Now And Always

Part One 

~chapter 1~

~that one evening~

That one blessed evening...

The evening was cool and the breeze was brisk along her skin as she decided one night to hop on through an old grove portal of her ancient faye folk and head on over to Manosque, France one night. She happened upon a quaint little restaurant, and from its windows, a beautiful melody of the piano flowed out from them. Its song travelled along the air and managed to catch her attention.

She smiled to herself as she decided to follow such notes to see just who it was that was caressing these piano keys so beautifully. She softly entered the room and discovered a dashingly handsome man sitting upon the bench, his fingers gliding along like magic, smiling sweetly as he played.

She paused at first and then almost floated across the room in her Faye like fashion, careful to not expose her wings to the mortals that surrounded her even in this not so crowded room. She needed no more further attention drawn upon herself than what was already being so back at the Island of Realms.

She slid softly onto the barstool that sat next to the piano and quietly whispered, "Very happy piano." As she leaned her hands on the top on the piano, glancing upon this wonderful soul that played so beautifully.

That smile that looked back at her sealed it all. She couldn't help but smile back as he smiled softly to her, speaking just as soft, "caressing ivory and plastic..."

She leans into her chin more as they spent that night sharing poetry and piano songs as well as the following evenings.

A love that was unplanned, but blossomed as a friendship before anything else. The love of song and the written word between poetry and piano made them grow closer beyond even their own dreams...

~chapter 2~

~piano songs of the heart~

She came to join Elijah one night, and they spoke in poetry and of unrestrained love and desires, as the soft tune of ‘La Vie en Rose’ flowed from his fingertips on the piano keys before him. Sky closed her eyes, moving her head to the flow of the tune as it traveled along to air between them. They agreed to allow the evening to turn into one of good music and connectedness as they embraced camaraderie through his chosen songs for them. As the following nights continued on, they shared poetry about aquula, a tiny droplet of water Sky was able to capture in a photograph as it hung on for life to the tip of a tiny branch. They shared thoughts on the sunrises each morning as they shared the piano side into the wee hours of the morning, before she would have to head back to her duties back at the castle.

Another evening, she shared about a shooting star, as his song of Debussy’s waltz slowly turned into its own theme of hope. He didn’t look at what he played as she watched his fingers glide. He didn’t have to. It always seemed to just flow from him, like his fingers just knew where to go. He thought about how any hope of his own doing, would become shattered from his vow of always and forever. This, she had yet to learn about as she shifted her stool closer before he had ended the song for the night and they had to part ways for the short time.

~chapter 3~

~A Love That Grows~

Before long, Sky found herself returning beside that very piano to visit her now very dear friend. Endless hours of inspiring conversations and music, quickly won her heart over. It was not long before either of them knew what exactly was happening, love was blossoming for both of them.

With all of the pain and heartache they had each suffered and endured in their lives, was it possible to be allowed such a joy? They had been allowed to find each other that night and the fates deemed that they were allowed this blessing of happiness.

One evening, Sky found that she had come to the piano before Elijah that night, she looked around the apparently quiet room and sees that the piano was unattended and stood alone. She smiled softly to herself and said, “Maybe just one song…” she hurried over at sat upon the very bench her dear Elijah sat at every night, before she lost her nerve to do so. She placed her hands over the keys and hesitated at first, trying to remember the notes of one song she learnt so long ago. She fumbled as her fingers began to play, the notes of how to play it slowly returning to her memory. It was almost like riding a bike; even if you haven’t ridden in some time, you can still recall how to ride it. Eventually, the notes flowed like water babbling along a brook. She hummed along to the song ‘The Rose’ as she continued along.

She gave a pause as she ended the song and looked around. She smiled to herself as she realized she was still very much alone in the room. “Well, maybe just one more, and then I’ll stop,” she closed her eyes this time and envisioned the keys before her and what keys to be played. Slowly, she allowed the song to flow freely from her, travelling through to her fingers placed now on the keys. She began playing, ‘A Thousand Years’ humming softly to herself at first and then slowly singing the words as she played.

