A/N I totally apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I have kind of lost the gumption when it comes to writing, although I still do love it. I will never leave a story of that much I can promise. When I update and how often are another story. I hope you enjoy this long awaited chapter! R&R please! P.S. thank you to Sblack for the comment and imaddictedtocarrots for the feedback, your reviews are much loved!
Astrid knew without a doubt what Klaus was trying to put off. What she couldn't fathom is why couldn't he let himself be happy? She had thought that having the family back solved any of his loneliness issues but there seemed to be more to Klaus.
After Klaus had dropped the bomb that they were leaving for Mystic Falls everyone pretty much kept to themselves. This was unlike the previous days of laughter and mingling that had followed her sibling's release. So why would he do this?
Astrid sighed, knowing that working over the same question in her mind wouldn't get her anywhere besides frustrated. But it was more than mere frustration; she was saddened by the sudden shift in Klaus' mood. He went from smiling contently to locking himself away in his office.
Throwing herself back on the bed out of defeat, she figured she would take a nap since she had woken up way too early for her tastes.
Sleep came easily, almost too easily, as she found herself in a familiar field.
Astrid. Esther's voice drifted to her ears, but she couldn't see the woman this time. It seemed the more dreams the witch entered the less solid her form became.
What am I supposed to do? You told me I am supposed to save them and I thought I was but I'm not sure anymore. Astrid waited for a reply. The field went silent. The breeze halted and it seemed as if everything in the dream world was holding its breath. Then without warning it all resumed.
She felt, though she could not see, the older women caress her cheek. It was such a tender touch, that it nearly brought Astrid to her knees. And even without the words she was looking for; she knew that she was doing what she was supposed to.
That one gentle touch was affirmation. It was full of love, praise, and approval. But the one thing she didn't understand was why Klaus felt the need to take the hard road. The one that was full of trials and hardship, not only for him but for his family as well.
As if sensing the question or reading her mind Esther answered, in what seemed to be a dying voice on the wind. He's scared.
With her question answered, Astrid jolted from her dream world, nearly falling off the bed in the process. A half strangled laugh caught her attention as her eyes scanned the room for the culprit.
"That must have been some dream." Kol jibbed. His trademark smirk firmly in place.
"It was…revealing." Astrid replied, not entirely in the playful mood that her brother always seemed to be in.
Kol sat at the edge of the bed folding his hands neatly in his lap. "Oh, do tell."
This was a side of Kol Astrid had not yet seen. He was serious and attentive, two characteristics she would typically not use to describe the youngest brother.
Astrid fidgeted with the comforter."Why are you being like that?"
He shrugged, "I can be serious when the time calls for it and it seems to be so I am." He gave a small encouraging smile. Another thing, Astrid noted that was unusual for Kol.
Astrid flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, choosing her words."Your mother has been visiting me." She tilted her head to the side to gauge Kol's reaction. There was a minute amount of surprise but he gave no inclination that he was going to respond so she continued, returning her gaze to the smooth white ceiling.
"She ultimately led me to Klaus and well…let's just say she's as approving as you and Rebekah." At that statement she heard a slight snigger. "This last time she brought me to clarity but I'm not sure what I should do with what I found." She tilted her head, this time to see a thoughtful expression on Kol's face which made him resemble Elijah.
"So you found clarity?" Astrid nodded. "And you're still confused?" Once again, she nodded. Kol gave a moment before speaking once more. "So in truth, you didn't find clarity. You found one aspect of the whole that you are now seeing clearer but you have yet to shine light on the entirety of it."
"Or…you have gained clarity and you know what to do with the knowledge you've gained but you chose not to act on it."
Astrid groaned and lowered her forearms onto her eyes, shielding them from Kol's reasoning.
She heard him chuckle.
"Since when did you become all analytical?" She grumbled. Kol didn't respond he merely stood from the bed and left her to her own devices, chuckling all the way.
Stupid Kol being right for once…