Chapter 13

Ja suurta tahtoo saavuttaa
And wants to achieve great things

It was colder in Vienna than he had expected but not as cold as in northern Europe. The weather was frequently overcast but it consistently stayed lighter than at home, which made him scowl at the injustice of it all. The weather here was consistently more pleasant than at his home. There were no thunderstorms either which was a nice change to his normal winters.

The coming of winter had heralded the proper beginning of the actual work – why he had expected Austria to get to work immediately he couldn't fathom, he should have seen the endless string of concerts coming from miles away – and the beginning of the actual headaches. Russia had been intent since the very beginning to get Poland's lands for himself while Prussia was just as intent on getting Saxony. And they had a deal to help each other achieve their goals. It was a fine old mess Europe had turned into after that Frog became big-headed, not that he had expected any different. It was all he and the other Nations and their rulers could do to keep Russia contained outside central Europe.

They didn't need another Empire fighting for the limited landmass in Europe, less of all a Slav like Russia.

England let his gaze sweep over the private meeting room, ignoring his colleagues and exchanging a look with Lord Castlereagh who was slowly stirring a spoon in his tea. The Island Nation himself wished for another cup but at this point it would only be putting the actual decision making off. France was examining his nails in a subdued manner while his human representative Talleyrand kept flicking through the pile of papers before him. Austria and Metternicht were in a deep discussion near the window, with both of them looking rather concerned about the situation. Considering they had been the ones to call this meeting it was no surprise.

Finally England gave a frustrated sigh. "We just need to somehow break Russia's and Prussia's alliance and restrict Russia's influence in Europe, right?"

The others glanced at him and Austria nodded and took off his glasses, "That's right," he said, cleaning them carefully with a white, lace-edged handkerchief. "Prussia's insufferable as he is and having him allied with Russia certainly wouldn't help the situation. And fact is, we do not need Russia to push any further into Europe."

Austria was understandably the most concerned about this new alliance, he shared a border with both of them and giving in to their demands would lengthen that shared border even more, which obviously wasn't a desirable outcome. Prussia was generally regarded as someone who was more bloodthirsty than Nations normally were and while Russia was pleasant and smiled a lot, he could scare most Nations within an inch of their lives if he tried. And sometimes even if he didn't try.

France only nodded briskly in agreement – a wise decision from as far as England was concerned; the Napoleon debacle couldn't be swept under the rug that easily. Both he and Talleyrand were present only because it broke the deadlock the Big Four were currently in. Slimy frog.

Metternicht grunted in agreement as well. As far as England was aware, the man had almost ended up in a duel with Tsar Alexander due to disagreements about Poland and had refused to see Russia's ruler since. At least the actual politicians from Russia were being somewhat reasonable. And then there were Prussia's demands to contend with as well, not to mention the general unrest still prevalent throughout Europe. Austria and Metternicht seemed to have an uncommon amount of trouble with the whole Congress, which just made him thankful that he wasn't the one hosting it. It was more trouble than it was worth, really.

"But there's really nothing we can promise them in exchange," Lord Castlereagh pointed out briskly as he set down his teaspoon. "Our choices are very slim."

"Please don't remind me," Austria huffed. "Does anyone have anything constructive to offer?"

Talleyrand and France exchanged meaningful looks and England found himself straightening in his seat, eyes narrowed. France cleared his throat, bringing the other three's eyes on himself as well, "We could form a Secret Defence Alliance, " he offered, his voice a bit raspy.

England frowned suspiciously but Austria looked intrigued. "What would you propose?"

France shrugged nervously and loosened his cravat. "Just an agreement to help each other against Prussia and Russia if they were to do anything untoward. I would be the next in line after you, Austria," he added, "And Angleterre after I."

Lord Castlereagh tapped his pen against the pile of papers before him and England glanced at the man who first looked meaningfully at Austria, then at France before frowning. England reached out inconspicuously for his teacup, turning it just a bit clockwise. Message received.

He cleared his throat, meeting the gazes of the two other Nations. "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't trust the frog as far as a bulldog can kick him," which was not very far, they weren't really built to kick anything at all, "and if something were to happen to Austria –"

"Are you implying the Royaume de France is untrustworthy?" Talleyrand interrupted sharply, looking ready to pull out his pistol on the Island Nation.

