is" - joked, trying to calm him down, unconscious that Elijah had no sense of humour -. "Tell me, do you guys still enjoy scaling?" - Elijah blinked, disoriented -. "Before, I loved to climb trees and stare the view from above. I felt free and tiny in immensity" – Freya confessed exhaling in melancholy. How much she missed all those simple and yet, so important times, when she and Finn were the little Hugin and Mugin of Esther! -. "How about you?" - She hit him a mild nudge –. "How do you have a good time?" – The girl was clever. If she wanted Elijah to open up, she had to go slowly and make the most harmless possible questions. Letting him choose the pace of the path would be the wiser option.
- "Oh, you see...I couldn't tell because, actually, I have no idea" - Elijah looked dazed, as if he wasn't used to the term "fun" -. "Although, I have seen that village children like to create adventures with the wooden boats that their parents carve to them."
- "You have no idea? How are you not going to know?" - She didn't dare to ask why he spoke about toys so distantly, even with longing. Didn't he have a few, too?
- "I don't play" - He recognized shrugging, attempting to downplay.
- "Why wouldn't you play?"
- "Mainly, I don't have anyone to play with. Besides, I usually use my free time for fishing and hunting more pieces for the neighbours who don't get enough to eat, and sometimes, to sell them in the local market" – He added, thoughtfully. Freya secretly rolled her eyes. Elijah was so noble that was even unreal.
- "What's wrong? Don't you have any friends?" - The boy denied, a shameful blush spreading his cheekbones.-. "Siblings, perhaps? "
- "Yes" – confirmed, not very excited -. "One. Finn."
- "What's the problem, then?" - Freya had to repress with all her strength the amount of questions she had about Finn, but couldn't avoid the wave of tenderness that filled her when she heard his name.
- "Not even in my wildest dreams Finn is going to play with me" - Elijah let out a bitterly guffaw. Too bitter for someone as young -. "He hates me."
- "Don't be silly, how he is going to hate you?" - Freya replied incredulously. Her sweet and endearing Finn, hating? -. "Family is above all. Always and forever" - She reiterated.
- "That's exactly what my mother guarantees us" - commented the child examining her with some wary – "but he ... I don't know" - He shook his head with defeat – "For how he behaves ... sometimes I believe he'd prefer that I wouldn't had born."
- "Don't say that!" - She scolded him -. "Finn could never wish such evil!" - Elijah's eyes narrowed suspiciously -. "I mean, he's your family. It's supposed they have to love you unconditionally" - protested-. "Have you done something to him?"
- "I haven't done anything. I just am not her" - He murmured-. "I will never be her."
- "Her? Who do you refer?" - She started to not to like where the conversation was going.
- "Freya, my other sister."
- "Your other sister ...?" - She repeated slowly, trying to not sounding particularly interested -. "I thought you said you only had a sibling."
- "And I only have one" - responded Elijah-. "A pest took her away a few months before I was born."
- "For Odin! Elijah, I'm so sorry" - Freya doubted about how to act. Did she have to offer condolences for her own fake death? She squeezed his wrist, in an attempt of comforting touch. It was what she assumed anyone would have done in her place. He, puzzled, remained engrossed peering her hand until she withdrew.
- "It's quite alright, as I have already told you; I didn't get to know her."
- "But, if you didn't know her, what's the matter with your brother?"
- "When she lived, things were much better" - explained-. "All were happy, even father" - He raised his eyebrows, showing amazement-. "They got very sad when she ...left. Especially he" – Then, Elijah began to wander, more like he was speaking to himself than to her-. "Mother assures father was attentive and affectionate before. Sincerely, I find it very difficult to imagine now that he has gone into this dark world of wickedness and endless violence."
- "What do you mean with "a dark world of wickedness and endless violence"?"
- "My father is a warrior. He dedicates basically to this: he goes to war and defeats the enemies" - He related -. "When Freya died, he ... felt like he had lost the best part of himself. In his grief, he got away from the family and started to… fill with resentment and hostility. He became obsessed ... he is obsessed with fighting" -corrected himself -. "It's how he channels all this...rage. And his anger ... has no end. Therein lies part of the problem: he always needs a target and, well, wars don't last forever" - His eyes begged her to get it once and for all and stop insisting. But Freya wouldn't give up. She was beginning to sense what was really happening.
- "And ..."
- "Mother and Finn were devastated by the loss, too. I guess the pain of the impotence of watching her dying and couldn't do anything to help her, united them. Since then, my brother took very seriously the job of taking care of her; he never leaves her side" - The girl made a motion with her hands, urging him to go to the nub of the issue – "My mother is the person my father most seems to avoid. I guess that's because she and Freya were very similar, physically."
- "That leaves you all alone" – She inquired.
- "Since I can remember my father has been training me to be a Viking" - Elijah slightly shivered although his composure got back quickly.
