Pairing: Freya/Stefan-Jeremy (F/mm) hand, spoon

Mikaelson Estate

Mystic Falls, Virginia

September 1855

Elijah's Office

Afternoon

Finn paced in Elijah's office until Elijah asked him to sit down.

"I think you are correct in your assertions about the town, Elijah. There was talk in the saloon, that the Fells are planning to open up an eating house soon. That would cut into our business," Finn complained.

Elijah thought a moment. "I am not sure about that. This could be a good thing. More businesses need more workers, it tis not as if they will serve spirits there. Correct?" Elijah pressed.

"I am not sure," Finn stated. "I also heard talk that the Fells are giving that parcel of land to the church. Were we not benefactors there, too?"

"We were," Elijah said. "Yet with our gold tied up here, we have had to cut back. I know you aim to put the saloon profits back into the saloon. We need to branch out. We need more businesses where we can make coin."

"What if we opened up the workshops here to sell to customers?" Finn said. "That way our workmen will not be idle when the house is finished and we can turn a profit?"

Elijah smiled, "Aye, I will speak to Niklaus about that. The building plans are robust, but we could hire more workers ourselves. But right now, money is not our biggest issue."

"Yes, the safety. Has Freya said that she would agree to the plan?" Finn asked.

"No, she will not take a life for her life. She is adamant about that. Ilayda believes that she may be able to put someone in a deep sleep in her place, though. It tis not ideal, but our sister is a Mikaelson through and through," Elijah smiled wryly.

"Stubborn as a mule, you mean?" Finn questioned.

"Indeed. Freya is also working with Solomon and Damon in training them," ELijah added. "We shall need all the power we can get. Solomon can draw on his ancestors and Damon nature. Freya's magic draws from mostly the same place as Dahlia's and..." Elijah drifting off.

"Mother's. That is why she and Ayana were reluctant to do too many spells. There was a cost that we could not see," Finn interjected. "Tis explains a lot."

"I never understood why Mother did not put a stop to Father's rage," Elijah said. "When her teas and charms did not work, she just let him fume and throw his fits. After she made us, I sometimes wondered why. She had such power that she could have done more. But now it makes sense. This dark magic is more dangerous than I imagined."

Finn grumbled, "I cannot claim to understand. I always felt Mother was disappointed that only Kol had any interest in magic, but perhaps she was relieved. Tis a heavy burden to carry. All that power."

"As Freya explained it, nature always finds a balance. If she would kill an innocent, she fears that something would be taken from her," Elijah said, struggling to explain.

"I see," Finn said. "Yet what is the cost to Dahlia? If her evil magic is so powerful, what is the cost to her?"

Elijah leaned back and guessed, "Her heart? Her soul, if there is such a thing...I know not. But I made a list of those who she might target for the sleeping spell. Here."

Finn took the list and blinked, "Giuseppe Salvatore? Do you just mean to get your hands on those lumber mills?"

"That would be an added benefit for Damon and Stefan," Elijah agreed.

"Katherine Pierce? But I thought she said she did not know why she was," Finn inquired. "Would Hayley even agree to that?"
"No, probably not. But she does not know, Katerina Petrova, the way we do. She is an old vampire who managed to evade Niklaus for 400 years. She is clever and ruthless. In truth, I fear Hayley even residing with her at that boarding house," Elijah admitted. "She knows who we are. If her memory returns, I fear what she would do. And the child Solomon would be in grave danger. She knows his lineage."

"What about the old lady? Mrs. Whitmore? Surely, she is already near death's door," Finn said.

"Her life force may not be strong enough," Elijah said. "The others on the list, the Lockwood man and Mr. Fell, are too prominent in town. We do not want to arise suspicions."

"Then, go with the Salvatore man. He shall not be missed by his sons," Finn said.

Elijah took back the list and stared at it.