Lord Castlereagh scoffed and poured himself and his Nation new cups of tea. "France and England have fought numerous wars between each other –"

"Twenty-two by my last count," England offered wryly.

"– and expecting us to trust you is a bit much to ask in my humble opinion," the Lord finished firmly.

Austria gave a long-suffering sigh as the English and French human representatives glared at each other, "What do you propose then, England?"

"An Accession," the Island Nation answered, "taking other Nations with the same concerns into the treaty."

"Sounds reasonable, that would offer all of us some added security," Metternicht hurried to agree, probably eager to get out of the meeting. "Is this fine with you?" he asked looking at the French delegation who, after a moment's consideration, nodded.

"Hanover will join in," England said without preamble. He was in a personal union with the German State so there really was no need to ask her.

"I can talk Bavaria into it," Austria offered somewhat hesitantly.

"Sardinia said she'll never let me or anyone else take her lands from her," France offered reluctantly. "She could have potential as a member."

Lord Castlereagh had been observing the small map of Europe mixed along his papers. "What do you say we unite the western shores? We would only be missing Netherlands."

'One extra Nation between me and the potential threat,' England mused, pretending to think about it. "Sounds like a plan."

Finland didn't get to attend many meetings during the Congress but from what he gathered, between the parties and the splendour, others did gather in groups of four or so. Both humans and Nations kept their meeting small and private, except when there was something so important everyone's presence was required.

The Congress hall was considerably quieter with Prussia, England and France gone; the latter had somehow managed to give the slip to his German guards after the news of Napoleon's escape from Elba had reached them. Why he had done so, Finland couldn't fathom; the talks had been going relatively well for the Frenchman, as had all the socialising that seemed to play a larger role than actual talks in this 'Congress.'

And even more bafflingly, one of the Italian Nations had sneaked out after him but he didn't think anyone had noticed. There were so many Germans and Italians in attendance it was no wonder their disappearances were not noticed.

And Prussia, always eager for a fight, had taken off after him to call his men to arms, cackling all the while. England on the other hand, had left simply for the chance to beat France up again without anyone telling him to behave civilly, leaving his human representative standing to the side, looking quite baffled about the whole thing. Netherlands had given a put upon a sigh and told to the room at large that he was going too, to 'make sure those two don't destroy everything.'

That had left the others with the duty of compiling the last of the treaties and to finalise the new map of Europe.

Austria gave an annoyed huff and turned to regard the main table, which was now considerably emptier than it had been just moments previous. "Shall we get to work?" he asked blandly. "Or is someone else going to go haring off after those idiots?"

No answer was forthcoming as some Nations eyed each other warily. Just now they had lost three of the Great Powers who were basically controlling the talks, leaving Austria and Russia as the most powerful Nations in the room.

Finland had no trouble sensing others' unease but he himself felt fairly confident. He was fine with how things were and this was merely a formality as far as his lands were concerned anyway.

And thus several days later when the time came to sign the so-termed Final Act – on June 9 1815 – the Nations were once again gathered in the Grand Hall, to watch the main signatories. The rest of them – those who were most affected by the treaties this Act finally ratified to full effect – could only stand to the side and watch as their lives were decided for them. Their only duty, after the treaty was signed, would be to draw their borders and mark their lands on the huge map of Europe that had already been spread out on another table, standing a bit to the side. For some that would be like signing their death sentence. Finland preferred not to think about it; he had more freedom than in the past and with time he would gain more. For now he would bow his head and gain strength, confidence and experience in running a country small scale, until the time came for him to break away from Russia.

Because sooner or later that would happen, he was sure of it.

For now the Empire was turning out to be a friend of sorts to him but the relations between Nations were fickle. Where he and Sweden had once been thick as thieves, they now regarded each other with certain disdain and communicated only when necessary. Just as recently Russia had been classed as his arch-nemesis but now they were getting along and respected each other.

The main treaty was signed by Austria, whose violet eyes remained emotionless, Russia, who was smiling slightly, Portugal, who didn't seem all that bothered, Sweden, his gaze stony and his posture stiff, Norway – having entered into a constitutional monarchy with Sweden and was thus entitled to a signature, no matter how small – stepped up next, seeming resentful behind his usual mask of indifference.

