A WINTER'S MOURNING
With the death of the representative of Finland and fall of the entire country in the hands of the Soviets, the nation was in total disarray. The Moscow Peace Treaty spiraled down the economy of Finland and thousands of Finns were displaced as several territories that they inhabited were given to the USSR as obligated in the said treaty. The Finnish government was hastily stabilizing its military prowess with the widening world war in Europe. The government focused more on its military purchases over than the civilians' needs.
"As agreed prior to this meeting, the British government will help your government in terms of warfare. We will assist you in everything we could do. Based from the exchanging of telegraphs from both parties, this draft was necessary for the immediate implementation of a war-trade treaty between Finland and Britain. I have already assessed Finland's situation and we need Finland to be fortified as soon as possible" England gave the draft to the present Finnish officials. He watched the officials as they read the draft. I'll do my best to help your country, Finland. Soon, your beloved country will be at peace.
"Do you have any plans on assisting your people? They also need your help" questioned England. The officials looked to England; confused looks were only given to him. One of the officials whispered something to the Prime Minister.
"Well… It can't be helped. War is not yet over. Finland must be protected at all cost" replied the Prime Minister.
"IS THAT ALWAYS WHAT YOU THINK? YOUR PEOPLE NEEDS YOUR HELP! THEY HAVE NO PLACE TO RETURN TO AND THEY ARE PROBABLY STARVING RIGHT NOW. MONTHS FROM NOW WINTER WILL ARRIVE AGAIN. HOW MANY LIVES MUST PERISH?" exclaimed England to the flabbergasted cabinet. No one responded immediately to the allegation of England. The pressure lies heavily to the Prime Minister.
"WHAT ABOUT THE SACRIFICE OF FINLAND? YOU WILL LET HIS DEATH BE IN VAIN?" England shouted to the deaf ears of the Finnish government. The cabinet could feel the intense emotion of England directly to them. After all, the person in front of them was a fellow personification of the late Tino Väinämöinen.
"The strength of a country not only lies to the military prowess of the country. The morale and bravery of your people – their patriotism toward their Mother country and their courage to live through till the end; that plays an important role not only to Finland as a country but also to the personification itself. The turmoil that was going on in the country brought by the invasion of Russia; and the territorial claims of the Soviets on some vital regions of Finland that impacted a lot to the personification of Finland. For every claim of Russia on Finland, its persona was losing his identity or should I say – his existence. The chanced meeting of the two personifications, Finland was considerable weak; making him susceptible to human wounds. In other words, if Ivan could kill your personification then your country is at risk. Finland would be gone like its own personification if Russia wills total dominion" England spoke, trying to hide his dismay on the Finnish government.
"We also sacrificed many lives of our men, Mr. Kirkland. There was nothing we could do for Mr. Väinämöinen. Last of our worries were his death and that his death was unexpected. Russia was too powerful for us. What matters at this moment was to fortify Finland against the invaders and recover our lost territories" The Prime Minister replied. England was speechless but regained his composure instantly.
"Going back to the purpose of this meeting… Do you agree on the terms and conditions of the draft?" asked England. The Prime Minister and his officials were delighted and voiced out that it should be carried out at once.
"The immediate implementation is something I cannot give to you. Once my government approved this then the final treaty between Britain and Finland would be legal. I would contact immediately upon its approval" England took back the treaty and placed it carefully in his attaché case. He stood up and shook hands with the Finnish Prime Minister. Some of the cabinet members escorted England back to his car while the Prime Minister and the remaining officials stayed behind in the meeting hall.
"Let's hope we could establish support with the Britain. This is our chance to acquire new armaments and other materials. Britain is our only hope. May God be with us this time" the Prime Minister left the meeting hall, his officials on his heels.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
"Who is it? For damn's sake it's four in the morning!" grumbled the Prime Minister as he hopped off from his bed. Still wearing in his sleepwear, the high ranking official opened his bedroom door. An anxious and exhausted official saluted him and he received from him a telegraph from Britain.
"Is something wrong?" the Prime Minister was troubled with the look from his officer.
"Something happens, Prime Minister" The person could barely utter a single world. The Prime Minister became uneasy and he hurriedly opened the letter. He looked about to faint and the letter slipped from his hands.
"No, no, no… This can't be happening. This is not true" the Prime Minister grasped the doorknob to control himself.
"Sir?"
"Summon the officials right away" the officer departed leaving the Prime Minister alone. God, God, God… My God… What should we do now? Even if his bedroom was dimly lit he could read the words of doom from the letter. GERMANY INVADED DENMARK AND NORWAY. NEGOTIATIONS CANCELLED.
Hell was loose on Asia, America and Europe upon the outbreak of World War II. Vast majority of the world's nations were divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The lives of Nordics were entangled again on the growing threat of Germany, Italy and Japan. Only Sweden was spared from another world war as the country maintained its neutral stance for more than a century. Despite its neutrality Sweden played a crucial role to both parties, particularly to its fellow Scandinavian countries.
It was indeed a depressing day for the four Nordics inside the house of Sweden and Finland. When they were already recovering from the death of Finland, Germany suddenly invaded Denmark and Norway. Iceland was crying when he saw Norway and Denmark covered in bruises and heavily bandaged, their blood seeping through. Sweden was seething in anger on the current condition of his family. Finland was gone, should Denmark and Norway share the same fate?
"Brother… Brother… I'm sorry! I'm sorry I haven't protected you" Iceland cried. He could not hold Norway fearing he might vanish the moment he touch him. A gentle hand patted Iceland on his head.
"Don't worry, Ice. Brother will not leave you. We'll be together. I promise you" Norway gave a reassuring smile to his younger brother, Iceland. However, his promise made Iceland more miserable.
"Finland did promise that he will return, but he didn't. I do not want to lose you, brother!" sobbed Iceland.
"Do not worry about me, everyone. I will do my best. Please take care of Sweden while I am away. I promise I'll come back. I'll go back home after this war. We will be together again" promised Finland to his fellows Nordics – Denmark, Norway and Iceland. The three altogether hugged the Finn before Finland bade them farewell.
"Look at me, Ice. Look at me" pleaded Norway to his sorrowing brother. Please, Ice… Look at me. But his pleas fell on deaf ears as Iceland continued to cry. Even Denmark was dead tired to comfort the tearful Iceland. The sudden assault of Germany was too much for Denmark and Norway to bear.
"You three shall stay in my house. Until your wounds are healed all of you will remain here. I will protect all of you. I will not let anyone hurt my family anymore" Sweden firmly decided that his entire family will be living with him until they were fit to fight for their countries. I cannot let them die. I will not allow Denmark and Norway to be dissolved. My family had enough share of tragedies of this world. Finland… I wish you were here with us.
"I will always be with you…" a gentle voice whispered to Sweden's ears. His heart leaped for joy when he heard the voice of Tino. He looked for the source of the voice but there was no sign of Finland. Only a serene presence lingered in the room, comforting Sweden amidst their horrendous situations.
"Are you sure, Sve? You're putting yourself in grave danger!" Denmark could not let Sweden took all the burden of the war. After all, Sweden was neutral since then.
"Trust me, Den. My neutrality will protect all of you. They will never touch anyone of you as long as you are here. You are all safe in Sweden" After such a long time, Sweden genuinely smiled to them.