"He is still their blood. Finn, think of how many times we could have killed Father, but did not," Elijah recalled. "Once, I even took his sword from Rebekah's hands as she near slew him after he almost whipped Niklaus to death. I oft wondered if I was the one mistaken."

"Nay, you took that burden from her," Finn said firmly. "Damn, there is no easy answer here. Where is Niklaus?"

"With Marcel, adding some new vintages to his precious wine cellar," Elijah smiled. "He claims it is an investment. But I think, like his paining, it is just another way he amuses himself."

"And what do you do to amuse yourself?" Finn asked. "Rebekah was just saying that you have not spared a moment to play the new piano."

"I work," Elijah said. "That is my amusement. Now, if there is nothing more, Brother. I need to see to these expenditures and then examine some laws. Until we have a barrister in the family, it all falls to me. I do hope Sammy is taking his time at school seriously."

Guest House

After School

Sammy chewed on the fingernail of his little finger as he attempted to sort out the words. Hayley had given him a simpler reader than the others his age to study. He appreciated her attempt to spare him embarrassment and slip him the book after the others had filed out.

"What tis this?" Croiá asked, "Studying, Brother?"

Croiá stepped near the desk where Sammy was toiling.

"Aye, but tis difficult. What tis this word here?" Sammy asked, pointing. Croiá was quick with her studies and had always been good at reading. She helped him with a few words and then paused.

"What is it, Croiá? You are usually scribbling away in one of your books at this time of day," Sammy noted.

Croiá kicked his leg lightly. "How would you know? You were always working someone on the estate. Has Ilayda been fretting about me? 'If that girl does not take in some sun, she will become a vampire herself! Mark my words...'"

Sammy laughed, his sister was talented at impersonations.

"Nay, it twas Halina. You know, she worries about you," Sammy said.

"What? That I will be a famous writer?" Croiá wondered.

"Nay, that you will end up like her. Unmarried," Sammy grinned. "Like that tis the worst thing that could happen to you here."

Sammy had been jesting, but Croiá looked upset.

"Sammy, do you think I am comely?" Croiá inquired, her face tinged with a slight blush. "I mean, if you were a gentleman."

Sammy put down his reader. "Sister, stop this folly. What is going on? Tell me lest I stop my studies and tickle you!"

Sammy went to grab her, but stopped. He went on, "You are very pretty. Many lads would be fortunate to have you but smile at them. Is this about Kol?"
Croiá looked up in shame, saying, "I thought he was my friend. But he abandoned me for that new girl. Hank, I think."
Sammy nodded, "I cannot lie. She is a fetching thing herself and seems full of spirit. I hope she does not end up on the wrong side of the teacher. Did you hear that thrashing those boys got?"

"Nay, I was on the other side of the yard. You heard that?" Croiá winced.

"Aye, I could not but help it! Stay far away from George, the one with the football. He seems very troublesome," Sammy warned. "But Kol will come around. Mark my words."

"I do not wish to court him! I just want him to help me with my stories," Croiá vowed.
Sammy was not convinced of that, but decided to take her mind off it.

"Well, aid me in my reading and soon I shall be able to help you. Now, what does this mean?" Sammy said, picking up the reader again and pointing.

"Oh, this can mean several things...," Croiá noted. For a time, she forgot about Kol and the other girl.

Stables

"Now, do not get too close to this mare. She a mite skittish," Abraham chided. "She could kick you on your behinds before ya know it."

A stable boy called the big man away and he told the boys again to be careful before walking off to see what the boy needed.

Jeremy and Stefan laughed, but Solomon looked worried.

"Solomon, are you yellow? It tis just a horse," Jeremy teased.

"He just saw it twas dangerous," Solomon repeated.

Stefan chucked the new football that was made for the boys at Jeremy. The brown mare skittered and the boys laughed again.
"He is a coward," Stefan giggled. "Come on, Solomon. You need not be afraid. Did not Freya teach you some new spells today?"

"Aye, but I am not to cast without her around," Solomon said, backing away. "Let us go play with the ball, away from here."