Elijah had arrived at this point of time, and he paused near the doorway to listen and watch Sky as she played and sang, indulging in the moment. She was in her own world as she played, and he was in his own as he watched her doing so. The world around them, seeming to simply disappear for a short time as they shared this moment in their own private little ways unknown to the other before Sky noticed that Elijah had arrived and had been watching her.

She stood up, speaking softly and slightly embarrassed suddenly, “Good evening, my dear friend. I hope you don’t mind me playing while I waited?”

Elijah simply smiled back as spoke, “I’m loving the music you are playing. If you are very kind, let me be happy to listen while you play again, my dear Sky.” He reminded her on the lateness of the evening as he placed his request to enjoy her company a little longer at the same time.

She gave him her softest smile as she placed her hand gently along his cheek, “one more song, then?” She promised.

Elijah kissed her fingertips briefly and agreed with her as they sat at the piano bench together, sharing in her smile. She allowed her fingers to glide along the keys once again as he sat next to her, watching them move with such finesse over them. In a brief pause of her playing, he placed his hands on the piano, playing along with her as he listened to her sing once again. She snuck a smile, as she glanced his way when his hands joined hers along the keys. She had never felt so happy than in that moment of their closeness right then. 

~chapter 4~

~Is This All A Dream?~

They spent many more evenings when he came home from his business dealings in New Orleans, taking care of family things there. She would welcome him with quiet dinners waiting for them. They paused in their piano side moments to spend their time in other ways, learning more about each other. They questioned one night if it was all just a dream in which neither of them wished to wake up from, ever. They wanted to stay in each other’s arms always, shutting out the outside world from them. Finally, they decided that these feelings they both shared and felt, could not possibly be a dream, but reality. It was their shared reality, and they wanted nothing more.

They spent their time, more and more, holding each other throughout the long nights, whispering softly about their days to each other and sharing in some delicious little treat he would bring back home to her from his travels. They shared their bed together each night he came home to her, loving each other in their own shared music, as they shut away the outside world to be alone in theirs.

It all felt like magic and it was such magic. It was the magic of finding a love to share and call their own. Just maybe this vow of Elijah’s to his siblings of always and forever, didn’t have to be a curse for him. Just maybe, he could be allowed to have a love for his own. He finally felt at peace and that peace was called Sky.

Sky would look upon his smile each night, not being able to resist returning that beautiful smile of his, her eyes shining like stars back into his. So full of love was she for him, this beautiful soul, he was her home. She had finally found peace here in his arms. This new found home of hers, called Elijah. 

~chapter 5~

~Unforgettable Moments~

Elijah filled her heart with such love, she could not help but be inspired to write more poetry about it. Some mornings, she would waken after their evening together, to find he had taken off to his business once again. She would look over and discover a lovely little rose and a beautiful, heartfelt letter left upon the pillow beside her. Such sweetness in his letters he left her, she could do nothing but smile as she read his words just for her.

Sometimes, when Elijah returned home, not only would there possibly be a treat of chocolates or even just a simple hot chocolate, but such lovely flowers. Bright and beautiful bouquets. It always made her blush on the inside. But she would simply say, “how you spoil me so, my darling…” as she kissed his check and thanking him for his lovely treasures he brought home.

Quiet dinners and evening strolls, hand in hand. It seemed as though they could not get enough of each other’s company. Elijah had commented one night about less time away and worries Sky would be sick of him. She assured him that would never happen. How could she possibly tire of the one she loved so much? Soon he was home more often, and Sky enjoyed each moment of it. 

