Chapter One: 984-985 A.D.

"…Are you, are you
Coming to the tree?
Where they strung up a man they say murdered three
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree…"

~ "The Hanging Tree" – James Newton Howard ft. Jennifer Lawrence

New World…

January 15, 984 A.D.

"This is wrong," Esther hissed between her teeth as they stood in the center of the village and listened to the head council man, Erik Hernikson, proclaim a sixteen year old boy guilty of the murders of three men. Elijah curled his hand around his mother's wrist to prevent her from interfering. He knew what the penalty was if one interfered with council trials. Only last summer had a woman interfered to beg for her daughter's life and she'd been nearly beaten to death by her husband for the scene she had caused. The council's decision had been made and there was nothing that could be done.

Their village had a system and that system relied upon nine men to decide whether or not a person was innocent or guilty of the crime that they had been accused of. If a person was found guilty of the crime, they were led to their hanging by their most immediate family. The person leading the guilty person would remove their shoes and clothing until they were only in a shift and nothing else. They would walk a stone path where the sharp rocks would cut the bottom of their feet. It was believe that the blood that was wrongfully was taken and put it back into the earth to bring balance back to nature. The whole village would follow and sing along with whatever song the victimized family chose to sing. Some did not even sing, but instead they wept or spat foul words at the guilty person. At the end of the path, the person would be hung and everyone would walk to the village except for the family of the guilty party who would wait until everyone had returned before they left.

The trial that was happening was something everyone disagreed up. The outcome was to be given for a trial no one believed should have taken place. Three men had died, but most of the village believed that it was an accident except the council leader who was using the opportunity to abuse his power. Erik Henrikson was power hungry and Elijah pitied the young man who took the news of his life's ending without crying. The only person who wept or made a sound was his six year old sister, Anya. The child was the only family that the young man had. The family had been killed by the werewolves and the siblings had refused to be separated. Elijah could still remember burning the bodies of the two older brothers that he'd been friends with. Klaus had burned the mother and Finn had taken care of the two youngest children. That afternoon had been the saddest of his life as he'd watched Erik's daughter prevent Anya from interfering with the burial.

Elijah tightened his grip on his mother and he saw Finn move towards them in case Esther had to be restrained. The sixteen year old boy was quickly stripped of his clothes and his feet were left bare. Snow began to light fall as two armed men guided him to the beginning of the path where the sharp rocks that would collect the blood that was owed. All eyes were on Anya and she looked like she would faint. Elijah pitied the girl and wondered if she'd survive the stone path alone or even knew what she had to do.

"I won't let her do this alone. She's as innocent as her brother."

Elijah turned to see Althea, daughter of Erik Henrikson, step forward as the silent crowd watched. He barely knew the seventeen year old girl, but he could only imagine what Erik would do to her for her helping Anya. She was two years younger than Rebekah and he didn't know if they were friends or not. According to her father, Althea was far too opinionated for a girl and he'd nearly beaten her to death for disagreeing with him once. Esther had helped the girl afterwards, but Elijah knew very little about her. He dropped his mother's hand as Althea turned to him. Elijah could see fear in her eyes as pulled the hood down of her fur lined cloak.

"We will keep it safe," Esther told her softly as Althea handed it to him. She looked scared, but Elijah watched her turn around and walk slowly towards where Anya stood in the center by herself. The little girl's eyes went wide upon seeing who was walking towards her. Elijah watched as the young woman kneeled before the girl and spoke to her. The icy wind blew and he could imagine how cold both girls were. No one could hear what Althea said, but Anya nodded and turned around. As was custom, Anya's dress was take off and she wore only her shift. Althea unbraided the girls with care and the small ribbon that had been braided into Anya's hair was given over to Mikael, who had stepped forward to take the possession as was custom. Her tiny shoes were also given over as Althea kneeled for Anya.

She let the young girl undo the laces that had held her dress together. Standing, Althea slipped it from her body as her father looked on with fury evident in his eyes. She stepped out of the dress and handed it over to Mikael as well. She surrendered her shoes like Anya had and took off the small necklace and ring she'd been wearing. Kneeling again, Althea let Anya take out the ribbons and small comb that had kept her long, honey colored hair pulled back. Curls fell down her back and she stood up. Watching, Elijah stopped himself from going forward and aiding Althea when her father struck her down to the ground after she had handed over the last of her possessions to Mikael. Blood ran from her split lip, but she picked herself up from the ground.

