Samhain

                                    

                                          

Slowly, I am building a life in this viking village. As I quickly notice, the Mikaelson brothers are not the only guys who have their eyes on Tatia. She is the most desired woman in the village. Her fierce spirit draws them in like moths to a flame. My fake sister knows how to be charming and witty, yet resolute and bold. No man can look away when she walks by. Her looks are only the top of the iceberg, even if they are quite the powerful tip. She's gorgeous and she knows it. In that aspect, she reminds me a bit of Katherine. But unlike the vile other doppelgänger, Tatia is nice, genuine and down-to-earth. I have come to adore her, just like I knew I would.
Slowly, the differences between the times become clearer for me, more detailed. It's not just that these people have little to no knowledge about what the world outside their home looks like or how medicine works. There are also the differences that men are obvioisly ranked above women. Of course, I somehow knew this was going to be the case, but that doesn't mean I was prepared to live with it. 
For example, a few days ago, Rebekah was having a hard time dealing with one of her family's bulls. A boy from the village helped her, claiming a woman wasn't meant for such hard work anyway. The blonde Mikaelson girl definitely seemed furious at his remark, but she kept her comments mostly to herself. Later that day, I heard the same boy bragging about the incident to the other village boys, including the Mikaelson brothers. He basically declared himself as the hero who saved the damsel in distress. The other boys laughed with him. And I felt the urge to strangle him. I'm determined never to let that happen to me while I'm here.
"Elena! Come, we need a hand over here." a voice pulls me out of my reverie. We are going to have a bonfire tonight. Apparently, it's Samhain. Which, if I understood them correctly, is basically viking Haloween. So, there will be a fire, some masks for whoever wants to wear them and some met. I'm actually pretty excited. My first viking holiday celebrations!
However, for now, I oblige and help the other girls with the preparations. "So, Tatia," I approach my fake sister, "are Niklaus and Elijah coming tonight?" I am slowly getting used to calling him that, at least out loud. 'Niklaus'.
"You're awfully nosy." she answers. Her eyes are determinedly fixed on the wood for the bonfire we're currently preparing, avoiding mine.
I grin. "So they are."
"Don't see why they shouldn't. Pass me some more logs, please." Tatia answers in a business-focussed tone.
Elena did as asked. "Ok... I mean, alright, but there's more, isn't it? Tatia, look, I know this is important to you and I feel like we've grown close. Can you please tell me how you feel about the Mikaelsons? Because, from how you're acting, it's really not clear what you want."
My lookalike sighs. "Well, if you must know, yes. I believe I am going to marry again. And the groom is going to be a Mikaelson."
Oookay, not what I was expecting, but I guess in these times it's either marriage or nothing. "That's great! Which one will it be? Elijah or Niklaus?"
"Your curiosity is getting tedious." Tatia dusts herself off and leaves to where the kids are playing. Her son is always the subject when she's done working, so I know at least her behaviour has little to do with my question. I am a bit disappointed that she refused to tell me who her next husband is going to be. But in another part of my mind, I also think she's a good mother. Haakon always comes first for her no matter what. Even as a means to avoid a question.
I guess I'll find out later.
***
The bonfire evening is lovely. Everyone from our village is here. We are drinking Met, talking and some are dancing to the sounds of a strange instrument someone has brought. It's a lot like our parties back home, actually.