To all readers, yes, I am breaking the oldest union up North. Before you go looking for a good virus to infiltrate my computer, know that this did happen in history.

Personally, it was a lot of fun to write this chapter, as I could finally delve deeper into Finland's more modern psyche, and have him rely less on Sweden and more on himself.

The Nordics

Chapter 11 Napoleon's War

Britain attacked Denmark 1801 and later 1807. This causes the Danish-Norwegian Union to ally with France as Napoleon declares war on England, which starts the Napoleon Wars in Europe. At first the Nordic nations aren't involved, but things move rapidly. Russia declares war on Sweden, and claims Finland. Neither nations would ever be united again. Finland however gained his first freedom, something he cares deeply for even until this day. Sweden, having lost Finland, is coaxed to ally France. But when a new king arrives in Sweden, sent by France to strengthen the bond of Sweden-France, the new king makes a turn and allies with England again. A war is supposedly fought between England and Sweden, or is it? Eventually Napoleon loses, and justice has to be restored. Finland is now out of Sweden's reach. But there is an agreement between the victors, in order to make Denmark pay for allying with the European traitor. Therefore Norway has to leave with Sweden, in a new union. Denmark watches them leave, only now realising how much the nation truly meant for him.

DENMARK

Denmark was silently snoozing when an alarm rang throughout the streets of Copenhagen. At first he cursed, believing it was Sweden who for some reason would demand another war... not that he could see how, seeing how his spies had reported that the Swedish government seemed uninterested in any particular wars at the moment. At first, he simply reconsidered going back to bed, but instead he found himself sleepingly gazing out through the window, towards the harbour, wondering who was attacking him this time.

Out by sea, several ships with a blue, red and white flag had anchored. At the front of the largest ship was a man Denmark recognised, though it didn't help him at all.

"Oh fuck!"

During the last few years Britain had boarded and claimed the content of several trading ships. By the end, Denmark had sent him a quick message to sod off, while he gave the orders to never again allow British ships to board his ships again.

Of course, this Britain, the largest navy fleet, saw as an insult, because the Danes wouldn't give up. England wanted monopoly at sea, and he felt close to it, despite some nations claiming neutrality.

Of course, England didn't think this made sense. Denmark first chose sides, then once Britain was going to strike back, they claimed neutrality. In the end, he had it. If Denmark was going to make a fool out of him, he would show him who was the fool.

Denmark on the other hand, who first thought this had something to do with the old days when he had claimed most of England's home, went to defend his capital.

The battle lasted just a few days, but ended as a catastrophe, for both sides.

The outcome however, was a completely different story.

In short, both sides suffered great losses, but ultimately Denmark had to stop its neutrality at sea.

Denmark was pissed, but there was nothing he could do about it.


Denmark didn't know this at first, but figured it out soon. When France declared their war on Britain they banned the British ships from all ports. As Denmark was the only nation connect to the main European land, England and his ruler worried that this was some sort of plans on how to get Britain from behind. Therefore the Danish neutrality was seen as a dangerous possibility, if Denmark sided with France.

1807 it happened yet again. This time an even greater battle ensued between Britain and Denmark, in which the loss was even greater.

Britain had attacked Denmark, as he and his nation prepared for war in a different region of his lands. This resulted in a huge loss, in which the British navy could sail away keeping a large part of the Danish navy.

He didn't realise he therefore created another enemy.


Shortly after, Denmark would get his chance for revenge, he hoped. 1803 France declared war on Britain, and the year after their military leader Napoleon became emperor of France. Most of Europe saw this a threat of the great nations that had already established themselves. Up North, the nations didn't want to involve themselves, but at the end.

"Mon ami, Le Danemark!" France came shouting in utmost happiness.

Denmark did the one wise thing, when this nation was ready. He sidestepped, so that France ran into the curtains instead of himself. He didn't want Norway some strange ideas. He was already grateful that the Norse had decided to accompany him.

France dove straight into the curtains, but it didn't take him more than a few seconds to realise that all that fabric couldn't be Denmark.

"Danemark, I am only here on friendly terms."

"Yes?"

"You know, me and my new friend Napoleon, have this petite project that we need to do. But, I need allies. Could you and Norway, maybe?"

Denmark thought for a moment.

"Does this mean you intend to sink England?"

"To the bottom of the sea" France said proudly.

Denmark nodded towards Norway, who nodded back. Many of his own people had suffered, because he helped Denmark with sailors.