With three of the main signatories absent, their stand-ins were called up next; Ireland, who had been called to take the place of England, looking generally annoyed by the whole matter; the French Region of Vendée, signing in place of absent France – who would without a doubt fall back in line with the treaty the moment he was beat up – and finally Brandenburg in Prussia's stead, looking rather bored and annoyed by the situation as a whole. Finland was relatively certain he heard her muttering something about Prussia being an idiot, hardly a rare opinion.

Spain, in spite of being among those who really should have signed the Act, declined with a shake of his head, stepping away from the pen offered to him. Austria frowned darkly at his old ally but relented, turning to address the hall as a whole.

"Now, the map," he said calmly.

They moved to the other table, gazing down at the mostly empty map, only marred by coastlines, lakes and rivers. Not even towns and cities were named on it. "I thought it would be more practical to redraw it from scratch than trying to fit the new borders in-between all the old ones," Austria explained, setting up the ink and pen beside the large paper.

Russia was nodding in agreement. "Да, makes sense. Much easier to understand without all the old scribbles," a slight smile twisted his lips. "Some even still show our friend Poland," his eyes flickered to the lesser Nation standing small ways away. The Duchy of Warsaw's green eyes flashed darkly as he crossed his arms and turned away with a huff.

The other lesser Nations – even if none of them wanted to think of themselves as that – stepped forward, some of them looking uncomfortable and staring at the map as if it was a viper waiting to strike. Silence hung heavy in the air as they looked carefully at each other, as if wondering who would sign their future away first. After a moment Finland sighed, holding out his hand for the pen, which Austria handed to him with a raised eyebrow.

"I can start," he said calmly, walking carefully around the table so he could reach the northernmost parts of Europe.

With a sure and steady stroke of the pen he drew a thick line in the Baltic Sea, separating Åland from Sweden, before reaching further north to follow the rivers already agreed upon in the Treaty of Fredrikshamn. The border between him and Norway was a bit uncertain in places and not clearly defined all the way through. That would need to be agreed upon soon, even if only Sapmí travelled there. The border between his and Russia's lands was thinner but clearly defined and his pen didn't hesitate even for a moment as he drew the squiggly line all the way down to the Gulf of Finland, near St. Petersburg. For a moment he stared at his borders, before signing his name across the landmass in Finnish, Swedish, Russian – taking a moment longer to think through the Cyrillic alphabet – and finally French for the sake of clarity. He placed the pen calmly aside and stepped back, regarding the other Nations as if this was a usual occurrence and he had done nothing more unusual than feed his horse.

Finally, slowly, one by one every one of the Nations took a up the pen, filling in their own part of the map; Poland, looking enraged at being handed over to Russia like a smelly sock, the countless German Nations filling their names in under the German Confederation, those of them who were not called to fill in their names looking worried and some even resigned, for only a fraction of them would live to see the dawn of the next century. None of the Nations would say it though, the world was cruel and the passing years waited for no one.

The child-faced German Confederation – with his feverish blue eyes and sweat-soaked blond hair and whose shaking hand was supported by Austria circled the large landmass encompassing most of Middle Europe; the Italian Nations dividing their peninsula first amongst themselves before bowing under the ruling of others – the distracted looking former Kingdom of Italy shooting quick glances at the young Confederation – with the head of the Papal States seeming a bit annoyed at some loss of territory; Switzerland noting his own entirely neutral territory down quite smugly.

The procession of Nations was long and Finland was left sitting to the side, somewhat bored by the whole affair. There was probably a huge pile of paperwork waiting for him at home, which he didn't look forward to doing at all. Although Russia's pile was probably larger and as Finland would most certainly be adding some of his own to it after first looking through them himself… Maybe he would just do his paperwork without complaint, the amount was bound to be reasonably small compared to a larger Nation's corresponding one.

"You're looking content," came an annoyed observation and Finland glanced towards the voice, meeting Poland's dark green eyes.

The Finn shrugged slightly. "My situation's actually better than it used to be," he answered. "Of course I'm content."

Poland, the Duchy of Warsaw, scoffed and dropped surprisingly gracefully down onto the chair beside him, glaring at Russia's direction – who didn't seem to notice. "Well some of us have always been, like, second class," he said mockingly.

Finland's eyes narrowed darkly as he shot glare at the Pole. "Oh? Is that so? Let me welcome you among us second class Nations then," he said mock-courteously, "I hope your stay will be long and most enjoyable."

