Yay, it's the chapter that we've all been waiting for! At least I hope so. For me this has always seemed like such a dramatic scene, one that wasn't fully explored in the show. And just to confirm the time jump will happen next chapter: be prepared for some 1400's storyline. It's the longest chapter in the story up to ate so as always enjoy :)
When the sun set that evening no one could have predicted how it would unfold. At the exact moment the sun's light disappeared through the trees, Mikael declared the gathering officially started.
"My friends, "he started. "Joining us this evening is Ivan Alexander, a dear adversary, and together we shall put an end to the werewolf problem, once and for all!"
Everyone cheered as was expected.
"A toast to us, your leaders, that we may be successful."
Naomi thought it a little silly that he called on the audience to make the toast but that the only persons that held glasses were the Mikaleson's, Alexander, and herself. Never the less everyone returned the salutation full heartedly, eager to enjoy the event's entertainment.
Villagers were fully enjoying themselves: eating the deliciously prepared food, gathering around to tell stories, dancing animatedly on the impromptu dance area. Meanwhile the ever bright full moon rose to its place high in the sky, casting a delicate glow over the jovial festivities.
The Mikaleson's, along with Ivan and Naomi, were seated on a raised dais. As the ruling family they had certain appearances to keep up. The separation, as miniscule as it was, gave the impression that though they had planned the event that they were somehow aloof. Upon closer inspection, however, the façade began to break.
To the naked eye they all looked proper as they should be. But here and there subtle movements gave it away. The twitch in Kol's fingers. The desire in Rebekah's eyes as they gazed over the dancers. The instinct Naomi and Elijah had to hold hands, only to remember that they were in public. But the most obvious was the quick glances over at their parents every few seconds. Mikael and Esther chose not to respond to the impatient looks that they were receiving from their children.
Finally after an appropriate amount of time Mikael nodded, dismissing them from their duties. Immediately Kol jumped from the platform to find the nearest group of girls. Right behind him was Bekah who, giving Naomi a small wave, grabbed the hand of her younger brother Henrik and left. As usual Klaus in his quiet, mysterious manner disappeared without a word followed by his older brother. In true Finn fashion he paused to nod to his parents in a sign of loyalty, throwing a wavering smile at Naomi. The he was gone.
Naomi smiled, happy that they were finally getting to enjoy themselves. From behind her chair she saw a pair of callused hand grip the sides of her chair, the tickle of minty breath at her neck. Knowing already who it was perched next to her, she pretended not to notice.
"May I have this dance?"
With exaggerated grandeur he bowed, extending his hand towards her.
Unable to resist, she smiled placing her hand in his. Leading her to the dance area, he unexpectedly directed her away from the gobs of people. Near the edge of the dance he turned around to put them into waltzing position. She looked at him, questioning his choice of location.
"Is there anything wrong with wanting to spend private time with my lady?"
"No, I would suppose not," she grinned. Placing her hands around his neck, he lead their modest waltz. Music played in the background, providing a graceful melody for their gentle swaying. The secluded area shielded them somewhat from prying eyes just as Elijah had thought it would. Happy to be in the presence of the one she loved she laid her head on Elijah's strong chest. In response he gathered her closer until their dancing turned into a mere side to side movement.
Twirling in Elijah's arms it was so easy for her to forget the reality. Here, in this time, this space, there were no werewolves that needed hunting, no vicious girls like Tatiana. No, there was only her and him. She wanted the moment to never end, becoming extremely disgruntled when a servant of the Mikaelson family interrupted them.
He was a younger man, maybe twenty years if Naomi had to guess. "Excuse me, sire," the nervous boy spoke. "But your father desires your presence at the main house. There is to be a meeting there shortly."
Elijah sighed in slight annoyance. "Very well, I will be there."
The servant ran off and while Elijah looked apologetically at her. "I am sorry my love-"
"Do not be. After all this is what the party was for. Go, do not mind me, I will look for Bekah."
She tried to put on a brave face but she was still disappointed that Elijah had believed her so easily. As his woman she knew that she could not keep him from his responsibilities to the village. It was what he was destined to become after all, once Mikael had passed on. Short a dance partner, she wandered looking around at the other attractions, determined not to mope the rest of the night. Luckily there was a wide assortment of activities, which she found delightful. A drama being performed to a captivated audience, craft demonstrations for the children, even Lady Ayana was present this night with a set of tarot cards. It was widely known among the people of the village that she was a witch but still, everyone loved her. Having not spoken to her in sometime she decided to stop by.
"Good evening, Lady Ayana," she called walking up to the older woman.
"Hello child. Here, here, have a seat."
Happy to see a familiar face, she sat without pretense. One of Esther's dearest friends, Ayana was beautiful with her dark skin and exotic looking eyes. She hardly looked her age, a fact that many attributed to her great powers as a witch. As soon as Naomi was fully seated she was given the future reading cards. Turned on their backs, Ayana instructed her to choose three, that they would tell what waited for Naomi in the future. Nervous but eager, she followed the direction without question. She drew a lovers card first, a man and a woman holding hands. Secondly a chariot of some sort, followed by a crumbling tower. Even for one who did not practice magic it was no hardship to know the first card represented Elijah and her. The other two remained a mystery though.
Luckily Ayana was there to explain it for her. "The first card means love, which I do not think you need to be told." Naomi blushed but shook her head. Ayana then spoke of the remaining cards, looking a little concerned. "The chariot represents great change that it coming to your life soon and the second..." she looked up at Naomi. "Well, the tower means destruction, ruin, death."
