The Girl in the Woods

Chapter 8: Truly, Madly, Deeply (Part 3)

Disclaimer: One of the scenes here is inspired by a scene in the Fables comics. And I do not own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals. This is purely a work of Fanfiction.

~TGITW~

Chapter 8: Truly, Madly, Deeply (Part 3)

"Truly, madly and deeply, as the writer said." – Beauty, Fables

MYSTIC FALLS. 1000 A.D.

Elijah's POV

Niklaus was acting strangely.

Ever since that night – when my brother and I saw Faith dancing beneath the moonlight – Niklaus had been behaving differently. Well, to be honest, we were both acting outside of the norm.

I was quieter than usual, simply observing the festivities that was happening. Here we were dancing around the campfire in masks, and all I did was watched and wondered about my brother.

I could tell he was going through something. Usually, when Niklaus was feeling guilty or running away from something or having a bad day with Father, he would run straight into trouble.

And in true Niklaus fashion, he was acting up. He was chasing after the girls and flirting with them, Tatia included.

I looked on as my brother danced with the girl that was the envy of the town. Normally, I would feel saddened by the scene, but I let my brother dance the night away with Tatia.

Instead, I decided to head back, stopping by the pig's pen to feed it. It was then that I heard Tatia approached me.

We talked for a bit then she extended her hand out and touched my face.

"I choose you Elijah."

I was elated. The most beautiful women in the village had chosen me.

I drew in to kiss her then kiss her some more.

It was what I had desired for the longest time. Yet, there was something troubling me.

The image of Faith dancing beneath the moonlight was burned deeply in my head.

Faith lifting her hands up, moving with such gentleness and grace. Her hips swaying to an unknown melody. From the top of her head to the tips of her fingers, she exuded heart and soul. Her movements carried passion but also melancholy. As her figure continued to dance beneath the moonlight, it painted a picture of mystical beauty.

I had always wanted to be with Tatia and had only ever seen Faith as a someone to protect.

So...Why can't I get Faith out of my head?

~TGITW~

The first snows had fallen on Mystic Falls. I watched as Faith stood by the door. She was wrapped up in a bundle and had a satisfied look on her face. She reached out her hand and let the snow fall on it.

I thought back to the happenings of the past days. When I saw her dancing during the night. When she was all I could think about even when Tatia had confessed. Even when I kissed Tatia, I could not shake off Faith's face from my thoughts.

Faith had always looked at me with eyes of adoration, of trust, of hope. I in turn had wanted to reciprocate her feelings. She looked at me as if I was her whole world. As if I was her rock that she couldn't live without. I felt the need to protect her.

I could still hear the words that she spoken to me: "You're strong Elijah. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You don't realize it now, but you are strong, and you will only get stronger. You may not think yourself strong enough to protect your family right now but that's okay, you will only get stronger from here. You will be strong enough to protect everyone you've ever loved. I believe in you."