She took Anya's hand and the girl squeezed it tight. Together they walked towards Anya's brother where the siblings' final goodbyes were traded. Anya's brother said something to Althea and she only nodded before red paint was brought forward. Custom dictated that the young man's hands would be dipped in the red paint to show that he had spilt innocent blood. Anya painted her brother's hand under Althea's gentle guidance.

Esther walked slowly towards the two girls as did many others. Custom dictated that the whole village witnessed the execution. The victimized family would choice the song to sing, but Elijah was sure that tradition was about to be broken as Althea looked down at Anya. Night was coming and torches gave light to the stone pathway as the boundary that the villagers could not pass over as they walked towards the site of the execution.

"Are you, are you, coming to the tree?" Althea sang out clearly as she took Anya's hand again, "They strung up a man they say who murdered three. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

Both girls stepped onto the path leading Anya's brother to his death and the villagers began to walk with them on the safe sides of the path.

"Are you, are coming to the tree? Where dead man called out for his love to flee," Althea sang as Anya winced when the rocks cut her feet. "Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if met at midnight in the hanging tree."

Elijah watched her as he and Esther walked side by side. Althea hardly winced as the rocks cut the bottom of her feet and she barely showed signs that the frigid winds were affecting her. He could see Anya trying to emulate Althea's courage for herself and her brother, but the little girl was failing.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree? Where I told you to run, so we'd both be free," Althea and Anya sang out together. "Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

Esther squeezed his hand as they both watched the girls' feet become bloody.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree? Wear a necklace of hope, side by side with me," Althea sang out as she looked over at him. "Strange thing did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree. Are you, are you coming to the tree? Where I told you to run so we'd both be free. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

His dark eyes met hers icy blue ones as other joined in singing the song.

"Are you, are coming to the tree? They strung up a man they say who murdered three. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

Elijah felt his own voice coming alive as he watched Althea sing out with Anya at her side, "Are you, are you coming to the tree? Where dead man called out for his love to flee. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be at midnight in the hanging tree. Are you, are you coming to the tree? Where I told you to run so we'd both be free. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we midnight in the hanging tree. Are you, are you coming to the tree? Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree. Are you, are you coming to the tree? Where I told you to run so we'd both be free. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the midnight tree."

They approached the very tree that they'd been singing about and many voices died away. Two men came forward and took Anya's brother. A cover was put over his head and rope was thrown over a branch. Elijah watched as Anya closed her eyes tightly. Althea kneeled and turned the girl away from the sight. She never stopped singing as Anya hugged her tightly. Raising her hands, Althea covered Anya's ears as a stump was placed for the young man to stand on. Lifted on, the noose was placed around the young man's neck.

Elijah understood in that moment that Althea was protecting Anya from the sound of her brother's neck snapping or him choking to death. He continued to sing as his brothers joined in. Many others joined back in singing as Erik told the young man exactly what he was guilty of doing. The leader of the council voice was drowned out by the many people singing with Althea and Anya.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree?" Althea sang as the log of wood was removed and Anya's brother hung. "They strung up a man they say who murdered three. Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

A week later…

January 22, 984 A.D.

It was nearly a week later that Elijah saw Althea. She was struggling to do washing in the river and it was obvious that she was taking on far more than she could do on her own. He was supposed to meet Tatia, but the sight of the young woman struggling just to pick up the woven basket containing several tunics brought a wave of pity. Going to her and picking up the basket before she could, he gazed into her blue eyes. Tear tracks stained her cheeks and a bluish-purple bruised told him all he needed to know about how Erik treated his daughter. Many viewed Althea as a compassionate, brave young woman, but she had humiliated Erik by undermining his authority in the village. Everyone knew that she had done the right thing. She had showed Anya compassion and had carried herself with a grace that many could not emulate. However, Erik Henrikson was like Mikael. Both men had their pride and Althea had hurt Erik's pride and she was paying a dear price for it. Kol had called her foolish for bruising that pride, but Elijah admired her bravery in daring to care for another regardless of the personal cost.

"Elijah," she breathed with surprise.

"Are you for home?" he asked her as he watched her closely. From the way she held herself, he knew that the damage Erik had done was worse than just a bruised cheek.

