Author's Note:
Ah! Thanks for the reviews. Sorry I was so needy. You guys don't have to review every chapter, I was just paranoid that there was no one there. But now I'm happy! Thanks so much!
I actually did consider Eleanor Tomlinson, but she's just too slender for Ellie. Ellie is quite curvy. I don't know. I have a vision in my head! Lena Katina would be closest right now. I'll see if I can find someone perfect.
Okay. Now on to the chapter. I wrote this on my phone, so hopefully it's still okay. I just got excited after the new reviews!
Also, I decided that I might try to combine both a flashback and modern day in each chapter. We'll see how it goes. That way those who like the flashbacks get those, and those who like the modern day get that as well. Everybody is happy! Well, hopefully. :)
Remember Me
Chapter 7: Painful Reunion
I neither die, nor live, nor get well,
I do not feel my suffering, and yet it is great suffering,
because I cannot tell the future of her love,
whether I shall have it, or when,
for in her is all the pity
which can raise me up or make me fall.
I am pleased when she maddens me
when she makes me stand with open mouth staring,
I am pleased when she laughs at me,
or makes a fool of me to my face, or my back;
for after this bad the good will come
very quickly, if such is her pleasure.
~by Cercamon (12th century)
1340's, England
It had been a week or so since the awkward encounter in the garden, and Ellie had fallen into a rather pleasant routine. She accepted their help with the planting, and it was done much more quickly than she could have ever finished it. Six days, and every row had seeds ready for the fertile soil to work its magic on.
After that, it was only her job to work the garden and take care of her animals. That, she most assuredly insisted she could handle on her own. The Mikaelsons had sent over a physician for her father, but he had confirmed what she already suspected. Old age was beginning to take its toll, and all they could do now was make sure he comfortable.
She had made sure that she wasn't alone with either Klaus or Elijah for long anymore, as she didn't want another situation like the last. She knew what noblemen thought of peasant widows, but she wasn't like that. If that's why they were being so kind to her, then they wouldn't get their money's worth...so to speak. She hadn't asked for any help, but she certainly wasn't going to turn away the extra food they delivered for her father. She had to keep him as healthy as possible.
If they grew bored with her soon, which they likely would, then she'd take what she could get now. At least, food-wise. She was a proud woman in most ways and did not accept anything beyond basic necessities. That's why, when Klaus showed up one day with a boar and a healthy looking sow, she convinced herself it was a necessity.
"Klaus? What is this?" She walked over and leaned down to scratch the sow behind the ears.
Klaus grinned. "This is Odin and Frigg. Unless, of course, those names are already taken." She chuckled and shook her head. "Good. I noticed you didn't have any swine, and I had an inkling that jewels and gowns would only earn a refusal from you, so they are a gift. I have to admit that you are the oddest woman to buy for. This is the first time I have ever given a lady a boar and sow."
He grinned and she laughed warmly, leading them back to the pasture. "Perhaps you have just known the wrong women your whole life."
Suddenly he grew quiet, and he reached for a piece of straw that had stuck in her hair. "I believe I have, Ellie Farmer. I believe I have."
Something in his eyes drew her in, and neither one of them seemed to breathe in that moment. Klaus hadn't intended to change his course from making her his mistress, but each day that went by, he could see more and more that she wasn't that kind of woman. He found himself wishing that he was a normal human man when he was with her, but now things were so complicated. He couldn't fall for some human girl. Didn't he remember how Aurora turned out?
But no. Ellie was stronger than Aurora. If he decided to turn her, she would make a worthy companion. Sighing, he smiled and took her hand. "Are you free? There is something I wished to do with you tonight."
She nodded. "I just finished my work for the day. Let me get my father something to eat, and then I am all yours."
He nodded as she slipped inside. If only that were true. He knew Elijah was still pursuing her, but Elijah would have no problem finding another woman with his noble ways. Klaus felt deep in his soul that he needed Ellie. It was true that they'd only known each other for a short while, but there was a pain and loneliness in her eyes that mirrored his own. No. Elijah couldn't have Elinor.
