Chapter 21: The Beginning
I sat curled up in the warmth of my mother's arms as she held me on her lap. My eyes followed the yellow colored leaves as they slowly floated down towards the earth, covering the clearing in a yellow and red blanket of fallen leaves. My mother brought me to the clearing of the large oak tree often. It was here she taught me what it meant to be a Fae. It was here that she taught me about nature and the balance we were meant to uphold.
"Do you see it, my little one?" Her voice spoke softly in my ear as she lowered her face next to mine. "Do you see the connection between us and the earth?" I squinted my eyes and looked out across the clearing, trying to see what she was speaking of. But the only thing I saw were the trees standing clustered together across the way from us.
"I don't see anything, Mama." I frowned and turned my head to look up at her. My mother gave me a reassuring smile before tightening her arms around my small body. I felt my chest grow warm and I snuggled further into her hold.
"One day, my little love. You'll be able to see it. To feel it." She took one of my small hands in her and I flattened the tiny appendage against her soft skin. "We are all a part of the balance. You, me, and your Papa. And one day, you will see what it truly means to be a Fae. One day, you will see what I see."
I smiled brightly at her words and turned my eyes back towards the falling leaves. I believed her words, that one day I would grow up to understand what she meant. But for now, I was only a child and my life was only just beginning.
"Papa!" I squealed in delight at the sight of my father as my mother and I made our way back to our secluded home. My father smiled at the sight of us and opened his arms to embrace me as I ran up to him. Lifting me up into his arms, I rose above my parents heads.
"Hello there my little one." My father held me in his arms and I smiled as his gaze turned towards my mother. His eyes grew soft as she approached and he held out his free arm for her. She gladly stepped into his embrace and he placed a kiss on the side of her head. "And my beautiful Elskling."
My father was a large man who doted on his wife and daughter. He was tall, with long dark brown hair that he wore braided back from his face. His eyes were a light shade of green that shined with pride when he stared at my mother and I, but turned hard like steel when faced with anyone who dared to even look at us wrong. He was our protector. Our great warrior who watched over us when we needed him most. He was my hero. My mighty wolf.
"Come, let us go inside for super." My mother spoke up as she took a hold of my father's hand. "You have a long night, my love. Eat and gather strength."
My father followed after my mother and set me down once we crossed the threshold of our home. We ate together as a family and as the sun started to set, my mother and father stood near the door. They pressed their foreheads together and my mother whispered something to him before he smiled and placed a kiss upon her forehead. He then turned his attention to me and kneeled down.
"Be strong, my little one." His deep voice had my spine going a little straighter and I nodded my head. "I will see you in the morning, Schatje." My father pressed his forehead against mine and I closed my eyes at the close contact. He then stood and gave my mother one last look before stepping out into the setting sun. My mother and I stood in the doorway as we watched my father's figure disappear among the trees that surrounded our home.
Before the sun could fully set, my mother closed the door and made sure the latch was secure. This was a normal occurrence for us. Once a month the moon grew full and filled the sky as she shined down on the earth with her eerie glow. It was during this time my father left and the night was filled with howls and songs of the night.
"Is Papa going to be okay?" I asked my mother as I peeked out the window towards the treeline where my father had disappeared through. The wavy glass gave the trees a strange look, but I peered through it as best I could.
"Yes, your Papa is keeping us safe." My mother's hands gently caressed my hair and I glanced up at her for a moment before returning my gaze back towards the woods that surrounded our home. "Come now my little one, it is time for us to get ready for bed." I heard my mother's footsteps as she walked away, but I kept my focus on the trees and the eerie glow of the moon as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
A howl filled the air and I scrambled away from the window and into the waiting arms of my mother. She gave me a soft smile and began to hum as she dressed me for bed. Her voice calmed my fast beating heart and I settled under the covers of the large bed my parents shared. My mother slipped in beside me and held me close as the fires glow cast shadows on the walls around us.
"Sleep now, my little one. For tomorrow brings a new day." I listened to her words and closed my eyes as she continued to hum. Soon my body grew heavy and I gave into the sweet calmness of sleep as darkness enveloped my mind. My dreams were filled with the songs of the night and glowing golden eyes.