- "These wounds...Has he caused them?" - He looked away and got quiet, but Freya didn't need anything more, his silence was the clearest answer. It was also pretty obvious he didn't want to talk about it. She clenched her fists in anger. On the one hand, she liked to know her family noticed her absence, but even if she adored Mikael, at the same time she hated he paid her lack with Elijah. For Odin, he was just a kid.
- "Then, a…are you upset with her?" – Freya consulted, afraid to hear a yes.
- "Me? Upset with Freya?" – Elijah questioned, confused, as if it had ever crossed his mind -. "No, why would I?"
- "Actually, the correct question would be: Why aren't you?" – Now, she was the one that didn't understand -. "Your brother doesn't like you because you're not her and your father hits..."
- "Is not as she chose to get ill. Also, if people miss her that much can only be because my sister really was worth it" - He firmly defended her with logic -. "So, in any case, I'm envious because they were fortunate enough to know her and I wasn't."
Freya was overwhelmed by Elijah's loyalty and felt a terrible desire to cry. This was the day-to-day she should have lived alongside people like him, her parents, her beloved Finn; not with the cold witch. She dreamed of a life where they could have really known each other, where he wouldn't be alone or feel alone anymore. A life where they would have been a completed and united family. All she has ever craved.
- "I didn't want to offend you, I..."
- "Relax, you didn't" – He sighed – "It's just ... I wish she was here" - rubbed his eyelids, looking tired both physically and emotionally.
- "Elijah?" - She called hesitantly -. "I still don't understand why your brother hates you" – Freya admitted sheepishly –. "I can comprehend that before they were happier, but it's quite obvious the plague wasn't your fault. You don't control nature" -She affirmed -. "The gods do it."
- "I know, and I'm pretty sure he also does" – Elijah whispered convinced -. "Besides, I don't think he blames me of her death itself, but rather for have taken her place; like it was a kind of exchange: Freya for me" - opined -. "Don't worry about it" – The kid warned -. "He is ... confused and displeased. The lost was a very hard blow for him, considering she was all he had."
- "Even though, it would be pretty stupid to..."
- "Don't you get it?" - Elijah interrupted softly – "Getting angry with me is his way of dealing with her death" - made a small pause-. "What was he supposed to do? Direct all his anger to the Norns?" - He snorted, mocking – "Come on, it would be a complete waste of time and effort" - Elijah reasoned -. "Finn is a mere mortal, has no way to make the gods pay. Instead, I'm here" –The boy thumped his own chest-. "He can punish me."
- "It doesn't seem fair to me."
- "That's because it's not, not to me, not to himself" - declared -. "Still, if that's what my brother needs to get over it ... so be it, then. I just hope he will realize his mistake and will give me a chance before it's impossible for me to forgive him" - Elijah concluded, grimly.
The girl remained silent because was sure there were no words she could say to change Elijah's opinion. He was very stubborn, a feature that ran in the Mikaelson. In addition, she agreed with him: Finn had been nothing but nice to her, without counting the typical fraternal tantrums, of course, but Freya knew Elijah was absolutely right. There was no way her brother could have waived on her, or that was going to do it in the future. No one was more devoted and faithful than Finn. They were the qualities she most appreciated of him and yet, those same qualities were those that were ruining the relationship he could have with Elijah. And seeing that both of them valued family above all, it was a shame because they could have a magical link. However, Freya was aware she couldn't intervene in this matter. Her family never must know she was still alive or they would track the entire sky, sea and land just searching for her. Dahlia would probably interpret it as a challenge and nobody, absolutely nobody, has opposed to her aunt and survived to tell the tale. Her loved ones weren't going to die for her; she wasn't going to allow it, that's for sure.
She admired Elijah for being able of empathizing with Finn and sacrificing his wellbeing to help him. He was so ... mature, a man in the body of a child. Elijah had been forced to grow up too soon to become a son of war. She was proud to notice that cruelty hadn't destroyed his kindness yet, but definitely was on the way of getting it. Every time she saw him, he was more formal, severe, rigid ... impassive. Less human. He urgently needed someone who could shed some light into his darkness and she, though had to dig into her deeper memories as a sister, could achieve that.
- "You are very serious, are you aware of that?" - Freya pointed out, dedicating him a sly glance - "Do you smile at some moment?"
- "Smile?" – The girl changed the subject so quickly that she had him a little lost.
- "Yes, smile" - She nodded - "Look, like this" - grabbed Elijah's cheeks with care and used her thumbs to lift the corners of his mouth until the maximum. She pulled back a little to take a glance at her creation and couldn't avoid dropping her arms and laugh hard when she gazed the deformed face she had drawn.
Elijah didn't laugh with her, actually, he didn't even smiled, but she could see a hint of fun in the glow of his eyes as well as how his lips were slightly pressed, suppressing a possible smile. Freya scored a point.
