CHAPTER TWO: New Family Connections

Niklaus and Elijah grew to be better friends over the next few months. They met and played at every opportunity they could and as time passed and they grew older, Esther, who had a fairly good idea who her son's mysterious playmate was, finally decided to see him for herself.

"Elijah," she called to her son one morning as he started into the forest.

He was now fourteen and turning into a fine and strapping young man. He turned to her when she called. "Mother?"

"That friend of yours you tell me about all the time, invite him for dinner this night."

Elijah blinked, surprised. It was the first time his mother had ever mentioned Niklaus before, at least in a conversation she began.

"Okay," he smiled, before frowning. "Will Father be okay with that?" He heard tales that his father and Niklaus' father did not get along well, though he knew not why.

"I will handle your father," his mother assured, "now run along."

Elijah gave a nod as he started into the forest. He made his way to the clearing, but sighed when he heard the small, soft footsteps behind him.

"Rebekah," he groaned.

He turned to see his little sister following behind him. She had recently turned six and now that she was allowed into the forest, she had made it her mission in life to follow him everywhere he went. He loved her dearly, but it also annoyed him just a bit.

"I want to meet your friend," she replied, leaping over a root, "can't I come, Elijah?"

He sighed and was about to argue when a whistled tune drew closer. He turned and smiled, immediately forgetting his annoying little shadow as he watched Niklaus step into view. His blonde hair had grown long and unlike Elijah who recently had his chopped off, Niklaus allowed it to hang freely along his shoulders. He looked much older than his ten years.

"Niklaus," Elijah greeted.

Niklaus met his grin with one of his own, a wooden staff in his hand, carved by himself and his father several moons ago. The rod was a beautiful piece of art, crafted to be firm, yet delicate in design. It made Elijah go silent in awe each time he looked upon it. He knew Niklaus was very good with his wooden carvings and colored paintings, but sometimes he forgot just how good.

"You must be Niklaus," Rebekah stated as she stepped past Elijah and stood before the blonde boy, her arms crossed. Her own blonde curls hung loosely down her back as she sized him up and Niklaus studied her in return.

"You must be Rebekah. I have heard a lot about you, little lady," he joked.

Rebekah smirked. "Good things, I can only hope."

"Always," Niklaus agreed, "Your well-spoken, Rebekah."

Elijah rolled his eyes.

"Alright you two. Stop sizing each other up. Niklaus, mother wishes to invite you to dinner with us tonight. Can you come?"

Nik frowned.

"I will need to ask my father first."

"We could go with you to your village to do so," offered Rebekah.

Elijah pushed her back. "I could go with you. Rebekah, go and tell mother I am doing so."

"Aw, but Elijah..." she whined.

"No buts. Go and tell her."

Rebekah grumbled as she went, kicking stones out of her way as she did. Elijah just shook his head as Niklaus laughed. "She is spirited."

"Yes, that she is. So, lead on."

The two boys joked and chatted the entire time they walked until they reached the village. Those who were around looked up and greeted Niklaus as he made his way past, but he had eyes only for his father who was working in the family store where his father often made training weapons, furniture and toys made of wood for the village.

"Niklaus," his father greeted as they entered, though his eyes rested on Elijah.

"Father, this is Elijah, the friend I told you about. His mother has invited me to dine at his home across the forest. May I go and spend the evening with them?"

"He can spend the night too," Elijah offered, "I could walk him back home in the morning or when he was ready to return after breakfast."

Ansel met each boys' eyes. He wasn't sure what Esther was up to in inviting their son, but he supposed it would be alright. He knew she would never do anything to put him jeopardy.

"Alright, but be careful and please, should you wish to come home tonight, do not come alone."

"I promise he will not," Elijah confirmed as he placed a firm hand on Niklaus' shoulder to show his support. Niklaus leaned into the touch, appreciating the encouragement and support.

"I give you my word father."

Ansel nodded. "Alright, but if you are having two free meals with them, bring her this."

Ansel retrieved a bag of spices, fresh fruits vegetables, and various other herbs.

"Thank you very much," Elijah said, taking the bag in surprise. It weighed a ton.

"Niklaus, be good for the Mikaelsons and please, stay out of trouble."

Niklaus smirked. "You know me, father."

"I do and that is exactly why I am telling you," Ansel agreed, shaking his head with a fond smile and the roll of his eyes.

Niklaus and Elijah just laughed as they quickly packed a bag and the two set off again, through the forest they had come to consider their own.

"You will like mother. She is very kind and welcoming. Father on the other hand... please do not be offended if he seems not to like you. He is just that way, even with his own children."

Niklaus nodded. "I understand."

Elijah doubted it, but he figured some warning was better than none. When the two arrived at the Mikaelson home, his siblings were all outside, waiting for them. Finn looked bored, laying back against some crates. Kol and Rebekah were arguing and baby Henric, the newest Mikaelson sibling, sat on the ground playing with some rocks. All of them looked up when the two approached.