The next morning came, and just as he promised, my father returned home unscathed. My parents decided today was a good day to visit the nearby village for trade before the cold days set in and it became difficult to make the journey. I held on tightly to my mother's hand as we stepped into the village. We followed after my fathers imposing figure as we made our way to the village market. I shied away from the looks the folks of the village would send my mother and I.
The night after a full moon was usually a day filled with celebration. The village would celebrate surviving the night with a large fire in the village center and dance around wearing masks of their gods. I watched with curious eyes as the villagers danced around. I was still so unsure about the customs of humans considering just how different my mother and I were compared to them. Still, I watched and searched the crowd for a familiar face.
I stayed close to my mother as we came to a stop just outside of the black smiths hut. My father left us outside as he went in to speak to the man. The people of the village, although used to my family's presence, still stared at my mother and I. We did not look like them, with our white colored hair and unnerving red eyes. But, they did well to give us space.
I noticed out of the corner of my eye a woman start to approach us. "Niamh, it is good to see you are well." The woman had long wheat colored hair and she smiled kindly at my mother and I.
"Esther, it is good to see you. How is your little one doing?" My mother gestured to Esther's rounded belly and the woman smiled as she rubbed a hand over her pregnant stomach. I glanced behind Esther as she spoke to my mother, searching for anyone of her little followers. I felt a smile curl at the corners of my lips as I spotted a familiar face.
"Finn!" I left my mother's side and rushed towards the older boy. The woman watched on with smiles as I practically tackled the older boy, and wrapped my arms around his waist. Finn did well to keep us from falling as he laughed at my excitement. His hand patted the top of my head and felt warmth fill my chest.
"Hello, Serena." Finn was the eldest of Esther's children, with dark colored hair and brown eyes. "Lady Niamh." Finn greeted my mother and respectfully bowed his head to her.
"Hello, Finn." She smiled at the older boy before glancing down towards my figure currently wrapped around Finn's waist. "It seems someone missed you." Esther and my mother shared a soft laugh with one another.
"Why don't you take Serena to see your siblings, Finn. I am sure they have missed her just as much as she's missed them." Esther suggested and Finn nodded his head. The older boy then took a hold of my hand and the two of us left our mothers presence. I felt no fear as I held tightly to Finn's hand as I looked back and waved goodbye to my mother.
Esther and my mother were always close as friends, even before I was born. My mother once told me it was because of Esther's affinity for what the humans called magic. While Fae were direct links to nature, humans had other ways of connecting with nature, and they were called witches. My mother had helped deliver all of Esther's children and in their friendship, I grew up with the siblings as my companions.
"Serena!" I heard my name being called out, and before I could turn to look at whoever it was, I was being tackled in a hug. Finn did well to keep me upright as Rebekah wrapped her arms around me.
"Careful, little sister. You don't want to break her." Finn spoke up as Rebekah released me from her hold. Rebekah was the youngest, and only girl, of Esther's children.
"Hello, Bekah." I giggled as the younger girl tugged on my hand.
"Come on, Serena. We are going to play games." Bekah continued to tug at my hand until I stepped after her and the two of us rushed towards where three boys stood waiting. Esther had six children, starting with Finn, then Elijah and Niklaus. Then there was Kol and Rebekah, and lastly there was the little one still in her womb. It was a large family, one that had welcomed me with open arms, and friendships were made with light intentions and as we ran about with Finn watching over us, I felt joy fill my heart. But not all good things were meant to last.
I spent my childhood growing up with the Mikaelson children. We played with one another and bonds grew between us. With the changing of the seasons, came changes within ourselves. As a Fae, I went through my own changes and my connection with nature grew stronger. I could feel the energy in the air and tell the differences between the ones like my father, and the ones like Esther.
With age came something unexpected, the attention given to me by the men of the village, and more importantly the Mikaelson brothers. Most young women were married by the time they reached a certain age. But that was not the case for Fae.
"Hurry, Serena!" Rebekah's voice echoed through the trees as we rushed back towards the village. I felt laughter bubbling up in my throat as I ran past the younger girl. Rebekah and I had grown close as we grew up together. I saw her as the younger sister I never had and she considered me to be the older sister she had always craved.
