( elena mimics freya's earlier gesture. she is the one who takes freya's hands in her own. perhaps for some this alone would seem an abomination, mikaelson and petrova, linked together by a harrowing experience neither orchestrated. )

I know I can tell you that you have nothing to be sorry for, and it won't make a difference.

( it didn't for her, after all, when people would insist her parents' death was not her fault. )

So I do. I forgive you. But promise me you'll try to forgive yourself.