"Guys, this is Niklaus. Niklaus, my brother Finn, you know Kol and Rebekah, and this, is Henric."

The baby crawled to them and Niklaus smiled as he crouched down beside the infant. "Pleasure, little guy."

Elijah smiled as Esther stepped out of the house. She took a deep breath and swallowed down her cry at the sight of her son. He looked so handsome and strong. She wished so much she could have seen him grow up, but she knew he was better off with Ansel rather than Mikael.

"You must be Niklaus," she greeted with a warm smile.

Niklaus reached out to shake her hand, but she pulled him into a hug, surprising him, herself, and her children who all started to laugh when Niklaus pulled away, red in the face. She just grinned at his reaction.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Mikaelson," he greeted after clearing his throat.

She chuckled. "Call me Esther or Mom, everyone else does."

Niklaus paused. "Very well Esther. Thank you for inviting me tonight. My father sent these to you as a gift."

Esther took the bag of varying things and smiled when she saw some of the herbs she used to collect throughout the forest that led to their meeting all those years ago.

"Tell him I said thank you, very much."

Niklaus nodded as Elijah stepped up.

"I'm going to take Niklaus hunting. Is there anything you need while we are out?"

Esther shook her head. "No, go and have fun. Be back for dinner in two hours or I will send Finn to retrieve you."

Elijah nodded as he and Niklaus took off running into the trees. Finn just rolled his eyes. Kol and Rebekah looked ready to run after them, but Esther quickly put them to work assisting her with cooking while Henric stayed with his oldest brother, continuing to play while Finn napped.

"Alright Niklaus, take a deep breath, hold it, anddddd... release!"

The arrow flew into the tree near the deer as the animal bolted. "Perhaps next time. you are getting better Niklaus," Elijah encouraged with a smile.

Nik smiled back just as a rough voice rang out.

"You praise him for such a shot? I have taught you better than that, Elijah."

Elijah frowned and Niklaus, seeing his expression, frowned also as the two turned and took in the sight of Mikael standing there, watching.

"You must be Ansel's son."

"Niklaus," he stated with a nod, "Pleasure, Mr. Mikaelson."

Mikael grunted at the greeting and looked to Elijah. "Should you not be assisting your mother?"

"She told us we could go out and hunt, father. She said dinner would be ready in two hours... one hour now," he said after a moment of consideration.

Mikael was silent before sighing.

"Very well."

The two boys watched him as he walked away. Elijah breathed a sigh of relief as Niklaus turned to him, concerned. "He looked rather angry. Are you sure I should stay the night?"

"It's fine, I have already confirmed this with mother and mother confirmed it with father."

Niklaus did not argue.

That night, the family sat down for dinner and welcomed Niklaus to their table. He and Elijah whispered back and forth, laughing, when Mikael interrupted, his fist pounding on the table.

"Do you not know it is impolite to talk at the table in hushed tones!?"

The boys went silent. Esther frowned. The kids did not talk until dinner ended.

While Mikael relaxed on their bed, Esther made certain Niklaus was made comfortable between Elijah and Kol.

"You sure there isn't anything you need?" she asked again, fluffing his pillow and covering him with a warm blanket.

"No nothing, thank you Esther," he smiled and yawned.

She smiled back and kissed each child on the head. Niklaus looked surprised when she kissed him as well, but he welcomed the rare show of affection that only a woman could bestow. Elijah was glad his mother seemed to like Niklaus so much. He just wished his father did as well. His siblings certainly welcomed him. Kol hardly left his side the rest of the night and Rebekah constantly sat upon his lap. Finn was the only one who kept his distance, but even he seemed to enjoy his company and liked to hear the stories he had to tell about his own village.

As the family slept, Niklaus woke to whimpers in the night. Blinking through the dark, he realized it was coming from a couple matts over. The roar of thunder outside made him realize why. Quietly making his way over to the matt, he knelt by the side of Rebekah's bed. "Are you well?" he whispered.

She peered up at him, trembling. When another flash of lightning and loud thunder echoed outside, she cried out and he quickly held her hand, thinking. "Hang on."

He hurried to his own bed and looked inside his bag. There he found what he was looking for and hurried back to her. "Here, let this be a reminder that your brothers and I shall protect you. The storm outside will not harm you; never while we are here with you."

Rebekah looked at the carefully carved little knight sitting upon his horse and smiled.

"Thank you, Nik," she whispered sweetly.

He smiled and placed a small kiss upon her head before starting back towards his own bed, but she caught his hand. "Please, Nik, don't leave me?" she begged.

Niklaus hesitated, but finally he sighed and laid down beside her. "Rest easy. I am here."

She closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep, snuggled into his side. He waited until he was certain she would not wake before making his way back to his own bed. He did not realize Elijah had been awake, listening. The older boy smiled and closed his eyes, thanking the powers that be that he had a friend like Niklaus.