"Don't fall behind, Bekah!" I laughed in glee as we skipped over small bushes and fallen tree branches, but just before I made it through the tree line, a pair of arms reached out and I felt my body being pulled back as a gasp of surprise escaped my lips.
"Found you, darling." Kol's voice sent a shiver down my spine as he whispered into my ear. I turned around and looked up at the third youngest Mikaelson. His brown eyes were filled with that familiar mischief that made my heart flutter when directed towards me.
As the second youngest male in the Mikaelson family, Kol had a lot going against him when it came to his older brothers. Much like his mother, Kol took to the magic in nature like a fish to water. He prided himself on being the only one in the family who was as skilled in magic as his mother and I couldn't help but adore Kol. With his mischievous ways and those big brown eyes that helped enunciate his boyish charm, I was unable to stop my feelings from growing for him as we got older. In fact, I found it impossible to stop the feelings I felt for each of the Mikaelson brothers from growing.
"Yes, you found me, Kol." Kol smirked and I had to fight the urge to blush at the look. Yes, things have definitely changed between myself and Mikaelson men. They had all grown into fine looking young men, ones whose attentions were all directed towards me. Leaving a pit to grow in my stomach whenever I felt my heart skip a beat and grow warm at their attention. Guilt ate at me knowing that one day I would have to tell them the truth. Fae are beings who make strong connections with those they choose to love, and no connection is stronger then the connection between a Fae and their fated mate.
I pulled away from Kols arms and offered him a soft smile before Rebekah broke through the trees and eyed her older brother slightly. Rebekah knew her brothers well and made it her mission to keep me from having to choose between them. Granted, that wasn't exactly the case. The real endgame of all this would be me having to tell them that I couldn't be with any of them, even if the thought of doing that had my stomach twisting in distaste.
"Kol, you can't steal her from me today." Bekah looped her arm with mine and I couldn't help but smile at her. "Serena and I already have plans." Kol rolled his eyes at his younger sister and sent her a half hearted glare. "Come on Serena." Rebekah tugged at my arm and I complied with her instance. I glanced back at Kol and offered him a small smile and a wave goodbye before turning back around.
As a young woman, my age of maturity was creeping closer and closer. As a Fae, I will have to go through a change, one where my Fae blood would take over my human blood and I would be deemed a fully grown Fae. My mother promised to be beside me when this change happened. It was a painful one, the change. For a full night I will have to suffer as my human blood boiled in my veins and my connection with nature grew. But my change into a full blooded Fae wasn't the only change on my mind. My friendship with the older Mikaelson brothers was also going through a change, one I didn't know if I liked or not.
"Hmpf, can't go one day without my brothers trying to win your affection." Bekah muttered under her breath as we made our way towards the village market.
"Serena, little sister." Both mine and Rebekahs heads turned and I felt that pit in my stomach open up even more. Niklaus smirked as he approached us. My heart began to speed up it's pace within my chest and hoped the fair haired Mikealson wouldn't notice just how much he affected me. Niklaus was just as charming, if not more so, then Kol in his boyish charm. The dimples in his smirk didn't help me whatsoever.
"Hello, Nik." I smiled softly at him and Niklaus bowed to me in respect before taking a hold of my hand placing a soft kiss on the back of my knuckles. A rush of blood went straight to my cheeks and I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread throughout my body.
"Honestly." I heard Bekah scoff and a giggle escaped my lips and Nik turned his attention towards his little sister.
"Don't be jealous, sister." Nik mocked the girl and Bekah retaliated by sticking her tongue out at him.
I shook my head at the siblings antics and nudged the girl beside me. "Be nice, Bekah." She sent me a glare before her face smoothed out and she held her chin up.
"I already told Kol that Serena is mine for the day. So you can take your failed attempts at courting somewhere else." Rebekah's words made a frown marr Niks face, but before he could argue with his sister, another voice spoke up and a small body crashed into my own.
"Serena!" Henriks arms wrapped around my waist and I unlooped my arm with Bekahs so I could return the hug. Henrik was the youngest child of Mikealson brood. As the baby of the family, he tended to get away with a lot more and I couldn't help but be a factor in that.