"Your home," Althea said softly, "I've been…ordered to do chores all day. It's my punishment for stepping out with Anya. My father has arranged for me to do all the chores for my home and yours. I have to carry that back. If he sees you carrying that…"

"I'll carry it and give it back to you before we reach the village. Is that fair?" Elijah offered and hoped she'd say yes. He had no desire to watch her struggle to carry the woven basket by herself knowing that she'd washed their clothes. Althea looked over her shoulder to the smoke in the distance. She looked fearful, but she turned back to him and nodded.

"Just until we're over the ridge," she murmured as she gathered the small leather pouch that contained some animal fat soap. Elijah easily lifted the basket onto his shoulder and let Althea lead the way. She pulled up the hood of her cloak and Elijah could see that the cloak was not the beautiful fur one she always wore. This one was thin and made of rough fabric that had many holes.

"What happened to the other cloak?" he asked before he could stop himself. "What happened to the one you gave me?"

"My father is keeping it in a trunk along with all my other clothing," Althea told him as she walked beside him. "He deems me unworthy to wear such comfortable clothing. He claims I do not appreciate such generous gifts."

Elijah looked down at her and he could see the determination in her eyes. It was obvious that she was in pain, but she would never admit such a thing to him. Her own pride would not allow her to do it.

"Do you regret what you did?" Elijah asked her as he came to a stop. Althea continued walking towards the ridge, but stopped a few paces ahead. She turned around and looked at him with such fierce look of defiance on her face that he was taken aback.

"No," she said in a strong voice. "I am proud that I was able to help Anya. A family has already taken her in and I can say with peace that I am happy that she has not suffered great agony over her brother's wrongful death. Hearing the relief in her voice when she thanked me for coming to her makes any punishment my father can give me worthwhile. He can break my body and hurt my flesh, but he cannot change what I did and that is all that matters."

Her words brought a smile to Elijah's face. He couldn't understand how Althea managed to be such a complex creature. She could be brave and strong and still be fearful and scared as bunny all at the same time. She could carry herself with grace even though bruises marked her delicate snow white skin. He had never met a more confusing person and yet, a small part of her intrigued him. She had layers and dimension to her that not many girls had. She was unafraid to act for the benefit of others regardless of the consequences. It was a trait that Elijah could easily admire.

"Not many would have done what you did," he told her quietly as he walked towards her. "It took courage to do what you did. That is something to be admired considering that there are many men who do not possess half the courage that you do."

"It was not courage that made me do what I did," Althea said looking down at her hands. "What my father did…Anya's brother threatened my father's power with knowledge of some kind and Erik had been looking for a reason to hurt that young man. It was not courage that made me help Anya. It was guilt, Elijah. I should have done something more to stop my father from hurting Anya's brother before that. He was innocent and we all knew it! Yet, he is now dead and his sister will bear his supposed shame for years to come. How is any of this brave?"

Elijah couldn't stop himself from reaching out and pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. He let the soft, silky lock fall between his fingers.

"What you did might have come from guilt, but it took great amounts of courage. Not many could live with Erik and not break under his iron will. What you did for Anya was kind and compassion is a gift that is in constant shortage, Althea. Do not let your gift of compassion ever leave you. It would be like the North Star being snuffed out in the sky. Who would guide us lost souls home in the darkness?"

A blush came to her cheeks and she looked off into the distance with a soft smile on her lips. She turned to speak, but the sight of Kol racing towards them and yelling Althea's name stopped her.

"My mother is looking for you," Kol panted as he stopped before them. "She wants to know where her wash has gone. I told her you'd probably run off with it to flee Erik."

A panicked look crossed Althea's face as she looked at the woven basket, but Elijah began walking.

"We had a deal," he called to her. "That deal is also null and void. Come on! She probably has noon meal ready!"

Althea took off after him and demanded to know why their deal was off. Elijah laughed as she stopped in front of him and tried to jump and reach the woven basket on his shoulder. The truth was that she was very pretty, but height was not an attribute she possessed. Calling to Kol, Elijah laughed as his brother gently tossed Althea over his shoulder. She protested to such treatment, but Kol simply assured her that she deserved a few minutes off her feet before their mother came up with another chore that needed to be completed to spare her from going home to Erik.

Esther watched with keen interest as Elijah carried the woven basket with clothes into their home. Kol followed him inside with a playful smile, "I found her with Elijah by the river. Plotting and planning a meeting in the dark."