Jeremy rolled his eyes and tossed the ball suddenly at Solomon. The pigskin ball struck him in the chest hard and fell into the dirt.

"You cannot even catch!" Stefan said, racing to get the ball.

Solomon wiped off his soiled shirt as Jeremy ran behind him and gave him a hard push. Solomon stumbled to the ground.

Abraham came out and yelled at the boys to knock it off.

Jeremy and Stefan ran away from the stable throwing the ball and running as Solomon picked himself up from the dirt.

"I want to play!" Solomon yelled, opening his arms for the ball.

Jeremy snapped, "We do not play with babies. Go see what the girls are doing! Mayhaps they will let you sew with them. You could make yourself some clothes that fit."

Solomon looked down at his too big play clothes and frowned. Tears dripped down his face.

"He tis crying," Stefan yelped, catching the heavy ball again. "He is a baby! We do not play with babies."

The two boys ran off whooping and hollering as Solomon trudged back to the house alone. He found Sage, Elena, and Rebekah having tea in the kitchen.

"Solomon, dear," Sage said. "What happened? Did you get hurt? Your shirt is all dirty."

Solomon tore off the dirty white shirt and threw it on the floor.

"I hate it here," Solomon said. "I want my mother!"

Sage went to Solomon and embraced him.

"Oh dear, tell me what happened? Where are the boys?" Sage asked, stroking the upset boy's hair.

"I hate them!" Solomon roared.

Sage picked up the shirt. "Your new clothes are ready. How about we get you cleaned up and you can try them on? Then, you can tell me about what happened?"

Solomon nodded and let the red-haired woman led him to the bedroom.

Rebekah and Elena sat doing their school work.

Elena said, "Should we make a wager that those two brats were taunting him? I swear my little brother is in need of a hiding."

Rebekah nodded, "Stefan, also. He goes right along with Jeremy. I know they think they are amusing, but it tis just cruel. That little boy just lost his mum for who knows how long."
Freya came in with a basket of herbs from the garden.

"Hello, ladies. I thought Sage said she was going to wait for me?" Freya said, putting her herbs in the wet sink to wash.

"Oh, she was. Then, Solomon came in all upset and filthy," Elena explained.

Freya frowned, "I will see to them. Solomon is dealing with his magic. If those boys were clever, they would not rile him too much. Is Sage upstairs?"

"Yes," Rebekah said.

A few moments later, Freya marched back down the stairs.

"I am going out to find those two miscreants. They pushed poor Solomon down and mocked them," Freya shared. "I aim to put them both over my knee when I find them."

Rebekah winked at Elena. "Sister, do not forget the hairbrush."

Freya did not want to go back upstairs, she went into the drawer and found a wooden spoon.

"This ought to do it," Freya said firmly. She dropped the spoon into her dress pocket and stormed out.

"I would not mind seeing this," Elena said, looking expectantly at Rebekah.

"Care for a stroll, Miss Gilbert? Our homework is nearly finished," Rebekah said, getting up. She offered Elena her arm and the two followed Freya outside.

Lake

"You idiot, you threw the ball in the water," Jeremy raged.

Stefan balked, "Tis was your fault. Catch the ball and it twill not get wet."

Jeremy scowled and stomped into the water to find the ball. It floated a moment and then sunk before he could get there. He went in deeper.

"Jeremy, stop. You cannot even properly swim," Stefan shouted, but Jeremy ignored him. They had been warned many times not to play in the lake without supervision.

"Tis not deep," Jeremy fumed, wading in deeper. He did not realize there was a drop and he was suddenly in the water past his waist. "I can almost see it."
Stefan waded in behind him. There had been several lakes on their old property and Damon had taught him to swim several years ago.

"I will get it," Stefan hollered.

"No, I have it," Jeremy replied, going in deeper. Soon the water was to his shoulders and he started to panic. "Help! It tis too deep."