Elijah was enjoying her laughter. It was musical, abundant and every second sharper than the last. It rang like the cheep of the starlings that inhabited the forest; those birds that his mother loved to hear singing. Like them, he was also urged to imitate a sound as melodious as the one the girl was doing. However, he didn't. He preferred not to destroy a beauty with something as hoarse by disuse as his laughter must have been.
Still, he felt good knowing he had managed to make someone laugh. Not that he had done anything, all the credit was hers, but it was comforting to realize that his seriousness didn't bitter the bliss of others.
He lacked this type of spontaneous gestures in its fully controlled and methodical life. They were new, refreshing and gave him an undeniable reason to treasure them in the section of nice memories. A place that, frankly, was pretty empty.
It had been a long time since Elijah hadn't remembered feeling as glad as in this moment. He wasn't just as light as a feather, but as the whole bird. Like he had lifted a weight off him. The boy supposed that was the side effect of having opened up and have been understood and not judged. It was liberating to talk to someone who was actually interested in what he had to say and really sad to realize that the only thing needed to fully lower his guard was a good listener.
Even though, his joy was a little bittersweet. He opined he had behaved selfishly, carried away so much by the enthusiasm that had allowed the conversation revolves all the time around him. Without any consideration for her feelings, for her willing of what had been rather a monologue. It was, basically, embarrassing. He never got swept up by emotions. Since forever, he had maintained the rationality and control as bases of his being. It was his technique to endure this ... existence, because there was no way to call it life.
He had no excuse, however. Have a minimal regard for others were the keys of courtesy and politeness, which Elijah deemed indispensable. To the boy, the opinion of people about him was very important because, although it didn't amuse him at all, affected his own opinion of himself. And it was required to be constant and good to not crumble, and give up avoiding to become Mikael. Because, after all, Elijah was his child. The son of the Destroyer, the monster that monsters fear. He was made and brought up to destroy, as well.
The girl was still cracking up, like the last time something fun passed, was a long time ago. Maybe it was exactly that. Elijah wasn't so egocentric as to consider there wasn't anyone who had suffered as much or even more than him. Maybe that's why she was reluctant to be honest with him; she didn't trust him.
The thought offended him. Elijah wasn't bad. Hermetic, withdrawn, taciturn...certainly, but not bad. Although, maybe he was just being paranoid. There was also the possibility that she simply was shy, or that was playing with him, if he remembered well her jovial smile.
The only thing he was sure about the dialogue was that she felt relieved that the talk had been focused on him. After years of discomfort when talking about his feelings, he would be a stupid if he didn't notice. That immediately put out his previous annoyance and replaced it by empathy. The girl could talk about herself when she would be ready. Elijah would be waiting expectantly, but patiently as well.
Meanwhile, how could he show her he appreciated this priceless gift that was a...future friendship? How could he reward someone for something so important?
- "Stay here for a second, alright?" - Elijah indicated, before she could even open her mouth – "Be right back."
It's a pity, because The Originals is very focused on Klaus and Hayley and, although I do love Klaus (wolves don't interest me at all), Elijah is, by far, my favourite and I believe he has a great potential that the writers aren't using, plus an incredible depth that is begging to be explored.
We know nothing about his childhood in Norway (Elijah had to be born in Norway because if not, then the information doesn't match), or why he hates Finn, besides the obvious part. We are also blind about his relationship with Mikael, Esther or the rest of the village. Or even, why Elijah is like this? We know Klaus is paranoid and insecure because the only person who he wanted to impress rejected him again and again. (In a very summarized way) but what about the rest? Elijah is so extreme that make me think something must have happened to him.
Since my standpoint, what happens in my story is very reasonable and it could totally fit in the show (Finn hates Elijah because he considers he's taking away Freya's place in the family, Mikael avoids Esther because she looks like Freya or reminds him of her, Finn and Esther always together so that leaves Elijah alone. Mikael becomes obsessed with war and fights and, perhaps, believes the Mikaelson needs more help to protect themselves, or another man to take care of the family, or just another target for bullying when there's no war, I don't know. He decides to apply a very hard education (like a military one) to Elijah, making him the way he is (closed, repressive, rational to the end, disciplined, rigid, formal, very protective...etc) and it wouldn't help him to have friends. Perhaps Elijah felt very alone and that's why he adores Klaus so much, because he brought some joy to his life and to his family). It could even be the reason of why Elijah kept Finn in the box, for revenge.
Obviously it's my opinion. What's yours? I would really love if they could show us more about all of this, although it is not probable.
Thank you for reading, by the way! I hope you like the chapter. I guess the next one will be post soon. As always, I do apologize for any mistake and I would really appreciate if you comment to warn me of one or just to review.
Have a nice day! :)
NovenaMusa