~chapter 6~

~the music of his life~

One quiet evening, after a long and trying day, Sky greeted her beloved Elijah home to their chambers. She kissed him softly and they spoke quietly about their day. They joked briefly about the sleep god Morpheus stealing their time from them in his jealousy of their love. Elijah worries on the lateness in the evening and his arrival home. But Sky assures him, “I shall be fine as long as I am here with you, my love, I promise.” She whispers, after their soft kiss and places her hand gently along his cheek to caress it.

He whispers back to her after their kiss on the privilege to be by her side with the beauty of the night. He could never have asked for more than that.

Such words always brought a small blush to her cheeks as she would smile at him saying, “You spoil me too much, my king.”

This particular evening, Elijah took her hand into his and led her to the piano he always played on each evening while he guarded her dreams. She followed behind him, wondering what he was planning for them tonight. When they reached his piano, he brings up from its resting place a manuscript he had been working on this whole time and showed it to her. She looked upon it, seeing her name lovingly written across the top. She looked into his eyes as he explained what it was. How he had spent many happy moments in the piano room, thinking about the love of his life as he wrote this piece. How she had become the queen of his heart as well as the sweetest music in his life, caressing the keys of the piano as he spoke to her.

So touched by his words, as she always was. The joy in this one new precious moment they shared, “Oh my love…” she kissed him deeply before whispering, “I love you, thank you for this.”

He kissed the honey sweetness of her lips as they shared the rest of the beautiful evening together, holding each other close and falling asleep in each other’s arms as the dawn slowly rose. 

~chapter 7~

~Picnic, Fireflies, and a proposal~

One day, all day, Elijah was so secretive as well as her wolf, Ember. She wondered what was up with the two of them, until later on that evening. Elijah took her into one of their favorite parts of the garden for a quiet walk and a surprise picnic for just the two of them. As they walked, he spoke some quotations from the letters of VvG.

They slowly walked along, holding each other close, their fingers entwined with the other’s, until they came up to a spot the Lady Ember had busily set up for just the two of them. Soft candles were burning around a blanket placed neatly on the grass under one of the oldest trees in the garden. They whispered about wondering if the fireflies would make it out for the evening or not as Elijah gently guided Sky over to sit on the cushions placed in their private picnic.

He pulled close to them a basket filled with a surprise assortment of food for them to discover together. A surprise like this brought a smile across Sky’s face as Elijah slowly opened the basket to pull out a plate and some grapes to be shared. Next, came croissants and some cupcakes.

As they shared these, the fireflies they had grown so fond of together, slowly appeared into view to them. She smiled as she noticed the fireflies blinking around them and whispered, “My king, the fireflies came to play, just as you had hoped for.”

Elijah had looked into her eyes, smiling as he then made a toast to them. She blushed at such words when he told her how she softened his heart and being a refuge of strength for him. They shared a kiss after his toast and then, he had gotten down on one knee, slipping a small red box out of his pocket as he did, “Marry me, my queen.” He had asked her.

She smiled brightly, “Yes, my king. A thousand lifetimes of yes.” She responded to his question.

They shared more kisses as he slipped the ring from the red box and onto her finger, before they made their way back inside to their chambers for the evening.

It was a beautiful memory she never wanted to forget and would always cherish. Well, one of the many cherished memories. Oh how her heart was floating every time they were together. They all noticed a new difference when Sky was back at the bunker. She just seemed to skip around in her ways. They were happy for her happiness, it would seem. Finally, something good could be had around the bunker after all the drama they had started off the year with. The Queen Faye seemed happier now, and that made them all happy as well.

~chapter 8~

~Their Life Together~

As the year continued to pass along, they had their wedding. A beautiful and simple ceremony shortly after Sky’s coronation; which all happen without any incidents of attacks on Sky, which she was ever thankful about. Sky decided on a dress picked out by her own beloved fiancé. He just found something that spoke to him as it was his Encanto, his charm. A silky, flowy and cream colored dress with golden stars throughout it. The beautiful letter he left her the morning of their wedding, struck her heartstrings all the more. His words staying within her heart always, ‘I can’t imagine loving anyone the way I love you…’

She set flowers in her hair and wove it to still be flowing behind her as she walked down the aisle to stand beside her soon to be husband. Their close friends at the time, joined them to be a part of their special day.