He soon lost his footing and was thrashing around in the water, as Stefan tried to pull him out. The football was no where to be seen.

Stefan tried to drag out Jeremy, but the mud was thick and slippery and then fell into the water. Jeremy was pulling on Stefan and he could barely catch his breath.

Soon, strong hands gripped both boys.

Rebekah and Freya each had one and yanked them out of the lake.

Elena had screamed, "Jeremy! Hold on. Stefan!"

The drenched woman came out holding the boys and deposited them on the bank of the lake. Elena rushed over as Jeremy spit out water and cried.

"Are you alright?" Elena asked.

Freya held Jeremy upright until he got his breath. Stefan was sobbing in Rebekah's arms.

"The football! It tis gone," Stefan wailed. Rebekah was incredulous.

"That is the least of your worries, young man. You two could have drowned out here," Rebekah snapped. Stefan sobbed louder.

"Let us get them back to the house and into a hot bath. Then, we will deal with them," Freya said.

"Did you lose the spoon?" Rebekah inquired.

Freya fished it out of her pocket and said, "Nay, ill tidings for them. Boys, let us go back."
Jeremy began to fuss about the ball until Freya walloped his backside twice with the spoon.

"Owwww," Jeremy wailed, trying to protect his rear.

"March," Rebekah ordered. Elena tried to take Jeremy by the hand and he shrugged her off, saying he was fine. Elena leaned over and swatted his wet backside.

Splat!

"Ahhhh, Elena, do not spank me," Jeremy whined.

Rebekah took the spoon from Freya and gave Stefan several links.

Whap! Whap! Whap!

"You two get going to the house," Rebekah said. "Or else I shall carry you!"

Splat! Splat!

Jeremy needed two more whacks from Rebekah to get going, but soon the five were walking home.

Rebekah instructed the kitchen staff to prepare baths for her and Freya and one for the boys in their bedroom. The family normally only bathed on Saturday night in preparation for church services on Sunday, but they were all dripping with mud.

Freya showed Cook the drenched spoon and he told her to keep it. They stripped the boys out of their filthy clothes and took them upstairs smacking their wet bottoms anytime they slowed and whined.

The upstairs maids would bathe the boys as Rebekah and Freya cleaned up.

"Do not dress them, Kitty," Freya said. "Or at least leave their bottoms bare as they are both in for a good spanking."

Stefan and Jeremy wailed hearing that as Kitty and another maid ushered them into their bedroom.

Freya quickly washed and changed.

"Sister, you take your time. I will take care of this," Freya offered.

Rebekah thanked her. She preferred washing in clean water that was warmed and that would take some time.
Stefan was arguing with Kitty as she tried to scrub him. Jeremy was half-heartedly soaping himself off.

"I will take over from her," Freya said, holding the spoon in her right hand. She leaned over the tub and finished washing Stefan.

"Jeremy, scrub your face, please," Freya said. She pulled Stefan out of the water and dried him with a towel. She sat on the stool and pulled him between her knees.

"You two were not very kind to Solomon. Were you?" Freya started.
Stefan eyed the spoon and dissolved into tears. "No, we made him c-cry...He wanted to play with u-us but he c-cannot c-catch very well."

Freya said, "Then, you must help him practice. He is a bit younger than you and not used to games like that. Stefan, did Damon mock you when you were learning things?"

Stefan cried harder, "Nay, never. But we lost our ball now...We will not even be able to play."

"I should think you ought to be restricted to your room until we sort this out. I believe I heard Niklaus warn you away from that lake, did he not?" Freya asked.

Stefan nodded and looked back at Jeremy, saying, "I told him not to go in!"

Freya looked at Jeremy, "We will deal with this. But I want you both to apologize to Solomon when Sage brings him up. He has just recently been separated from his mother. He looks to you both as friends. Can you not be kind? Treat him as you wish to be treated?"
Stefan choked back a sob, "I am s-sorry. I will t-tell him."
"Good. Now, lean over my knee," Freya said. She put the towel over her left thigh as Stefan reluctantly obeyed. She adjusted his chubby, wet backside a moment before starting the spanking.