"Hello, Henrik." I smiled down at the little boy as he stepped back, but took a hold of my hand as he looked up at his older brother and sister.
"Henrik. Weren't you supposed to help mother today?" Nik asked the little boy.
Henrik opened his mouth to explain himself, but was interrupted. "He begged me to bring him along. Said he wanted to see Serena before she went home." I glanced up and spotted Elijah as he approached us. Once again my heart went fluttering about in my chest, like a bird's wings taking flight, as another Mikaelson brother smiled at me.
Elijah and his younger brother, Niklaus, couldn't have been more different from one another. Elijah had long dark hair with deep brown eyes. While Niklaus had been born with light wheat colored hair and striking blue eyes, that as he got older had speaks of green scattered throughout his orbs. Elijah and Niklaus were both similar in age and were close as brothers, but the two tended to butt heads and were quite competitive.
Elijah paused before Henrik and I and offered me a respectful bow of his head. "Serena." His voice was always something that had my stomach bursting with fluttering wings and a blush tinting my cheeks.
"Elijah." I offered the second eldest Mikaelson a nod of my head before Henrik distracted me by tugging at my hand. I looked down at the boy and his bright smile made my lips turn up slightly.
"Will you be staying for the celebration tonight?" Henrik asked. I titled my head before shaking it. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, my name was once again being called out. This time though, it was my father's voice calling out for me.
I glanced towards where I heard his voice and saw him standing beside Mikael and the oldest of the Mikaelson siblings, Finn. "Come now, little one." I offered the siblings standing around me a soft smile before releasing Henriks hand and making my way to my father's side. "Let us return home to your mother, little one." I nodded my head in understanding before bowing to Mikael and Finn. Finn's gaze caught my own and I smiled softly at the eldest son.
Finn was the oldest of the Mikaelson siblings. His hair was just as long and dark as Elijahs and Kols, but his eyes were a stunning brown with green mixed with in his gaze. As the oldest, he wasn't nearly as close with his younger siblings as Elijah was, but he did well to watch after them and keep an eye on them.
My father turned away from the two men and I followed after him. With a glance back I gave a small wave to Finn, one he returned, as he always did. I knew one day I would have to tell the four brothers the truth, and I had a feeling that day would have to be soon. Each one of them was becoming more and more bold in their want to court me. I was sure it was only a matter of time they asked my father for permission. Permission they would not be receiving.
"You are awfully quiet, my little one." My mother's voice broke me out of my thoughts. The two of us sat beside one another under the branches of the old oak tree. My thoughts had once again been trapped on the subject of the Mikaelson brothers and the way my heart felt towards each of them. The day was still new and I wondered slightly about the celebration the village had the night before. Now that the cold days were gone, it was time for new growth in the world.
"I am sorry, Mama. I seem to have a lot on my mind." I looked up from the flower I had been twirling between my fingers. My mother knew of the confliction I felt towards the brothers. I had grown up with them being my only friends for so long. But now that we were older, my feelings for them had evolved into something more, something that could never be.
My mother frowned at my words and let out a soft sigh. "You my dear, have certainly found yourself facing a hardship in which I have no strong answer for." Now it was my turn to frown at my mother's words. I always looked to her for wisdom and advice, considering she was well over three hundred years old. When Fae reached their age of maturity, they ceased to age, that is, until they met and bonded with their fated mates. Then their life becomes one with their destined one.
"I do not wish to hurt them." I muttered softly as my eyes went back to the flower I was holding in my grasp. I felt like my heart was being pulled between giving in to their affections, and telling them the truth.
"I know this is not an easy decision for you to make, my little love. But you can not let them continue to think they have a chance at your heart. Not when you do not know if it is theirs to have." She was right of course. The reason I can not choose between them, is because my heart may not belong to any of them. When I reach my age of maturity and become a full blooded Fae, the second I find my fated mate, my heart will belong to them.
I know what I feel for them is real, and wrong. They are brothers and I could not bear it if it was because of me that they grew to hate one another. "I think, I love them, Mama." My voice broke as I spoke and I felt tears sting at my eyes and I fought hard to keep them from falling.