Elijah spoke to their guests as they waited for her to be ready to join them, “Today we should try to remember that a wedding is a symbol, a heartfelt and meaningful symbol but a symbol nonetheless…” he began. “…Nothing is easier than standing here and saying a vow, and nothing is more difficult than living to it day to day…But in love, as in life, the only stability is in change, in growth, and in freedom.”

Shortly after, the music began and Sky made her way down to join her beloved Elijah. She blushed slightly as she caught his eyes.

Elijah watched her walk up the aisle to him. Once she reached him, he sent a mental message to her telling her how beautiful she looked as they took each other’s hands.

They began their ceremony and when it came time for their vows, Sky looked in his eyes as she held his hands,

“Months ago, I never thought we'd be standing here tonight. But here we are, as our unknowing love blossomed more with each passing day. I never thought it was possible to fall more in love with someone each day, and yet I find myself doing just that with you, mi rey. Today I make the most sincere promise one heart can make to another. I vow to be your constant love and support; your devoted partner in life;

To allow myself to grow through your remarkable love for me. I vow to be your home; to be your place of comfort and calm; to have faith when our journey is effortless, and when it is challenging. And when we face adversity, we will never do so alone; Because today I promise you, my king, mi amor and my best friend, That I will never give up; that I will always believe in us; And that I will love you completely, siempre y para siempre.”

Then came Elijah’s turn for his vows.

“I promise to hold your heart tenderly and protect it fiercely. I promise to encourage your compassion,

Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.

I promise to nurture your dreams,

Because through them your soul shines…

I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. In the deepest part of my soul I know that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find our way back to each other… You are my light, my inspiration, and I will be blessed to be able to call you my wife.”

Sky was simply so moved by his words all she could do was smile brightly with her eyes shining for him. They slipped their rings upon each other’s fingers and shared a soft kiss to seal their vows to each other. They held each other close as they then made their way back up the aisle together now as husband and wife.

She wondered if it was possible to love someone more and more as each day passed, because surely, this is what was happening to her. But his words that day, rang out that he had felt the same as she had. When she walked down to meet her beloved at the altar that day, and seeing his bright smile that always made her smile. A smile she could never ever resist, she knew for sure. To this day, she remembers the words he spoke on his vows to her, and it still touches her heart, maybe even her very soul. She will also remember her vows to him and do her best to hold up to her promises to him. He was her heart and soul, and she would do anything to keep his heart safe, however she could.

~chapter 9~

~Miracles To Break A Curse~

‘Just maybe things will be better now,’ she thought to herself along one of her many garden walks, sometime shortly after their wedding. On one of these such walks, she had a vision come to her, of two little blonde heads running ahead of her. Their soft giggles floated along the air as though they were real. She lifted her arm up to reach out towards these two little blondes running before her. Then, they faded away into nothing. She smiled to herself on this vision as she ran a hand along her belly. “Could it be?” Such a blessing had to be shared with her husband.

“Curses can be made to be broken,” Sky whispered through the darkness as the moonlight filtered through their bedroom window one night. “Starting now,” as she guided Elijah’s hand along her belly as she tried to find a way to tell him about her vision.

He leaned in to sweet kiss her as she whispered such words then paused, “such a thought is too beautiful to be true, my queen. But, vampires can’t procreate,” as he took her hand. “I am not a hybrid like my late brother…”

She whispered to him about her vision in the garden earlier that day, as she lay in his arms, safe and happy. She playfully rolled him to lay on top of her in their bed, keeping his hand on her lower belly whispering, “Such magic to be harnessed for thing here. Remember, we have magic of the portals. And the Faye brings life.” As she tried to send him the vision she saw through their touch.