Naomi started in shock. She had known Ayana long enough to know that the woman would not be so mean as to jest about so serious a matter. And even more disturbing to her, the witch was never wrong. Already she looked at Naomi with pity in her eyes. She was overwhelmed, she needed some space.
"Good night, Ayana. I hope you enjoy yourself."
Without waiting any further she turned and left. Everywhere she turned there were people, all of whom were happy and without a care in the world. In her current frame of mind she could not stand to be around the merry atmosphere. Brushing past the villagers she turned to go to the forest. Walking slowly but resolutely she ran her fingers over the cool, chipped tree bark. The usual noises that filled the forest were silenced, probably by the presence of nearby humans she thought. Still it was just the silence she needed to think in.
"You there, stop."
Naomi rolled her eyes. Well the quiet was nice while it lasted. Additionally she did not much care for the voice speaking to her. She twisted around to answer the voice. "Hello Tatiana."
The dark featured girl stepped out from the shadows. Despite the rising tension both remained calm and speechless. At last, Tatiana revealed her intentions.
"You will be happy to know that my family and I are prepared to leave the area this very evening."
Happy on the inside Naomi was still stunned. The Petrova's were one of the most prominent families here. Why would they want to give their status up? She decided to wait until Tatiana explained further.
"Yes, it seems that my father was not pleased at your little announcement with Elijah."
More silence yet until she finally found her voice. "How do you mean?"
At this Tatiana barely contained her ire. "It would be pointless to stay here after he chose you. Everyone knows that Elijah does not change his mind lightly therefore dashing my chances at becoming the head of this mealy village. My father agreed and so we are leaving to find another place where my luck might be better received."
Was the girl mad? She was leaving just because she felt that she would never becoming a ruler of the village? Naomi was filled with disgust but found that it was not all that surprising. It fit right in with Tatiana cruel, superficial personality.
"I wish you only luck on your journey," she said. "Although I am sorry that I am the cause of your move."
Tatiana's nostrils flared but she remained otherwise controlled.
"Consider this goodbye," she said icily. Her piece said the Petrova turned around and receded back into the obscure wood.
Good riddance thought Naomi. There was not love lost between the two of them, they had never gotten along. But she would admit that the talk had calmed her down some. Sure, Ayana was never wrong in her predictions of the future but Naomi was choosing to interpret them in a good way. After all change was not always an omen and maybe the ruin that spoken referred to Tatiana's situation. Yes, the more she reflected on it, the more sense it made. See she told herself. There is not need for worry.
Looking around she decided that she had stayed away from the party long enough. It was time to return. Surely Elijah would worry for her if she stayed away too long. Unfocused she wandered back the full moon lighting her way. Close to the clearing she froze thinking she had heard something. Screams. Springing into action she picked up her dress skirts and ran as fast as she could. She knew it was reckless to run unknowingly into danger but something was clearly wrong. Terrified she tripped over her own feet as she broke through the forest. Slowly she raised her head.
Bodies. Everywhere around her there were bodies carelessly strewn about the ground. Naomi saw with horror that they all hand giant gashes on her chests and faces. Gashes that looked like claw marks. Numb she got up desperately hoping that one of her love ones was not one of the unfortunate souls that was lying on the cold ground, mutilated. Daring to hope when she did not see her mother or any of the Mikaelson's she froze when she neared the dais. Its earlier brilliance was tarnished by blood stains and tears in the sturdy material. And at the foot of the structure was the bodies of six Mikaelson children.
Moisture flowing down her face she dropped to her knees at the carnage. Unlike the others though they were missing the marks, all of them expect for Henrik, whose chest was riddled with horrible gouge marks. The remaining children were untouched expect for a clean wound to the heart. She knew that it should bother her, the difference in deaths, but at the moment she could not function. Especially when she spotted Elijah. His body now lifeless, he still gripped his heavy sword even in death. Crying out she went to him, devastated when she knew there was nothing she could do. He was gone, they all were.
Digging her fingers into the ground she pulled herself away. She needed to get home to check on her mother. God forbid... no she thought. Do not think of it. So wrapped in her thoughts she did not notice the standing figure until she ran into the person. Trough her tears she recognized Esther.
"Oh, Esther," she cried. "It is horrible! E-e-everyone is dead!" Weak, she grabbed onto Esther's legs.
The blond woman kindly knelt down to Naomi. She brushed the hair from her splotchy face. "Do not fear child," she counseled. "All will be right soon, you will see."
Naomi lifted her head. The woman's children lay dead not two feet from them and all she could say was not to worry? "But-"
With amazing quickness Esther turned her around, pinning her arms at her side. Walking steadily toward her was Mikael, a wicked dagger in his hand. Naomi struggled to free herself but could not break Esther's hold.
"Shh," the woman whispered to her. Naomi gasped in pain as Mikael bent down to stab her straight through the heart. Gripped by a mixture of pain and shock she saw herself hit the ground when Esther finally released her. She could hear them talking above her but could not understand their words. Propped up by Mikael, Esther poured a liquid into her mouth. It tasted off- like salt and metal- but with her strength draining she had no choice but to swallow.
"It is finished," said Esther.
"W-why," Naomi gasped.
Esther looked at her apologetically. "I am sorry. Truly I am, but this was the only way to save my family. Elijah would never be strong enough to survive without you, so your bond left me no choice. When you wake up you will see."
She placed a kiss on Naomi's chilling forehead. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Leaving Naomi alone, she turned to her husband who handed the knife to her. With understanding in his eyes he remained still as Esther stabbed him as well. It was the last thing she saw before Naomi felt the last of her soul slip through her body.
