1,000 Years

The Picnic

December 21

Niklaus and Elena took Amara into a small clearing in the woods, there was a field of golden daffodils. In the center of the field stood a tall weeping willow tree. The flowers were fluttering and dancing in the breeze at the base of the willow. A warm breeze made the curtains flutter, the smell of the sea. She could hear the faint sounds of the ocean, the plaintive cries of a curlew. Sounds that filled her with peace but now imbued her with love and warmth. She then looked up at the night sky. The stars were shining in the midnight sky. The moon was lighting up the clearing. The stars were twinkling inside of the milky way. "Nik, this is beautiful." She said as she held Amara in her arms. "I found it when I was a young boy. This spot was always so beautiful with the amazing view of the night sky." Niklaus said as he set up a small picnic blanket with some food and bourbon. "I used to come out here at night and paint the sky. Counting the stars with each brush stroke." He added as he guided her over to the picnic blanket and sat down with them. She smiled happily as she cuddled Amara into a few blankets before setting her down on the blanket. Hours passed by and they talked and watched as the night sky lit up with millions of stars. It was beautiful and galactic. Elena and Niklaus saw a comet pass by along with a few shooting stars. "Amara, look at the pretty stars." She said smiling. They sat there as Niklaus and Elena named the constellations and just had fun on their picnic. Niklaus took Amara and held her as Elena took out her diary, opened it to a new page and began writing. 'It was a comet. The girl saw a comet. The girl saw the comet and it felt like as though her life had meaning. And when it went away, she waited her entire life to come back to her. It was more than a comet because of what it brought to her life. Direction, Beauty, Meaning. There are many who couldn't understand and sometimes she walked among them. But even in her darkest hours, she knew in her heart that someday it would return to her. And her world would be whole again. And her belief in God, and love and art would be reawakened in her heart. The girl saw the comet and suddenly her life had meaning.' Elena said as she wrote it down in her diary as she looked up the stars and the comet that was passing by. Niklaus looked at her smiling as he held their daughter. She smiled happily as he listened to her poem. Elena, Niklaus came home and put Amara to bed in her crib. They went into their room and went bed.

The Next Morning... The entire Original family got together and put up a large Christmas tree and decorated it. Elena took Amara and helped put ornaments onto the tall evergreen pine tree. Niklaus and Elijah were tasked with hanging stockings and christmas lights on the fireplace. They decided to decorate the inside for the annual Christmas Eve Ball first before they decorated the outside. Later in the Evening, the invitations were already sent out and the party was set into motion. Almost all of the guest had arrived when Elena Gilbert made her appearance while holding Amara. She walked out and stood on top of the staircase. As she walked down the large staircase into the ballroom, she felt everyone staring at her. She was wearing a beautiful sapphire blue strapless ball gown. She had a beautiful sapphire and diamond silver crown, a pair of silver dangling sapphire and diamond earrings. A sapphire blue and silver ring, long black knee high socks, long arm length gloves and a pair of zip up black heels. Amara's outfit consisted of a navy blue puffy, layered soft tulle short sleeve dress is trimmed with lace embroidery. Full cotton lining with a sequin sash and stuffed bow on back of the dress. The shoes had a beautiful lace flower headband and shoes. She walked down the steps and met up with Niklaus who was waiting for her. He held out his arm to them. She smiled happily as she took it. Niklaus was wearing a complete royal blue Italian wool suit. The suit contained a white button up shirt, a blue vest, a small white handkerchief for the pocket, a black bow tie, a royal blue jacket and pants. He wore a navy blue and silver watch and a sterling silver necklace with a sun and moon on it with diamonds. He also had black leather dress shoes.

Rebekah went outside and collected wood and built a large bonfire. "Oh no." Niklaus said. "Come on, Nik. It is tradition." Rebekah said looking at him. "What is that, Rebekah?" Elena asked gently. "We write down our wishes and burn them in the bonfire for luck." Niklaus said. "It is tradition." Elijah said as he looked at his family then at Elena. Elena smiled happily as she held Amara in her arms and looked at them. Rebekah had small long pieces of paper and pencils set up on a table next to the bonfire. They could write their wish then throw it into the fire for luck. Elena went over and grabbed two pieces of paper and two pencils. "Here." Elena said as she handed him a piece of paper and a pencil. "Thank you." Niklaus said as he picked up the paper and pencil and began writing. Niklaus folded the paper and put it in his pocket. Elena looked at Niklaus and everyone else and smiled softly to herself. 'I wish to have my family, forever.' Elena wrote onto the small piece of paper. She looked as she folded it and threw it into the fire. Niklaus held Amara as he threw his paper into the fire. It came unfolded and she was able to read it. The paper said 'I wish to be watch my daughters grow up and find someone to love as much as I do.' Elena smiled as she walked over to Rebekah who took Amara over to the food table. Elena walked over to Niklaus and grabbed his hand. Rebekah took out her phone and plugged it into the stereo and a song began to play as Niklaus pulled Elena close. He placed his hand onto her waist. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They both smiled happily as danced around the floor gently. Niklaus twirled her around before pulling her back into his arms. He looked at her and smiled before dipping her gently. He held her hand and gently pulled her closer by her waist as they danced together. She smiled and giggled as they danced to the music. They danced the night away and lived happily ever after.