He slid the palm of his hand along where she held it, and using his vampiric senses, searching for hints. He now sensed two fainter and faster little heartbeats from within her. He closed his eyes, smiling at this realization. He was actually going to be a father. She looked into his eyes, waiting while he seemed lost in his thoughts at that moment. She kissed him softly when she saw his reaction, happy that she could make him happy.

He had thought some nights before such a magic might had taken place, and now, it was confirmed. Along with his wife’s vision, they would have not just three, but four to their family before too long. Elijah’s dream of having a family was actually going to be coming true, after all these decades.

It made her Corazon so happy at the thought of being a father that it made her so happy as well. She wanted nothing more than to make him as such. With his family past, he deserved goodness in his life as much as she did, and she wanted to be the one to bring such goodness into his life, their life now. It was hopeful that things would be blessed from here on out.

They planned on the names of Samantha Maharet and Solveig Callum Mikaelson for their soon to arrive beautiful twin girls. The concern of safety and protection of the girls slowly became a topic for them. They wondered if they should get a nanny, and what type of nanny. Being they were not only going to be Faye witches like their mother was, they were also first borns of the Mikaelson family. This meant they were also going to be even more highly powerful witches as their heritage decreed. These little bugs of theirs were going to be even more of a challenge, but their love will be all that would be needed for guidance in this. They planned to share their love of the written and sung word, as well as the music of the piano. The hope of greatness for their daughters was nothing short of dreams to her.

She foresaw nothing but goodness following their girls, at least for now. She could vision their Samantha, scaling the castle walls the second their backs were turned. Doing things that may seem crazy at the time, but would have a solid purpose behind it all at the same time. She could also hear Solveig, following behind Samantha, being the voice of reason. ‘Sami, you’re going to get us into trouble if you keep that…’ she could not wait to watch them grow up beside her beloved Elijah. The thoughts simply warmed her heart all the more. Solveig would also be that quiet one, burying her nose into as many lore books as she would be able to soak right up. Both girls would have hearts of gold, taking care of any creature that may cross their paths. 

~chapter 10~

~The Family He Thought He'd Never Have~

The day finally arrived when their little girls were to arrive. Some days before, Sky would waken in the middle of the night, restless and unable to sleep. Rather than waking up her beloved husband, she would simply slip silently from their bed and gather up a cup of ice to suck on as she sat by the window or pace softly around their bedroom.

One such evening, Elijah had woken, realizing his wife was not beside him as they slept, hearing with his vampiric senses, her breathing and the heartbeats of all three, being slightly faster than normal. He questioned her if it was time with concern in his voice, “My charm, are you okay? Is it time now?”

She whispered back to him as she kissed him softly, “not yet, my heart. There is time yet.” She assured him as she pointed to her glass of ice chips before sliding back into their bed and back into his arms where she belonged. “Let me guard your heart longer, my love,” She whispered in the darkness of their room as she eased his mind in her fashion.

Elijah held her close, kissing the back of her hand as he saw her point to the glass upon the nightstand, knowing their sleep may be broken before too long. “We’ll both try to sleep, love. I have to take care of your dreams, the dreams of both…” as he caressed her lower belly and hugged her close.

“I love you, my love. We shall guard each other,” she whispered as she slowly kissed him and held him just as close.

When the moment finally arrived for their girls to join them, the look that crossed Elijah’s face was all that Sky needed. Such love and amazement that resonated in that smile when he held both Samantha and Solveig each in turn. He seemed to almost be committing to memory their tiny little faces in case it was all just a dream to be faded away before the morning sun came again. Such a dream come true it was and he just could hardly believe it finally came true. Elijah Mikaelson was actually a father, breaking such a seemingly ageless curse that his parents had bestowed upon him eons ago. He had lost all hope that he would ever have this moment and yet, he was actually granted this joy.