If looks could kill Finland was reasonably sure he would have just died very painfully. Although by all rights he should have died of Sweden's looks a long time ago. He leant closer to Poland, lowering his voice. "And if nothing else, it does prove that what goes up, will eventually come down. For me," a grin stretched across his lips, "the only way now is up."

The grey trail of smoke seemed to disappear as it rose towards the sky in the faint morning light. There was a faint scent of wet grass he could just barely make out through the smell of tobacco and the slight wind felt pleasantly fresh on his face. He inhaled the smoke from his pipe deeply, gazing across the fields towards the ridge separating them from the French forces under the command of Napoleon. It seemed the smeerlap had decided to wait until both the fields and roads dried a bit from previous night's rain. He wasn't complaining, he didn't particularly want to fight knee-deep in mulch either.

Netherlands frowned slightly, emptying his pipe with a sharp tap against his thigh, grinding the still softly smouldering tobacco leaves into the ground, putting them out. While the foliage was still too wet to catch fire, he preferred being careful. Especially because he knew Belgium would throw a hissy fit if he accidentally set fire to her field.

"You're up early," England observed dryly, walking up to him, his thick eyebrows drawn down into a sharp frown as he glared south.

"Like you're one to talk," Netherlands grunted. England had been up since two or three in the morning, sending scathing letters to Prussia. Netherlands had to wonder why the Empire even bothered; it wasn't like Prussia was very likely to listen, being 'awesome' and all.

England ignored his comment (that actually happened to him quite often…). "Any sign of France?"

Netherlands rolled his eyes and shook his head, digging his tobacco pouch from his pocket. He so couldn't deal with this mess without a smoke to calm him. At this rate he would run out before this battle even started and that would be a very bad thing as he knew from experience.

"Do you have anything else to mention about the area?" England asked then, only now turning to regard his ally seriously.

Netherlands filled his pipe slowly, trying to buy time as he wracked his brain for anything at all. Sure, Waterloo was his land in name but if he was entirely honest, he didn't feel much of a connection to the land itself. His sister's influence here was stronger.

"Nothing in particular," he finally answered. "The scouts would have already notified us and the commanders if there was something I don't remember. As long as we can keep France off-balance we should be fine."

England gave a savage grin. "Indeed, and I so enjoy keeping the frog off-balance."

"Remember you can't just go and kill him," Netherlands admonished the Island Empire shrewdly. "Even if he'd heal quick, you know how annoying it's to drag a should-be decomposing corpse around with you, especially if it's dropping entrails and limbs all along the road."

England sighed. "Pity, I was looking forward to dragging him along the ground behind my horse for the entire trip back to Vienna."

"And I thought we all got over the Middle Ages," Netherlands muttered dryly and lit his pipe, following after England back towards their temporary lodgings as the other cackled in a sinister manner.

Finland wasn't entirely certain how he ended up as a babysitter.

Okay, that was a lie but the situation baffled him nonetheless. There were several more likely choices for this but for some reason he had been chosen. Finland suspected neither Austria nor Prussia trusted the other German States to look after the young Confederation, whose very existence would eventually result in the death of some of his brothers. And Russia probably preferred to know where Finland was instead of having the Grand Principality wandering around the French capital.

And there was no way he was going anywhere with little Germany who seemed to have constant troubles walking. He had been getting a bit better since the Confederation had been officially formed before the Final Act had been signed in Vienna, but not by much. Ineffective system and just as ineffective politics with barely any patriotic feelings from the people did that to you.

He looked up from his book and shot a quick glance to sleeping child Nation. He was curled up on the royal purple divan under Finland's own suit jacket, still shivering. Finland gave a sigh but didn't move. There was nothing he could do.

He returned to his book, shutting the slight shifting sounds decisively from his mind.

He was still a bit sour about the fact that while he had been present in Vienna, he hadn't actually taken part in any of the talks or decisions. He had just sat aside in the concerts and meetings, listening and never saying anything. And now, instead of returning to Finland straight from the Congress, the Emperor had decided to come to Paris instead – which basically meant all the Nations who were part of his entourage had to come too, including Finland – apparently to ensure France wouldn't keep causing uproars. The Hundred Days had been enough of a headache to everyone involved even if England and Prussia both absolutely loved rubbing France's loss at Waterloo to his face.