Althea managed to extract herself from Kol and smiled at Esther. The older woman quickly bid for Althea to come and sit before the fire. Esther sent Kol away with orders to find Finn and Klaus for the midday meal. Esther knew that there was only one son she could trust to be honorable towards Althea and not speak a word of what he'd seen.

"Turn around," Esther commanded and Althea did as she was told. Elijah watched as his mother guided Althea to sit on a stool before undoing the laces on the back of her dress. Angry red and purple marks littered Althea's skin as she pulled her arms free from the dress and hugged it to her chest.

"Bring me that salve," Esther murmured as she pointed to a bowl on the table. Elijah did as he was commanded and brought the bowl to Esther. Dipping her fingers in, Esther took the salve and gently applied it to the angry marks on Althea's back.

Elijah could tell that Althea was trying not to cry out at his mother's touch. Erik was a fool to even let his daughter out of bed with the wounds she had on her back. Esther's salve might help, but forcing Althea to work and do chores was detrimental to any relief Esther could give. Elijah supposed Erik's whole plan was based on that knowledge. He was still causing his daughter pain and punishing her.

Esther applied the last of her salve and gently retried the laces on the back of Althea's dress. Loosely done, Althea slowly stood and looked faint for a moment from the pain. Elijah moved towards her in case she did fall, but Althea reached out for the table instead.

"Thank you, Esther," she murmured. "You are a gift from the beyond."

Esther merely smiled and took a small piece of bread.

"For you," his mother whispered back. "You must be starved."

Elijah watched as Althea hungrily eyed the bread, but she went pale when she looked over Esther's shoulder.

"You're not supposed to feed the girl."

Hearing Mikael's growl, Elijah turned and saw his father's anger.

"She's hungry, Mikael," Esther defended calmly. "It's just some bread. Would you have the poor girl fall over and die on the way home?"

"Erik has his rules," Mikael snapped. "He told you not to feed Althea. Give the bread back, girl!"

Althea quickly put the piece of bread back down and bobbed a curtsy, "I should be going. Thank you for your kindness, Esther."

Esther watched as Althea stole one last look at Elijah before leaving. It didn't surprise her when after the meal Elijah stole a few extra scraps of food. Esther was sure that her son thought that he was being sneaky, but it wasn't hard to tell that something had gone missing. Spying as he son wrapped some breath in cloth and grabbed a jug of water, Elijah slipped out of their home as a plan formed in Esther mind. Althea was a good match for Elijah. They were both compassionate and had good hearts. Even Althea's brave actions had impressed her husband and rarely did anything impress Mikael. Smiling to herself, Esther quickly formed a plan of exactly how she was going to get Althea betrothed to Elijah before the end of the winter season.

Six Months Later…

July 22, 984 A.D.

Althea held her breath as Ayanna placed her hand in Elijah's. She chanted words and Althea did not dare to steal a glance at him. She could feel the tension in his hand and knew that he was upset. His feelings for Tatia were not unknown to her or the village. The pair made no attempt to hide their fondness for each other and their desire to be with one another. Plenty of times she'd seen them sneak away to be with one another. Althea had wanted to follow them, but every time she'd tried they slipped out of her sight. She'd never known where they'd gone or what they'd done, but Elijah always seemed happier afterwards. There was no happiness in him this time. He squeezed her hand so hard that she suppressed a cry of pain.

His mother, Esther, and his father had been planning the union for months with the willingness of her father. Erik had been more than eager to give her away. She had long since come to the conclusion that her father hated the very sight of her just like he had hated her mother. Althea could barely remember her mother, but she remembered the lullaby that she had been sung every night. For months she had been in agony as Elijah had resisted over and over again the advance of his parents. She'd heard the yelling matches between father and son. She'd seen their tempers flare and Mikael's fists try and beat his son into submission. It had taken months, but Elijah had eventually become worn down from the fighting and agreed.

Her own father had used his own methods to force her into agreement…though she had eagerly said yes. She could not deny that she did have some affection for Elijah. He was a good man and it was not hard to like him. Handsome with dark eyes, she had quite liked the idea of marrying him, but the reality made her nervous. In her mind, it was one thing to have a silly weakness for a handsome man like most of the other girls in the village. It was an entirely different thing to marry the same man she had a silly weakness for. Whether it was his kind words or his devastating smile, Elijah made her nervous and she didn't like feeling nervous. He made her feel like a blush, bumbling twelve year old girl who didn't know how to act around the opposite sex.