He looked upon the tiny fingers, wrapping his pinkie in one tiny hand and feeling a sense of being needed in that instant. “My tiny empresses…” he barely whispered to both of them, staring in awe over how they were finally here, in his very arms.

He looked up at his beloved wife and she returned in the stars that resonated with love in her eyes all the shared happiness of this blessed moment for the both of them. The happiness in his face said it all for her. She knew in her heart all was right in their little world.

~chapter 11~

~Their Time Away~

Shortly after the birth of their twin girls, Elijah decided that it was finally time for them to go someplace. Away from the castle and all that had been happening around it. He wanted to ensure the safety of his new little family. His girls, his beloved wife included, were his world now and he would do everything in his power to keep them all safe.

Since they were not able to take off on their honeymoon right after the time of their wedding, Elijah felt it was more than perfect of timing to go do so now. So off they went to Manosque, France to begin with, settling in a small, cozy little cottage located not far from the bakery.

Once they were settled in, they took some time in Venice, Italy to enjoy the Venetian Carnival. Such beautiful sites to be seen there. All the costumes leading up to the carnival and then the week of it. And the masks as well. They spent time also at the beach with their little ones.

They would stroll along the streets, enjoying all that there was to see and bringing back lovely little treasures to share. One such treasure being a blue and gold mask covered in beautiful butterflies which reminded Elijah of his Sky. She instantly fell in love with it and could not wait to try it one for him back in their little home.

Many evenings of the moon being strong in eclipses and blood moons, they would spend together, holding each other close.

Eventually came the time to return to their cozy little cottage in Manosque. They enjoyed Beltane and Easter as well as the weeks before them, there. The lavender fields slowly coming to life around the tulips and other things in the gardens. Such aromas flowed through their open windows from their quaint gardens. Sky began to spend many hours in the days in them, collecting such flowers to bring inside for them to enjoy.

The days grew warmer as their girls grew bigger with each passing day. Elijah would stand off to the side, watching as they ran on their tiny legs around the gardens in his breaks from his work. A small smile would cross his lips as his tiny empresses made friends and played with the baby bunnies and chicks in their gardens. He couldn’t help but give a chuckle as they would chase the bubbles his wife would carefully blow for them to go after. Their glees as they popped on them when their tiny hands reached out to grab the bubbles, never realizing they never would be able to actually hold a bubble. Hearing their little giggles were like a whole new song to his ears.

Some nights, as he laid awake holding Sky until she fell to slumber, he would day dream at such an hour. Between the heartbeats of his beloved wife, and their empresses in their small beds down the hall, he would drift slowly off himself, thinking on the future. His dreams were now filled with these little girls of his, sitting beside him at the piano. Their tiny fingers reaching for the ivory keys alongside his larger hands in comparison. He smiled down upon the tiny head of blonde, just like their mother’s, and guide the hands gently along with his. Elijah slept with a happiness in his heart he never thought he would possess.

A new chapter to Elijah’s life that he thought would only remain in his dreams. This, here and now, would become his symphony for his life. 

~chapter 12~

~Now and Always ~

“Forever home here, shall you be, my heart,” She whispers softly in the darkness, as the moonlight filters through their open window. The cool breeze, blowing gently upon their naked bodies, as they lay in each other's arms. He looks deep in her eyes, keeping his gaze locked in them. He gets lost in them. So deeply in fact, that he finally came home. Peace resonated in her eyes, beyond the stars that reflected there. Here, was a deeper love that he never thought he would find. She was his life song and he had finally come home.

She holds him close, kissing under his ear and whispering softly, “Let me make it a relaxing evening for you and keep you close until the dawn begins her rise once again, my darling love.”

He kisses her with the taste sweeter than honey that could have ever crossed his lips as he holds her closer than ever before. The sweetness of her lips overriding his senses until their shared feelings collided with one another. They shared the same thoughts and feelings in their moments they shall forever, now and always have together. Elijah was finally happy with a family of his own that he had always dreamed to have but had lost hope of ever getting.