And now Russia, Prussia and Austria were finalising their plans in case of another revolution. They called it the 'Holy Alliance' because it would be signed by the representatives of the three sects of Christianity; the Orthodox Russia, the Catholic Austria and the Protestant Prussia.

The Papal States of course thought that the whole thing was most unholy and lamented about how Prussia used to be such a good Christian. From what Finland had gathered from the whispers, some Nations were very supportive of the treaty while others, such as apparently England, were against it.

Finland personally didn't really care one way or the other, someone would always be unhappy anyway.

Like he for example, he wanted to just go home already, he had been away for over a year already. He wanted to know what was going on at home. Sure, he could ascertain some things through his very self but it didn't feel like there were that many things to ascertain in the first place. He had occasional headaches and slight flus, which he was pretty sure were because of his economy but he couldn't tell any more than that.

The thing was, it didn't really feel like anything had changed at all. Not in the year he had been gone, not since his separation from Sweden. And while that had been kind of the point of the autonomic position in the first place it didn't mean he wanted to stagnate. Because stagnation happened when you grew too used to how things were and didn't strive to evolve. It had happened with Sweden's Empire and Finland was sure it would happen to him if he just played Russia's wingman like he had used to do for Sweden.

He let out a quiet sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. It didn't really help but a slight sound of fluttering feathers and a cold shiver distracted him from the ache.

"Don't bother hiding in the doorway, Russia," he remarked without opening his eyes, "it's unbecoming of you."

A slight chuckle and firm steps on the floor answered him. "I really wish I could figure out how you can tell it's me every time."

Finland smirked slightly and looked up at his Empire. "It's a sec-ret, Veli-Venäjä."

The taller Nation rolled his eyes in amused exasperation, both at the answer and the name. Finland had taken to calling the other 'Brother Russia' and his only explanation had been that he liked alliteration, which Russia had no trouble believing, he had heard old Finnish poems. His gaze flickered to the small Nation on the sofa, taking in the sweating forehead.

"No change?" he asked.

His vassal simply shook his head. "I don't think there will be any change unless Prussia and Austria completely reorganize German States," he said, "the kid's really weak."

Russia tilted his head to the side as he looked down at the child. Finland was pretty sure the Empire agreed with his assessment, anyone could see the kid wasn't doing particularly well. The Grand Principality had never even sensed the Confederation's luonto. It either didn't exist or was so weak it couldn't be detected, neither of which would particularly surprise Finland.

Russia hmm'ed and turned back to Finland with a bright smile on his face. "Well, it really isn't any of my business," he remarked cheerfully, "How do you feel about going home?"

Finland shut his book with a thump and stood up with a grin. "As soon as possible, please."

The Empire laughed patting his shoulder and leading him towards the door, not paying any mind to the child remaining behind. Prussia and Austria would probably show up soon with Russia having already left their meeting. "Let's go pack our bags and head north."

"Yes, sir."

A/N:
Chapter title: a line from the Finnish song Suomen kohtalo (Fin. The Destiny of Finland) original words by Zacharias Topelius.
Napoleon's One Hundred Days lasted from March to July in 1815, the famed Battle of Waterloo taking place in June 18.
smeerlap (NL.): pervert.
luonto (Fin.): nature, literally nature, as well as the nature of a person. It's also one of the aspects of a soul according to Finnish mythology.

And that's a wrap.

Afterword

As I mentioned before, this was supposed to be a truly epic length fic showcasing Finnish history. However I haven't written any more for it in years and at this point I can't concentrate on it enough to read and edit it, much less write more. So in the interest of actually putting what I do have out here, I've decided to let this fic go and publish it as it is. It works relatively well as a narrative and a turning point in a country's history with the years it ended up as, without forgetting several random peeks at what's going on elsewhere.

I've got into the university to study history since the time I wrote this quite a few years ago. I feel like, if nothing else, this helped me with research and perseverance to pursue research and sources. I might write random bits of Hetalia in the future but before that I have several other projects that have been unfinished just as long and they cannot be published in their gutted form like this can. Hope you check those out, if I ever get around to publishing them.

Thank you to all the readers, I hope some of you enjoyed my overambitious, if unfinished, project and my take on Finland.