The woman in question now came out of the house, and it was clear she'd washed up a bit too. Her red curls were loose now, and she wore no apron. She looked more beautiful than Klaus had ever seen her. Offering his hand, she took it with a smile and he led her along the path behind her farm. "Where are we going?"
"You will see, love."
Twilight was beginning to settle over the valley, and the cool breeze ruffled her hair. She breathed deep of the refreshing fragrance of spring flowers, and Klaus breathed deep of her. "Tis a beautiful night. You know, two weeks ago, I swore to hate your family for all time. Now, though, I have to admit that you and your brother are growing on me."
He grinned as he helped her over a log. "Oh make no mistake. My family is dysfunctional, dramatic and terrifying at the best of times. However, we do love each other and at least I am devilishly charming."
She laughed again. "And oh so humble."
"One of my many great qualities, love."
They continued walking for a while longer until he led her to a little alcove with a blanket spread out. There was a picnic dinner already prepared and waiting. "Oh, it is lovely!"
Moving toward the spread, she saw figs, cheese, sliced mutton, bread with fresh butter, wine, a salad made with walnuts and cabbage, and vinaigrette to go with it. Fruit tarts and little cakes were there for dessert, and she was sure she'd never seen such a feast before. Klaus gestured for her to sit down. "We have just enough daylight to enjoy a nice supper."
Once she reclined on the blanket, he did the same, and took out a plate to begin to fill for her. As he did so, she seemed to study his face with a curious expression. "What has your brow furrowed, my dear?"
She took the plate gratefully from him and started munching on a fig before answering. "I am just wondering about you and your brother. You are nobility, and yet you are clearly pursuing me. I know I can be nothing more than your bedwarmer, but I feel guilty accepting your kindness when I have no desire to be a whore or kept woman."
Klaus had taken a drink of wine, but nearly choked on it at her frank words. Trying to recover, he stared into honest blue eyes and took a deep breath. "Well, I suppose it is refreshing to not tiptoe around the subject." His tone was slightly sarcastic, though. "I will admit that at first, yes, I intended to seduce you and ask you to be my mistress. There is no elegant way to say that." She nodded as she took another bite of fig, seemingly unbothered by this information. "However, I soon sensed that you were not the kind of woman who would accept that kind of arrangement. Truthfully, I do not know what I want from this, but I do know that I enjoy being around you. I do not want to stop seeing you."
His last words were spoken more softly, and she knew they were sincere. Swallowing the last of the fig, she paused for a moment before answering, "Neither do I."
Those three words seemed to please him a great deal, and the rest of the meal was spent laughing, flirting and getting to know each other better. They didn't know that a pair of dark eyes was observing every moment.
Modern Day, New Orleans
"Ellie..."
The name was said almost like a prayer. A whisper sent up as both a plea and hymn of gratitude to whatever gods were listening. Klaus looked like he was staring at a ghost...a vision...a dream that he was afraid would disappear if he closed his eyes. Without even turning his head, he ordered Freya to invite her in. His tone brooked no argument, and his sister did so without further question for the moment. Lucien already had access, so he gestured inside for Ellie.
Before she could move, though, Klaus had taken steps toward her and his mouth was curved in the first genuine smile for centuries. "Is it really you? Please tell me I'm not going to wake up again and realize this has all been another dream." His breath caught as if he feared that very thing, but when he reached for her cheek, she spun away from him and stared distrustfully.
"Who are you, and how do you know my name? Why do you have my husband's family crest on your gate, and where is he? I demand to speak to Elijah!"
Her heart pounded as she stared at them each in turn, and Klaus' face fell as if she'd struck him. Turning to Lucien as if he'd just now realized that he was there, the hybrid growled under his breath. "Explain!"
Lucien held up his hands in a gesture of innocence and gave a small smile. "I believe we should all sit down, as this promises to be a very complicated story. I have only parsed out a bit, but what I do know is that big brother has a lot of explaining to do."
Klaus led the group into the courtyard and told the maid to bring them some drinks as they made themselves comfortable. He wanted to speak with Ellie alone, but he could tell that she didn't trust him right now. That was like a dagger in his heart, but they would get to the bottom of this. Still, he sat near her and gave her a glass of Moscato...her favorite wine. When she tasted it, she seemed surprised, but she didn't say anything.
