Gone But Never Forgotten

Death and Rebirth

The Viking village bustled with activity, the rhythm of daily life weaving a tapestry of sounds and sights. Within the Mikaelson household, the atmosphere was imbued with a unique magic, centered around a little girl with bright orange hair and piercing blue eyes. Astrid Mikaelson, at the tender age of five, was the heart of her family, a beacon of joy and wonder.

Klaus Mikaelson was a different man when he was with his daughter. The fierce warrior, known for his strength and determination, softened in Astrid's presence. He would often take her into the surrounding forests, teaching her about nature and their family's heritage. Her laughter, like the tinkling of bells, echoed through the trees as Klaus spun tales of mythical creatures and grand adventures. His promise was always the same: "You will have a life full of wonder and safety, my little miracle."

Tatia Petrova, despite her complicated feelings for Klaus and her deep love for Elijah, cherished their daughter deeply. She nurtured Astrid's burgeoning abilities as a witch, teaching her the basics of magic with patience and love. Their moments together, casting small spells and creating tiny miracles, were filled with a bond that only a mother and daughter could share.

Astrid's uncles and aunts adored her. Finn, Elijah, Kol, Rebekah, and the youngest Mikaelson sibling, Henrik, were captivated by her spirit and charm. Elijah, in particular, found solace in Astrid's presence, his love for Tatia extending to her daughter. He would often read to her, sharing stories of honor and bravery, instilling in her a sense of nobility and strength.

As winter approached, a shadow fell over the Mikaelson household. Astrid, once so full of life, began to weaken. It started with a persistent cough, then fever, and soon she was bedridden. The once vibrant child grew pale and frail, her bright orange hair a stark contrast to her ashen skin.

Klaus was beside himself with worry. He sought out every healer, every remedy, but nothing seemed to help. He refused to leave her side, his heart breaking a little more each time she winced in pain. "Daddy, will I get better?" she asked one night, her voice weak and trembling.

Klaus held her tiny hand, tears filling his eyes. "You will, my love. I promise you will," he whispered, though deep down, he felt a helplessness he had never known.

Tatia, too, was consumed with worry. She and Esther tried every spell, every potion, but the illness was beyond their knowledge and power. Tatia would sit by Astrid's bedside, singing lullabies and telling her stories, trying to comfort her as best she could.

The entire Mikaelson family rallied around Astrid, their love for her palpable. Elijah stayed close, offering quiet support, while Rebekah and Kol tried to keep spirits high with playful stories and games, though their eyes often betrayed their deep concern. Henrik, the youngest, would bring flowers and little treasures to brighten Astrid's days, his youthful innocence struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

On a cold, quiet night, as the village lay still under a blanket of snow, Astrid's breathing grew shallow. Tatia held her close, tears streaming down her face as she sang a soft lullaby. Klaus sat beside them, his heart shattered, feeling more powerless than he ever had.

Astrid's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at her parents, a faint smile on her lips. "I love you, mama. I love you, papa," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Klaus choked back a sob, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "We love you too, Astrid. So very much."

With a final, soft breath, Astrid closed her eyes, her tiny hand slipping from her father's grasp. Klaus let out a heart-wrenching cry, holding his daughter close, feeling her warmth fade away.

In the days that followed, the Mikaelson household was shrouded in grief. Tragedy struck again when Henrik, the youngest Mikaelson, was killed by a werewolf. The double blow of losing both Astrid and Henrik plunged the family into a deeper sorrow.

Esther, unable to bear the sight of her family's anguish, made a decision that would change their fate. She cast a powerful spell, ensuring that Astrid's soul would be reborn in a few hundred years. This ancient magic was risky, but Esther was determined to give Klaus hope, no matter the cost.

Realizing the vulnerability of her remaining children, Esther also made a desperate choice to protect them from the same fate as Henrik. She used her magic to turn her children into the first vampires, The Originals. This transformation gave them strength and immortality, but it came with a curse of bloodlust and a vulnerability to the sun and white oak.

Klaus, though devastated by the loss of Astrid and Henrik, held onto the promise of the spell. He became more determined, more driven, his search for power fueled by the hope that one day, he would be reunited with his beloved daughter. The memory of Astrid's laughter and her bright blue eyes stayed with him through the centuries, a beacon in his darkest moments.

Centuries later, in the small town of Mystic Falls, a new life began. Lydia Gilbert, born to Miranda and Grayson Gilbert, was not just any child. She carried within her the soul of Astrid Mikaelson, her essence a blend of Klaus's werewolf nature and her families witch lineage. Lydia's bright orange hair and piercing blue eyes were a mirror of Astrid's, a sign of the ancient soul reborn.

From a young age, Lydia felt a deep, inexplicable connection to a past she couldn't remember. Her dreams were haunted by visions of a little girl named Astrid, and she often sensed a powerful energy within her that she couldn't quite understand.