"We're in."


SWEDEN

While England had attacked Denmark, Russia, who allied with France, had through agreement decided to attack the other half. The allies wanted to close every possible trade for British ships.

Sweden didn't like this at all. He had nothing against the British trading ships, they brought good things for the economy and England had never been a pain to him. However, the greater nations demanded that he should close his borders, and have Finland do the same.

Sweden refused. He had tried once to make France see reason, but his war against the now greater nation had simply resulted in loss after loss.

And things didn't go better than the fact that he knew Russia was preparing for war.

You know some say you can almost feel when the worst is coming. Sweden did so, but he made preparations in silence. He went to Finland's private chamber, and sat down with the smaller nation.

"Morning, Ruotsi, do you need anything?"

When Sweden didn't answer him, Finland shrugged. He had slowly gotten used to the other nation's silence. He simply shrugged and continued fixing his clothing.

Sweden saw that Finland didn't seem worried. He looked around, he didn't visit this room often these days. He gave Finland his private room when the nation became his, and didn't feel like sharing. He saw most things had changed over the hundred of years they had spent together, but Finland kept to most of the same style.

There was a bed, he was sitting on, a desk with a pile of letters, a mirror, where Finland was occupied by and a table in case Finland wanted to keep his meals private (on occasion, he got quite annoyed by the larger nation). Sweden looked at the desk, wondering who Finland had such a large correspondence to.

As he looked closer he recognised that handwriting, and paled.

"Finland, is Russia writing to you?"

Finland turned.

"Uhm, yes he is."

"What does he write about?"

"A bit of everything. Most of all, he want me to visit him, but I know you wouldn't like me to do so. Don't worry, I haven't replied to any of them."

Sweden glared at the letters, if only stares could burn them.

"I wanted to tell you, we think Russia is going to attack us soon. He will most likely start in your end, since you're the closest."

Finland stared at him, but then he smiled.

"I am not worried. You've gotten me back from him every time. I am not worried. I trust you, Ruotsi."

Sweden smiled back, the first genuine smile in forever.

"Only death could part us."


FINLAND

Despite his words, Sweden worried. As he had guessed, Russia did attack only the year after Denmark had lost to England, again.

During this European match-up Sweden had declared themselves siding with England, as the king completely opposed everything France said.

Since the situation was dire, Sweden accompanied Finland as they hurried back to Finland's home. Sweden had before their departure told his officers to create a strategy to defend Finland as well as possible, the problem was Russia's strength. It was far beyond what a Swedish army could muster. But, they had a plan in how to outsmart them. Even a pawn can defeat a king in chess, if using the right tactics.


Later they arrived beyond the borders of Finland, and Sweden headed straight to his army, to take charge. He told Finland to head somewhere safe, he didn't allow the smaller nation to fight himself. Something so pure and beautiful as Finland should not soil his hands with blood.

Finland saw his friend leave quickly, accompanied with some of his soldiers. Meanwhile he headed back to his own home, a place he felt he rarely visited since he had lived with Sweden for so long now.

Unknowing to any of them, he had a visitor there waiting for him.

"Good morning, Finlyandiya." he heard once he entered the door to his home. Finland stopped abruptly.

Finland jumped when he heard Russia. Behind Russia were some of his own personal servants, all bound and gagged as to not disturb the two nations.

"Venäjä?" Finland gasped. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

Russia smirked. It was a victorious smirk.

Finland had no idea what was happening. Meanwhile a Swedish messenger had arrived to the door, to give his message through the closed door.

"Lord Finland, my lord Sverige has asked me to send you his regards. The Russian armies are too powerful, so they have retreated north. He asks for you to accompany him back to Sweden."

Russia smiled, walked to the door and spoke slowly.

"Tell Shvetsiya that Finlyandiya is not going to return to him. If he will claim loss, so be it,but Finlyandiya is staying with me."

Finland paled, reached for his sword and backed.

Russia stared at him, shook his head and gently pried the sword from his hands.

"Shvetsiya needs to learn the bitterness of losing as well. But as for you, have you never considered the fact that he has been unknowingly oppressing you for so long now?"

Finland shook his head, his voice simply failed him.

"You know, deep inside don't you. Even Norvegiya has been treated far better, he has his own rule, with a loyalty to Daniya."

Finland was deep in thought.