"Lucien, start talking or I will have Freya make your blood boil."
Lucien chuckled and sipped some scotch. "Alright. I only became aware of her continued existence a few hours ago myself, Nik. I have had intel on some sort of 'weapon' or 'weakness' that could be used against your brother for years, but he and Tristan had managed to hide it extremely well. The trail was thin, and I had just about given up finding whatever it was when my men dug up some info on a location in Indiana. I sent them to check it out, what with the prophecy and sire lines at war and what not, and instead of white oak or some magical artifact, they found...your lady Elinor. I recognized her from the paintings and drawings, of course, and her personality is exactly as you described. However, you might want to question her about her past with your family..."
Ellie glared at Lucien. "I'm right here, you know."
Klaus reached over for her hand, needing to assure himself that she was real, and although she nearly pulled away, she could see the need in his eyes. Something made her leave her hand in his. After all, it was just meant to be a comforting gesture. He rubbed his thumb along her knuckles and counted the freckles that he remembered so well even 700 years later. "Yes...yes you are." Clearing his throat, he sat up a bit straighter and finally asked the dreaded question. "Ellie...Elinor...you don't remember me at all?"
She looked into his eyes and shook her head, managing to look a bit guilty at the hurt she saw there. "I'm sorry, but no. I can tell that hurts you, but I truly don't."
He swallowed and forced a smile. "It's alright, love. It's not your fault. You said that you had a...husband." The word felt like bile on his tongue. "Would his name happen to be Elijah Mikaelson?"
She nodded. "Yes. For over 700 years. Based on the Mikaelson crests I see everywhere, I assume you know him. Does he own this place?"
Klaus frowned, trying not to let his jealousy rage until later. "In a manner of speaking. The family owns it. Elijah, Rebekah, Freya, Kol and I."
Ellie looked at him blankly. "Who now?"
Klaus paused in his stroking of her hand and sighed. The only explanation was obviously that Elijah had compelled her to forget, but it was more than just Klaus. How much had he erased? "How much do you know of Elijah's family?"
"He was an only child, and his parents died over a millenium ago."
Klaus almost wanted to laugh. That was one way to avoid the Mikaelson drama. "Oh my. Well, that is...far from true. Elijah had six siblings, and 5 are still around today...more or less. Our parents are indeed dead, but you are looking at one of his brothers, and this is his sister Freya." He gestured to the pretty blonde who had been silently watching the whole exchange. She'd have a long word with her brothers later, but for now, she sensed letting this play out was more important. Klaus turned to Lucien and asked, "Is there anything else I should know?"
Lucien shrugged. "I believe I told you all that I know. Just remember that I brought her here as soon as I realized who she was. It is always handy to have Klaus Mikaelson owe you a favor." With that, he left.
Turning back to Ellie, Klaus gave her a smile. "I know you won't believe me until we get the compulsion lifted, but you and I were very close once. Extremely close. I thought you were dead, and although it breaks my heart that there is no recognition in those beautiful eyes, I am overjoyed that you are here."
Although she was sure she knew the answer, she had to ask. "How close?"
He only hesitated briefly before answering with honesty, "We were lovers and confidantes."
Whether she believed him or not, she could tell he believed it. She refused to believe that Elijah would compel and lie to her for centuries, though. He loved her, and she loved him. None of this made sense. She had to admit there were some parts of her life that she couldn't quite remember, and Klaus seemed familiar in the way that déja vû hits you, but she refused to accept anything until she spoke to her husband. "Look. I can tell that you believe that, but I can't accept any of this until I talk to my husband. Does anyone have a phone I can borrow?"
Looking over her shoulder, his jaw hardened and he spoke coldly. "I don't believe that will be necessary, love." She looked behind her to where he was staring and sighed with relief at the familiar sight of her suited spouse. Running to him and throwing herself into his arms, she inhaled his faint cologne and he held her tightly. Soon they were interrupted by Klaus' soft, but deadly voice as he stood. "Hello, brother."
Elijah held her possessively and spoke back with equal coldness. "Greetings, Niklaus."