The truth was that she did not love him. She could easily care for him and maybe one day she would come to love him. Erik had long since bullied her and going to Mikael's home as Elijah's wife seemed like gift from above. Erik belittled every skill she had and nearly beat her senseless after she'd tried to fight back after helping Anya during her brother's hanging. She could still feel the sting of his leather strap on her back and the pain of his forceful hits that had rained down for months after that fateful January night. Mikael and Erik were not so different and she silently prayed to whatever Gods existed that Elijah wasn't like their fathers. The creators of all things could not be so cruel to her.

Listening to Ayanna chant, Althea kept her head bowed and eyes on his bronzed hand. It didn't matter what Erik had done to her in the past. She could only have hope in Elijah's honor. He was a good man and he would keep her safe from those who would hurt her.

The celebration still continued on outside, but Althea knew what everyone waited for…the cloth that would prove that the union that existed between Elijah and herself was complete. Plenty of knowing women had gone with tradition of helping the bride before bed. Althea had been subjected to their knowing glances and a few giggles. Her dress had been removed and her body had been washed with lavender water. Expensive oils had been rubbed into her skin until her whole body hummed with calm relaxation. Her hair had been undone and left flowing down her back. Naked, Esther had come to lean her to the bed roll that she would share with Elijah. Tucked in like a child, Althea had heard the laughter and men singing of pretty virgins outside.

The night had been humiliating enough and Althea wanted nothing more than to pull the bearskin blanket over her head. One of the best traditions that the village practiced was the kissing tradition. After the couple had been married, if the groom left the bride's side, any man could kiss her. The tradition only happened on the wedding day, but it was still awful. Four times Elijah had left her side and she'd been kissed more times than she could possibly count. Kol had been the worst of the offenders and even good, moral Finn had joined in on the tradition. Althea supposed that she was most grateful that Mikael hadn't tried to kiss her or she would have probably fainted from the exertion.

Esther smiled and whispered goodnight to her before she slipped away. The thick animal hides that separated sleeping areas from other areas did very little to prevent Althea from hearing the vulgar and disgusting advice men were offering to Elijah on how to bed a virgin. Elijah was forced through the same ritual that she'd been forced through earlier in the evening, but on a much louder scale. A slave girl from the village would wash him and rub oil into his skin as

Elijah lay down on the roll next to her. Staying as still as possible, Althea closed her eyes and hoped that whatever torturous activity Elijah was about to inflict on her ended soon. She wasn't sure how long they both laid together side by side, but just as she was about to fall asleep Elijah sat up. The movement startled Althea back to wakefulness and she opened her eyes. She watched him withdraw a dagger from the small pouch near him. The blade was small, but sharp and her pulse kicked up a few moments later when he turned to her.

Without a word, Elijah pushed back the furs until she was completely bare to him. The cool air of the night prickled her skin and her nipples pebbled. Her whole body felt warm as anticipation flood through her veins. She tried to recall what the women had told her about what would happen. They had all said there would be a slight pinch, but there was also great pleasure to be had. Elijah's warm skin brushed against her and Althea held her breath for what was about to happen next.

What she hadn't expected was the dagger being dragged across the inside her thigh. She gasped as she felt the sharp sting. Looking at up Elijah whose brow was drawn in concentration, she made to move, but he pinned her down.

"They want a bloody cloth and that's what they're going to get," he muttered to her as he watched the blood trail down the inside of her thigh to the cloth beneath them. "Don't move."

Tears of frustration and utter humiliation pricked in the back of her eyes as she lay still beneath Elijah. She could feel his skin against hers as he shifted his weight to support himself. The same feeling of warmth spread through her body, but it was left unfulfilled. After a few minutes, Elijah grabbed a small scrap of cloth and pressed it into her hand before he moved away from her.

"For the bleeding," he said as he grabbed an animal hide. "Stand up."

Uncomfortable, Althea stood up. Elijah quickly wrapped the animal skin around her before they both looked down at the cloth Esther had laid out earlier in the day. She watched Elijah inspect it for a moment longer before he gathered up the cloth and slipped on his tunic. He pushed aside the animal hide and Althea breathed a sigh of relief. Not a sound was made inside the long house, but after a minute, she could hear the cheering and calls. Men were congratulating Elijah on his bride and she felt sick to her stomach. Tossing away the bloody cloth, Althea wrapped the fur tightly around her before going and lying back down beneath the animal skin blankets that Esther had pulled over her earlier.