"I can offer you just that, freedom. Swear loyalty to me, and you will get your freedom. You can be your own nation, have your own people. Establish yourself on your own two feet, and have no one to tell you what to do."

Deep down inside the spark of nationalism celebrated within Finland's chest. He could see himself, with this strength he could almost taste.

But, what about Sweden...

"I know what you are thinking... what about Shvetsiya?"

Finland looked down. How come Russia seemed to read everything he thought.

"I promise you, I will not come to harm him. I have simply been asked to make sure he allies with the right side. No harm shall befall him. Nor will I stop you from seeing him, after all you've been together for a very long time."

"But... Ruotsi would die rather than loose me."

Russia snorted.

"I find that hard to believe." he simple said. "Although, I do admit you mean a lot to him. He was the last person to leave the battle, and he killed many of my good soldiers. But..." he smiled. "... Shvetsiya would never die, he never breaks old promises."

Finland felt the tears that were about to come, but he tried desperately not to let them fall. If Russia spoke the truth, Sweden would die. And it would be all his fault.

Russia of course saw at once. No matter what Finland believed, he wasn't very good at hiding his emotions.

"Oh, I see he still hasn't told you, what a shame."

Finland looked at him. The moment of surprise made a few tears trickle down his usually pretty face.

"Well, I guess it was simply painful to talk about. After all, not many nations would go as far as to kill another."

Kill? Finland's tears quickly turned into shock. When had Sweden killed anyone? He couldn't ever remember this happening.

"I suppose, most of us didn't know him by then. I only head this from Daniya and Norvegiya, they found out very soon after. Hard to see why, the poor man was a good friend of Norvegiya."

"Who are you talking about?" Finland asked, not liking how Russia tried to avoid the subject.

"Gete."

"Who?"

"Gete, his brother."


It took Russia several hours to explain the events around Gothia and Svea, and everything that Denmark had once explained on how Sweden as a nation had shaped. It probably would have taken just an hour, but Finland kept asking questions, some in which Russia could answer, but many he had no idea about. Finland would simply have to wait until he met Norway or Denmark, as both nations had known Sweden longer than he had.

Russia eventually left Finland to continue on the war, saying he would be back soon. This gave Finland time to think. For the first time he felt disappointed in Sweden, the man had never mentioned having an older brother whom he had killed himself to gain the entire nation. Seemingly, seeing how Sweden had acted as the hundred of years passed, he hadn't been fully healed from this incident, and most likely had regretted it ever since.

As the months of war went on, Russias deal seemed better and better. Sweden naturally sent letter after letter, wondering where Finland was, why he hadn't followed orders and if Russia treated him well. But, Finland never replied and told his household do to the same.

Eventually Russia won the war, and Sweden had to give up and join France as an ally. This was met with huge protests, but what could Sweden do. Russia took Finland.

This ended the Swedish-Finnish union, and even to this day the nations have never been joined again. Eventually both hearts would heal slightly, and they would come to speak to one and another once more, but never again would a sole Swedish flag wave for Finnish nationality.

Even to this day, Sweden sometimes would come to call Finland his wife. This is something that has never been officially established, after all they were never really married.

Funnily enough, every time Sweden would mention this marriage Finland would quickly counter with them being divorced.


FRANCE

France received the Swedish allegiance with utmost happiness. He quickly replied, with a war-order. England was a practical nuisance, and he wanted the nation to have as many problems as possible. Simply put, Sweden would now have to declare war on England, and all progress had to be reported to France.

France sent a quick messenger to Sweden and leaned back in his chair. He smiled looking at the large painting of Napoleon with pride. After all he had to go through he felt very content.


SWEDEN

Meanwhile Sweden was still upset having lost Finland. He had sent message after message, but Finland never replied. In the end he had to send spied to find out what was going on, and the news shocked him.

His spies told him a very disturbing story, that he mainly blamed himself for never dealing with. The first was that it was Russia who had coaxed Finland to become more independent. The second was that Finland was seemingly upset that Sweden had lied to him, often mentioning his brother Gothia.

Sweden had never considered that he had kept Finland in the dark about his past. Finland had always been the most outspoken of the two nations, and Sweden could recollect everything about the nation's history.

It was no wonder Finland hated him. Sweden knew very well he was a murderer. Even after all these years the death of his brother still haunted him.

But now there was a difference. Normally when he awoke, seeing his brother's dead eyes he would secretly sneak into Finland's quarters. Just watching the man sleep had a calm effect on him, that allowed him to relax and consider the past being the past.