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

Freya popped Stefan's left cheek firmly with the flat head of the wooden spoon, leaving red blotches. She shifted to the right side and gave him another set of five licks.

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

After that, Freya concentrated on turning the rest of his wiggling backside pink.

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

After ten more licks, she helped Stefan back up and grasped his hands.
"I mean it, young man. No more disobeying and going to the lake or bullying Solomon. He was very hurt. I am going to give you some time to think in the corner while I spank Jeremy. You should think about your apology," Freya said. She put Stefan's night dress on him and led him over to the corner. "Hands at your side. I know your bottom hurts but you are not to rub it lest I spank you again. In truth, you may be in for another bottom warming from Sage. Or even your brother when he hears of this."

Stefan sobbed and stood in the corner, weeping into his hands.

Jeremy let Freya help him rinse and step out of the tub carefully. She dried his back and hair and then leaned him over still standing.

Smack! Smack!

Smack! Smack!

She popped the center of his bottom with her hand.

"Now, you were so concerned about that football, what of your life?" Freya said, looking him in the eye. "How would your sister feel if something happened to you?"

Jeremy broke down in tears again. "I a-am s-sorry. I just wanted the football."

"Jeremy, you cannot alway have your way. And you were very mean to Solomon. Now, I want you over my lap. I intend to make sure you do not repeat this folly," Freya said in determination.

Jeremy let Freya tip him completely over her lap so that his hands were resting on the floor. "And do not move those hands."

Freya found her spoon and began to whack Jeremy's wet bottom with stinging cracks. He immediately began to kick and try to squirm away. She held his hip with her left hand and continued spanking.

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

Jeremy let out a howl and raised his head as he tried to swim off Freya's lap.

"A bit more," Freya said, almost losing him for a moment.

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat! Splat!

"Now, I expect you to apologize to Solomon also," Freya said. She put the spoon aside. Jeremy's backside was red and splotchy. "But this is for almost dying for a football."

Freya used the flat of her hand to swat Jeremy's sit spots and then concentrated on the center of his smarting rear for ten more spanks.

"Awwwwww," Jeremy bellowed as he kicked and wiggled.

Smack! Smack!

Smack! Smack!

"Ohhhh, it h-hurts!" Jeremy went on, but Freya kept smacking.

Smack! Smack!

Smack! Smack!

Smack! Smack!

She felt him go limp and relax over her knee.

"Honey, you really scared us. What if we had not been coming to look for you?" Freya pressed, sickened by the thought.

Jeremy sniffed and said, "I do not know...I am s-sorrry. Please, no m-more!"

Freya let him up and then brought him into a close embrace. Jeremy soaked up the attention and tried to stop crying.

"Hush, you need to get dressed and do your corner time. Solomon will be in here soon and I fear what your sister has to say," Freya said, softening her words with a kiss to the boy's damp head. Freya got him dressed and pointed to the opposite corner. She did see him sneak in a few rubs, but she knew she spanked him harder than Stefan.

Freya went to the corner and told Stefan he could turn around. He rushed into her arms and cried a little more.

"Alright, I want you to get into bed. We have supper in a bit," Freya said, almost forgetting that they had not eaten.

"But we are in our night clothes, everyone will know we got spanked," Stefan whined.

"But you are alive. You shall make your amends and then we shall say no more of it. Rest your eyes, child,' Freya said. There was a knocking at the door and Damon burst in.

Freya assured him that the boys were fine. Elena came in. Freya released Jeremy from the corner and let the siblings have some time to talk. As Freya took her spoon, she saw Damon rocking Stefan in his arms on the bed. And Elena crying and scolding Jeremy while hugging him.

For tonight, no one was harmed and all was well. But Freya feared the coming days, if only everything could be so easily solved, Freya thought.