"Oh Serena." My mother reached out and pulled me into her arms. The dams burst open as my mother held me close. Fae are creatures that create strong bonds with the ones they trust, and even though I have yet to go through my change, I still find myself growing attached to those around me. Creating bonds that have evolved into something so much more. "Shhh, my little love. It will all be alright. I will always be beside you. Until my last breath." I knew one day, when my father's time came to an end, my mother would follow her fated mate into the afterlife, and I will be alone.
"I have to tell them." I mumbled and my mother let out a soft sigh at my words. The brothers and Rebekah knew of my gifts, but they did not know the true extent of what it meant to be a Fae. While growing flowers were one thing, there was so much more to it.
"That is a decision you must make on your own, little one." She was right, again. This would be up to me to do. It was my heart that was also breaking. But they deserved to know, deserved the chance to move on and find love with another. The thought of the brothers moving on had a hole opening up in my heart. But I would let them go.
The days continued to grow warmer and I gathered up my courage to speak to the brothers. I made the decision to tell them all together. This was not a conversion I wanted to have more than once.
"Thank you for doing this, Bekah." I walked beside my friend turned sister. She had agreed to ask her brothers to meet me in the flower field, one we often visited as children. It held many memories for me and I knew it was private enough for us to speak of what I needed to tell them. Rebekah nodded her head, she held a solemn look on her face and I sent her a reassuring smile. "Do not be sad, please. I want your brothers to be happy, and if they do not have me to focus their attention on, then they can find love elsewhere." I reminded her, but her frown only grew deeper.
"Yes, but what about your happiness. Do you not deserve to be loved, Serena?" Her words had me pausing. I knew I had a lot to tell her as well, but for now I would do my best to reassure her thoughts.
"Do not worry about me. My time will come, one day." I split away from Rebekah and made my way through the trees towards the flower field. My skin felt clammy as a warmth spread throughout my body. My blood had felt warmer than usual when I woke today, but it was easy enough to ignore. Besides, I had more pressing matters to deal with. I was sure the heat would pass and it was only my nerves making me feel warm as the energy around me flexed and pulled.
I stood in the field as I waited for the brothers to arrive and felt my stomach twist and turn. I was beyond nervous and I did my best to take calming breaths to try and ease the frantic pounding of my heart. It was the sight of Finn stepping into the field with Elijah behind him that had my breath getting caught in my throat. Both looked at me with concern in their eyes as they stepped closer.
"Serena, is something the matter? Has something happened?" Elijah asked as the two brothers stopped before me. I shook my head at his questions. Just as he opened his mouth to continue speaking, both Kol and Niklaus entered the clearing. Just like Finn and Elijah, both Niklaus and Kol had concerned looks upon their faces as they approached.
"Serena?" Nik titled his head in confusion and I held up a hand to quiet any more words from the brothers.
"I asked Rebekah to have you meet me here because there is something I wish to tell you all." I felt slightly proud of myself as I spoke. But as the brothers listened to my words, their spines straightened and a look of hope filled each of their eyes. That look made my confidence in my earlier words deflate and I felt slightly dizzy as I pulled myself together. "There is something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Serena?" Finn spoke calmly, in a way that would usually have the proper effect on me, but that was not the case today.
"It is about me, about us." I paused and took in a breath. "You know I am not like the rest of you, that being what I am means that the differences between us can be, substantial."
It was Kol who interrupted my words as he took a step towards me. "What do you mean, Serena?" He looked slightly concerned. Kol was an accomplished warlock, one that took his studies seriously and was powerful in his own rights. He knew some of the histories of Fae, and he practically worshiped the ground I walked on and loved to show off his gifts in any way he could. I had a feeling this conversion was causing him to worry slightly at the implications of my words.
"You must remember, my mother and I are Fae, beings directly connected to nature. We are a direct link to the balance that holds our world together." Explaining what I am to the brothers was easy enough. They each stood there as I spoke and even Kol stayed quiet as I explained myself. "As a Fae, I will go through a change, one where the human part of me is outgrown by the Fae part. I will become a full blooded Fae. And that means I will cease to age, until I meet my fated mate." My words slowly became quiet as I spoke.
"Fated mate? What do you mean?" This time it was Niklaus who spoke up and I couldn't stop myself from looking into those blue green eyes of his. Hope still swam in the depths of his gaze and I swallowed thickly.