But not now, making him dread the night.

The second bitterness in his now miserable life was France. Once he lost, France demanded his allegiance and he had no choice but to comply (it was either that or losing his entire nation to Russia).

Soon after he had to side with France, the French empire demanded him taking part in France's ambitions to destroy England's authority. The thing was, Sweden had no intentions of really following France's demands. Also, Sweden had other problems as his king was aging, and there was no clear heir of the throne. France saw a chance to Franceify Sweden even further, and sent a suggestion to have one of his own officers, Jean Bernadotte, to be crowned king.

Despite Sweden's thoughts of France, he could tell something was a bit off from his initial image of this man.

With Sweden on even tighter reigns, France also demanded of Sweden to declare war on England. Sweden's reaction to his new king proved right, much alike Sweden his new king had no real loyalty to France and Napoleon, and therefore had a completely different idea. A black market continued between Sweden and England, while officially, letters arrived to France saying things like:

Dear Frankrike

Today me and my officers have assembled to discuss the preparations of how we should tackle the English navy. I have sent words to all my ports, and they will soon close for the British trades. Soon, I swear, we shall keep the Brits busy at war.

Your truly loyal servant

Sverige

Little did France suspect that the reports he got were all fake. Not a single bullet was fired between England and Sweden. Once it became clear that France didn't have the strong hold of Europe that he initially had, Sweden could also safely jump ships as well, declaring itself allied to England once more.


Shortly after the "war" started, the Swedish government wanted to reclaim Finland, and initially Sweden was all in on this idea. But gradually, as he got more and more reports on Finland this idea wavered. Maybe Sweden had never seen who Finland truly was.

Over the few years they were separated Finland had changed rapidly. He had ambitions, he made plans, he planned for his own nation and how he could raise it and its prosperity. Surely, Russia was the sovereign nation, but Finland was allowed to experiment and try things on his own.

Maybe this is what halted Sweden, and made him side with his new king when thee came with the idea of taking Norway instead. When Napoleon tried to invade Russia, losing the battle to Russia's allegiance with the bitter cold, Russia changed sides and agreed to help Sweden in requiring Norway as well (it became clear Sweden had no chance of getting Finland back as well).

What waited Europe was yet several years of war, in which finally the allies of England defeated Napoleon and France at Waterloo.


DENMARK

After the Waterloo Battle, the allied victors and the defeated nations, in reality just France, met to assemble how the situation should be handled. England bitterly kept an eye on France, making sure this troublemaker wouldn't cause even more trouble. The remaining nations discussed what to do. National borders needed to be restored, and the victors had payments to receive.

Unbeknownst to everyone Denmark had sneaked after Sweden, being very worried about the events that were about to unfold. He was very worried, Sweden seemed far too determined for this to not be part of Denmark's troubles. Denmark was in particular not very happy about this outcome, since he was allied with France and France lost, making him one of the losers.

He just couldn't see how Sweden managed to sneak in on him like this. After all, Sweden barely did anything, really... and still he was treated as a victor.

Bloody Sweden.


SWEDEN

"So, you will help me? Norge is impossible." Sweden asked Russia, feeling a bit wary about the man.

Russia smiled back.

"Of course, I said I would. I'll talk to Daniya later, he will get the point. I am pretty sure Angliya can help you as well, seeing how close he is to Norvegiya."

Sweden nodded, and looked towards the windows were Finland was talking to Austria. Parts of him wanted to go there and talk to him, but other parts wanted to leave Finland alone. Finland seemed happier than Sweden had seen him for many centuries.

Russia saw who Sweden was looking at, and smiled.

"Do not worry so much, Shvetsiya. He will be fine. He is part of my family now."

Sweden glared at him, partly because he was caught staring, and partly because he didn't like Russia's describtions of his so called "family".

"Besides, you will have your hands full." Russia laughed. "I can just see Norvegiya's face when we tell him he will be part of your home."

Sweden smiled. The thing was, losing Finland made him realise he needed to talk with his old friends. Once, very long ago,Sweden, Norway and Denmark didn't fight, and despite how annoying Denmark was, he missed those days. With Norway he hoped to re-establish some of those connections.


DENMARK

Denmark hurried home. He was frantic, and had no idea what to do really, after all Britain had taken most of his military strength years ago, and he knew he had lost. But the worst was, Sweden aimed to claim Norway. Now, it was the final decision. Nor he was happy he had made the decisions he had made.