Outside, the sounds of celebration continued and Althea wondered if she should wait for Elijah to return. Curled up, she waited for what seemed like hours before she fell asleep.

Four Months Later…

November 18, 984 A.D.

"She is very beautiful," Klaus goaded as they walked along the path to the woods to hunt for food. "Althea is not dark like Tatia, but she is a very pretty creature. I don't think I've seen such beautiful curls in such a long time. I know that Rebekah is envious of her hair. Do not Althea's tresses remind you of fresh honey?"

"I had not noticed," Elijah said through gritted teeth and stepped off the path into the forest.

"You are the envy of every man in the village," Klaus laughed. "Surely, you realize how beautiful your bride is? I wonder why you are not with her now. No man would have faulted you for turning down a hunt in favor of her ripe—"

Elijah swung around so quickly that Klaus didn't have time to anticipate the dagger that was placed at his throat. The smirk on Klaus' lips never left as looked his brother in the eye. The tension was pulsing in the air under the rays of sun that broke through the tree line.

"Althea is not open for discussion," Elijah growled. "We will speak of her no further."

"Would you rather speak of Tatia and the kiss you shared earlier?" Klaus taunted back with a smirk. "I saw you with her this morning while gathering water for mother with Althea. She did not see you, but I did. Already trying to break your bride's heart, brother? Honestly, you must know that Althea admires you."

"Althea barely knows me. Whatever feelings she has for me will run their course and we will become platonic partners in life."

"How depressing, brother," Klaus sighed dramatically. "What a waste of such beauty."

He pushed away Elijah's hand before trudging on through the woods. Neither brother spoke as they walked on. Together, they trapped several rabbits and squirrels for the coming days. After skinning and dressing the animals, Klaus and Elijah returned home to the wonderful smell of food cooking. It was nearly time for the evening meal and many families were gathering in their homes. Esther was sitting by the fire with Althea and Rebekah.

At twenty, Elijah could not deny that Althea was beautiful. She was nine years younger than him, but she already possessed the body of a woman. An hourglass figure with ripe breasts and trim legs would tempt any man. He could admit his physical attraction to her, but to admit that he liked her or cared for her in any other way would be a lie. Tatia had his heart and love in her hands and he could not take what he felt for her back. His father's only objection to her had been the fact she had bore another man's child. Elijah was more than willing to see past that, but Mikael had not.

It had been his mother's begging that had final made him give into their demands that he marry Althea. She had begged him to do it for the sake of harmony in their home. For months, everyone had been on edge over the fighting. Rebekah had withdrawn into herself while Kol had spent more and more time away from them. Even Klaus had grown wearier than usual of their father's fits of anger. Elijah knew that his refusal to marry Althea bruised their father's pride and nothing was more deadly than Mikael with hurting pride.

Moving to sit down by the fire, Elijah watched Althea as she let his little brother, Henrik, braid her hair. It was becoming a knotted mess more than anything, but she still encouraged the little boy. He had promised Tatia that he'd never touch Althea in any way that would result in her bearing a child. His father could not force him to father a child. It was the one thing that gave Elijah comfort. It was the one thing he could do for Tatia in the horrific situation they found themselves in. She had begged him not to let Althea have his children. She had claimed that the sight would kill her and break her heart. Tatia had even threatened killing herself if he did such a thing. He believed that given the chance, Tatia would not break her promise.

Rebekah shooed Henrik off and sat behind Althea. With quick hands, both women quickly undid the tangles that had been Henrik's attempts at braiding. His mother's comforting voice called for Althea and Rebekah to come to help her.

With grace, Althea rose to her feet and followed Rebekah. His bride was still shy and it was obvious to him that she had yet to fully grow comfortable around their family. Mikael frightened her easily and Elijah could see that like Rebekah, his wife kept her distance. Watching the freshly made stew be dispensed out, Elijah couldn't help but see how Niklaus had been right. Althea's hair did look like honey in the firelight as she walked towards him with a bowl. She gave it to him before sitting gracefully down next to him. She smelt like fresh lavender and Elijah felt the physical pull to her again. He briefly entertained the thought of what it would be like to touch her. She was his wife and it was well within his right to touch her. He wondered if all parts of her were as silky smooth as the skin on her hands.