"Fate gives us a destined one, someone we bond with and share a life with. A fated mate is everything to a Fae. My mother's life is connected to my fathers, when he dies, she will follow. That is a fated mate." The clearing grew quiet and I took in a breath, hoping to cool my body heat down as the temperature of my blood steadily rose. "That is why, you can not continue to try for my hand. Because, I can not give you the life and love you deserve."
Each of the brothers went stiff and I felt my heart begin to break. Tears stung at my eyes and I squeezed them shut in hopes of holding my emotions back. "All I ask is that you do not hate me. I do not wish to hurt you, but my heart will never be able to choose between you." I opened my eyes and looked at the brother as my vision began to blur. "I love you. I love you so much, but I cannot hold onto you."
"Serena." Elijah spoke my name like a prayer and I held my hands to my mouth to hold back my sobs of heartbreak. My blood was rushing through my ears and I knew I needed to leave. I did not spare the brothers a look as I rushed away. I could hear my name being called out, but I found it impossible to stop as I made my way through the trees. I found it difficult to breath as my blood grew hot and unbearable. This was unlike any time I had over done it when practicing with my gifts, this was excruciating.
I hunched over as I held onto a tree to steady my legs. The setting sun casted the world in beautiful pinks and oranges, but I could not enjoy the sight as my stomach turned and I threw up the contents of my insides. I wretched and sobs as my mouth filled with a metallic taste. I felt my head become dizzy as I looked down at the red stained earth. It was blood.
"Serena!" My voice was being yelled, but I could not tear my gaze away from the puddle of blood on the ground. My blood continued to burn as it rushed through my veins and I stumbled away from the sight. "Serena!" Arms embraced my figure and I collapsed into whoever had grabbed me. "No, no. Serena, look at me love, look at me." I tore my eyes away from the stained ground and up into Niks blue gaze. "Elijah! Come quick." He called out for his brother and I winced as the energy around us tugged at my mind. I needed to keep going.
I pushed away from Niklaus and stumbled slightly. I held onto a nearby tree as Nik jumped back to my side as Elijah and Finn broke through the trees. "Serena. Niklaus, what's happened?" Elijah walked closer, but I brushed off his attempts at taking me into his arms as I kept walking forward. "Serena." My stomach twisted again, but I continued to walk away from the brothers. I knew where I needed to go. The energy around me pulled me in the right direction.
"What is happening to her?" Niks' voice sounded so far away with the sound of my blood rushing through my ears. Another pair of arms carefully slipped around me and held me up as I struggled to keep standing.
"She's burning up." It was Kols voice that spoke up as his hand pressed against my forehead. "We need to get her to her mother. Niamh will know what to do." My feet suddenly left the ground and I found myself burying my face into someone's neck as they carried me in their arms. I noticed dark colored hair and did my best to keep my breathing steady. My stomach continued to turn and I squeezed my arms around whoever it was carrying me.
My skin felt clammy and sweat was starting to bead on my forehead. Breathing was a struggle and my stomach continued to twist in displeasure. Time became irrelevant as I focused on keeping down whatever was left in my stomach. The movement suddenly stopped.
"Stay there, Finn. Set her on her feet." My mother's voice sent a calm washing through me as Finn hesitated in listening to her words. Slowly, Finn kneeled down and set my feet on the ground. I felt slightly dizzy in the change but was held steady by my mother's hands holding onto my arms. "You four can go now." I leaned into my mother's arms and relished in the calming energy that surrounded us. I had no doubts that we were in the clearing with the oak tree.
"Please, tell us what is happening to her?" Elijah spoke up. My mother held me close and let out a sigh.
"You cannot step foot into the clearing, not until the change is complete." Her voice vibrated through her chest and I felt my stomach turning once again. "Do not fear for her. This was fate's plan and fate will guide her." My mother led me away from the tree line and I stumbled on shaky legs before finally collapsing beside the trunk of the old oak tree. Breathing became far easier and the feeling of my mother fingers running through my hair eased my worries.