Denmark had the previous year assembled all his nations under his roof. He pretty large group of his colonies assembled, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The later three were truly parts of Norway, but that was unimportant.

But, it was mainly Norway he needed to talk to. He had an idea.

"Norge, I am giving you full independence."

"What?"

"Sverige wants to claim you from me. So, I am giving you independence, so he cannot."

"Danmark, what are you up to?"

"You know, Frankrig (France) is losing? Therefore, everyone treats me as a loser. I think Rusland is going to help Sverige claim you, so I need to save you before that happens."

Norway shook his head at his friend's franticness, though he liked the idea of having his own nation. It wasn't as if he already didn't, Denmark didn't make huge demands on him, and hadn't completely made Norway to a Danish settlement. Yet, he did not fancy being a part of Sweden, seeing how happy Finland was without the nation.

It had been a shock for Norway to see Finland outside his door a few months ago. Finland had asked to know more about Gothia, something that surprised Norway a lot... had Sweden never told him?

"You'll have a king, your own laws, and all that. If you become your own nation, you can still be free."

"I don't think Sverige will like this."

"To hell what he likes, he jumped ship on us." Denmark said, referring to how Sweden went back to side with England again. He's not doing anything apart from biding his time up there. Norge, I don't want you to abandon me like Finland did to him, what do you say?"

Norway thought for a moment, but he didn't need to think long.

"Ok, I guess you are right."

Denmark smiled broadly, and smacked his lips on Norway, who stood frozen, wide-eyed and pushed Denmark away.

"Don't do that!" he said, still in shock. Denmark simply grinned back as the Norse nation left his home.

Without Denmark seeing him, Norway stopped halfway home. Silently he smiled and touched his lips, his heart fluttering.


NORWAY

When Sweden heard of the Norwegian decisions, he raged. With his crown prince Jean Baptiste he assembled his armies and marched towards Norway, to claim what through agreements were his.

This would go down to Sweden's last war 'till modern days. Norway had by then created his own constitution, laws and new monarchy (Danish prince Kristian Fredrik). Sweden could not accept this, and had told Norway off, saying he had to accept the new union.

The war lasted merely less than a month, and Sweden won. The deal was, however, that Norway could keep his new laws, constitution, as long as he joined Sweden and accepted the Swedish monarchy as their rulers.

Against his better wishes, Norway had to agree. But he refused to move to Sweden's home.

He had some dignity left after all.


DENMARK

Denmark had been spying on the events in Norway, anxious for the outcome. He had sadly not been able to help Norway, that would have been treason and a war declaration on England again, since England had agreed to this union. Tears trickled down his pale cheeks as he watched Norway's back turn, as he and Sweden walked back to discuss borders and Norway's new role in Sweden.

Seldom do nations hurt so badly, but Denmark felt empty. He missed Norway already, the other nation had been a huge part of his life, ever since their pre-Viking days when they first met.

He knew however he wouldn't be able to reclaim Norway anytime soon. He had a nation to repair, new colonies to care for, and a history he would now have to write on his own.

Before he left the shores he looked back to where Norway was last seen.

"Jeg elsker dig."

And then he turned and left.

The long Norwegian and Danish union was broken. Unbeknownst to Denmark, the events that were about to follow in Europe would make it impossible for him and Norway to unite again.

TBC


Final Notes:

Denmark said: I love you in Danish.

Yes, a full statement. Denmark loved Norway, despite never fully realising his feelings until after he lost him. Sad, isn't it? I should probably be crying right now, but somehow I am not. Does that make me into a vicious animal?

It does feel so. I've been listening to Pernilla's När jag blundar, to get in the mood for this chapter. (It was Finland's Eurovision entry 2012, and one of my later favourites).

Anyway, here are some help for this chapter.

Finnish to English translations:

Venäjä- Russia

Russian to English translations, in case you didn't get it:

Finlyandiya- Finland

Shvetsiya- Sweden

Norvegiya- Norway

Daniya. Denmark

Angliya- England

Gete- Gothia (though, I took this from google translating Gothenburg/Göteborg, in which the first half was taken from Gothia. When I tried to google translate Gothia it became Gota... hopefully, if anyone know Russian please tell me which version I should use. I don't trust google translate at all, but my Russian is pretty limited to none).