The reminder of his vow to Tatia came back to him and Elijah pushed any thoughts of Althea's skin out of his head. Tatia would be in tears if she knew of his thoughts and he would not break her heart. She'd been through enough pain and he would not hurt her like her husband had.

One Month Later…

December 30, 984 A.D.

Althea stood in between Elijah and Niklaus as Mikael walked towards the stone bar where little Henrik's body lay. Dead at the tender age of six, Althea promised to herself that she would not cry. She would be strong for Elijah and his family. She could not imagine the pain of losing her own child, but in the little time that Althea had come to know Henrik, she'd come to love him in her own special way.

Placing a hand on Elijah's arm, he quickly shrugged her off and turned. Watching him walk off, Althea struggled with whether or not to go after him. Watching Henrik's body burn in the fire, Althea quickly turned away. She could not bear to watch the sweet, loving boy who had learn how to braid with her hair burn away in a fire. It was too much and it broke her heart. Seeing Elijah's form in the dying light, she followed him at a distance. He would not be ready to speak with her, but she wouldn't push him. She would offer him comfort in any way that she could. It didn't matter how, but all she wanted to do was comfort him.

She watched Elijah take a torch from the path he was follow and step into the woods. Following the light of the torch, Althea knew that it was dangerous to walk off without a dagger, but she could not stop herself from wanting to know where he was going.

Elijah ducked down into the mouth of a cave and Althea followed. She used the wall as her guide and kept her eyes on the light the torch offered. After a distance, Elijah stopped in a small cove and Althea ducked down into the shadows. She could hear water dripping and Elijah breathing heavily, but otherwise the place was completely silent.

Inside her, a storm raged on. She wanted to reveal herself, but she suspected that Elijah would be angry that she followed him. She watched as Elijah stood by himself for a moment and decided to reveal herself. Before she could step out into the light of the burning torch, Tatia entered the small cove. The woman raced to Elijah and caressed his cheeks and shook her head. Tears ran down her cheeks and Althea could barely stand to keep her own tears in cheek.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to Elijah. "I cannot imagine your pain."

Elijah said nothing as Tatia spread a blanket out onto the stone floor. When she stood up he kissed her passionately. Standing in the shadows of the cave, Althea felt her blood run cold at the sight of Elijah and Taita together on the blanket. Clothing was quickly taken off and when Elijah entered Tatia, Althea turned away. She could not bear the sight of the union. Finding her way in the dark, Althea emerged in a spot different from where she'd entered the caves. Looking out, she could see the large ash tree that was used to hang offenders of the village laws. She could still feel the pain of Elijah's betrayal stabbing her in the heart as she walked towards the tree.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree? Wear necklace of hope, side by side with me," Althea sang softly as she stopped and gazed up at the many branches. "Strange things did happen here. No stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

In the moon light, she could see her mother's own body hanging in her mind. She had been but a child when it had happened, but Althea could still remember the horror of seeing her mother's body swaying next to a young man's. Snow began to fall as the memory of what she'd just witnessed mixed with the memory of her mother's death.

"Anya's father," Althea murmured as everything came together in her mind. Staring at the tree, she could feel the presence of another person with her. Turning, she met Mikael's gaze. Never had the man had shown her any sort of feeling and yet, Althea willingly let him take her hand to examine her palm.

"Your necklace and ring," Mikael murmured as he placed them in her hand. He closed her fingers around the jewelry before he left her as swiftly as he'd come. Watching him go, Althea slipped her ring on and put her mother's necklace around her neck. Touching the small circular pendent, she felt some measure of comfort, but the comfort she felt did very little to erase what she'd seen in the cave between Elijah and Tatia.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree? Wear necklace of hope, side by side with me. Strange things did happen here," she sang softly as tears spilt down her cheeks. "No stranger would be if met at midnight in the hanging tree. Are you, are you coming to the tree?"

Three Weeks Later…

January 19, 985 A.D.

Althea was quiet as she helped Esther prepare for the midday meal. She replayed the last argument she'd had with Elijah in her head. She couldn't even recall what it had been about, but it had ended with her accusing him of kissing Tatia, the widow of some Viking warrior. Elijah had not denied her accusation and she thanked the Gods that their fight had been in the woods. She'd been able to run away from him and wonder around for hours without being disturbed. She'd returned only at nightfall and had slept next to Elijah like nothing had transpired between them.

It was only at day break was she able to escape. At night, they never touched, but it was torture to lay next to him and know all the while she wanted to know what it felt like to be kissed and touched by a man. Oh, there had been celebrations and the customary wedding bed sheets had been shown the next morning. Neither one of them had said anything about how Elijah had cut the inside of her thigh with a small dagger to provide blood for the sheet. It had been a humiliating process and afterwards, the women of the village had shared all their horror stories of wedding nights gone wrong. It sat in the back of her mind that one day Althea would have to provide sons for Elijah. She just didn't know how she would go through the process of creating a child with a man who did not want her.

"You're quiet," Esther said softly. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm suppose I'm just missing little one," Althea replied sadly. "We all are and we all feel his loss. Henrik brought so much joy to our hearts."

Her words made Esther pause. The older woman looked over at her and a single tear ran down her cheek. Without a word, the older woman grasped her hands tightly and looked almost desperately at Althea.

"I know you care for my son, Althea. I know you care for him and I hope this fever for Tatia breaks soon and I know that you can't see it, but my son is a good man. I know in my heart that you'll be with my son forever," Ester whispered passionately. "The world can be yours together. Can you imagine that? Think of that, Althea…living on and on…with no end and no pain…only love grown for the deepest part of your hearts. No death and no pain with my son, just love."

Young and naive, Althea looked at Ester with hope in eyes. It was no secret that the young woman cared for Elijah. She did not love him, but that did not matter.

"The pure goodness that flowed in your veins will help temper my children as they pushed through the world with everlasting life," Esther whispered. "Promise me that you will never leave Elijah's side. He'll need you more than even he knows. Promise me, Althea. Promise me!"

The young woman nodded and Esther let go with a motherly smile as she cupped Althea's cheeks, "Good, now let's get this meal ready before the men come in hunger and we have nothing to give them."

One Month Later…

February 17, 985 A.D.

Snow fell from the skies and even the fur lined cloak she wore couldn't keep out the cold. The icy gust of window on her cheek matched the icy chill that was forming in her soul. The very soul that starved for the very thing she could never have. She wanted the man who was destined to love another. The very idea of condemning herself to an eternity of watching him love others and never loving her seemed like a punishment worse than any creator could craft for her. She'd already sworn to Esther that she would never leave Elijah and she would not break her word to the one woman who had loved her like a child.

Passing a dying oak tree that marked the path Althea turned and walked slowly to the tree lined ridge that gave her a perfect view of the valley below. During the summer, the very breath of nature could calm her. Winter made everything look lifeless and it could comfort her in a way that she couldn't describe. Wrapping her arms around a solid tree trunk, she looked below to the events unfolding in snow covered forest floor. Tatia stood behind a tree with a smile on her face as Elijah walked through the trees pretending not to know where she was. It was the same game they always played and Althea had seen the game enough times to know it always ended in Elijah getting a kiss. Staring at them below, she could hear the distinctive breaking of branches that could only have been Klaus walking to her.

"Don't you look heartbroken, little sister," he drawled and Althea could hear the smile in his voice. "You should be rejoicing. Soon, we will not be able to die. Tomorrow is the day that changes everything."

"An eternity of misery is not what I planned my life to be like," she whispered as they stood on the ledge. Below, Tatia ran between the trees with Elijah following behind closely. He joyfully called her name and Tatia laughed. Klaus stood next to Althea and gently rested his hand on her lower back. Elijah caught Tatia and they both fell onto the fur cloak that had been laid on the ground. Kisses were exchanged and the sight was almost too much.

"I should just ask you to push me over the edge and break my neck," Althea murmured as a tear fell down her snow white cheek. A gust of wind blew down the hood of her cloak. A few pieces of honey blonde hair that was braided back caught in the wind. Klaus tucked a piece behind her ear and gave her a sad smile. Her icy blue eyes met his for a moment before she turned away to look down at the woods below them.

"Pain will fade with time," Klaus murmured to her softly/ "You'll met someone else and the pain my brother inflicts on your heart will fade into nothing."

"Even if I do meet another person," Althea whispered back. "You must realize Klaus, the heart always wants the one thing it can never have."

"No, have not realized such a thing because I have no heart."

"I do not believe that."

"You should not let yourself fall into despair, sister," Klaus told her. "An eternity of depression will make you very difficult to be around."

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