Through the night, my mother stayed beside me as my blood burned in my veins and the human part of me gave way to the Fae. I could feel the energy around me spike and flex. It was like a door was opening, one I would never be able to walk back through again. I found myself falling in and out of sleep. I expelled more blood from my stomach and hissed as the burning spiked at some points in the night, and the entire time, my mother stayed beside me, supporting me. She rubbed at my back and sang me soothing songs from her past. Songs her own mother once sang to her, long ago. Finally, my eyes closed for the last time and I found myself slipping into the darkness. I felt as if I was floating. My blood no longer burned and there was a feeling of contentment bubbling up inside of me.
When I opened my eyes again, I found the morning sun piercing through the tree branches as I stared up towards the sky. I sat up slowly as I took in the sights and sounds of the woods that surrounded me. A smile curled up at the corners of my lips. I could feel it, now more than ever before, I could feel the connection my mother always spoke of. I held up a hand and noticed the difference in my skin. Like my mother, my olive toned skin now held that glow to it that hers did. I felt the air around me flex and pull. I could feel the energy of the old oak tree behind me. I could feel it's years and the connection it provided to the earth.
I stood up from the ground. Something was pulling at my chest, making me tilt my head in curiosity. My steps were light and I felt the earth soften as my bare feet walked forward towards the tree line. I placed a hand on one of the trees and peeked out of the clearing, there I found four bodies slumped against the trees, all sleeping. My heart clenched at the sight of them. Niklaus and Elijah leaned against one another while Finn slept against the tree across from them. My eyes found the youngest brother, Kol, slumped against the tree closest to me. They had stayed.
I couldn't help myself as I kneeled down in front of Kol, taking in his face with new eyes. As gently as I could, I carefully brushed the hair from his face as he slept. My heart sputtered in my chest and I couldn't help but smile at the tingles that ran up my fingers and down my arm. I could hear a whisper on the wind and felt the air around Kol spike. I could feel the power Kol held as a warlock and wondered if that was what this feeling was. But it was the sudden shock of seeing those big brown eyes open wide that I found the real reason why I felt drawn to him.
Kols eyes were swimming with emotion as I found myself trapped and unable to move. Warmth filled my entire body as something snapped within me, something Kol obviously felt as well. "Serena." My voice fell from his lips like a prayer as he leaned in closer to my frozen form. My entire body felt like lightning during a storm as we locked eyes. My heart felt as if it would burst with joy, and before I could say anything another voice spoke up and the tugging at my chest increased.
"Serena?" I broke my gaze away from Kol to see Finn wake and staring at me in what looked to be a mixture of shock and relife. The second our eyes met my breath became trapped in my throat. Oh boy. Realization started to come over me and my eyes went wide and my lips formed a small o shape. Movement caught my eyes and Elijah shifted as he woke up. His shifting caused Niklaus to also start to wake up and the both of them blinked open their eyes. The second Elijah's sleepy gaze met mine I felt the world slightly tilt. He sprung up and Niklaus had to catch himself to keep from falling over. I started to feel very overwhelmed and the second my eyes left Elijahs to stare at Niklaus I found tears stinging at my eyes.
I slapped a hand over my mouth a sob suddenly burst through my throat. The brothers all reacted instantly as they lept to my aid. "Serena. Elskan, what is it? What is wrong?" Elijah's voice was filled with concern as my shoulders shook with the sobs I was trying so hard to subdue. I know I was probably causing them to worry, but I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming amount of emotion.
"Love, please." It was Niks pleading that had me taking in a deep breath to calm myself down. I looked up at the four of them surrounding me. I didn't know what to say, how to explain to them what was happening between us. But in the end, I didn't need to say anything as Kol kneeled before me. His hands gently took a hold of my face and our eyes locked as a smile graced his lips.
"You can feel it, can't you?" I whispered softly and Kol nodded his head.
"Yes, I can feel it. And is it incredible." Before I could even think of what to say next, Kols lips were on mine in a very surprising kiss. Warmth filled my entire being and my eyes grew moist when he pulled away. Relife was the only thing I could feel, that is before Kol turned to face his brothers. "We should be honored brothers." Kol smirked in that mischievous way he always did. "Fate has chosen us to be a Faes fated mate. And I for one will not be letting her go."
Kol stood by his promise. After my change into a full blooded Fae, I found my fate laided in the hands of the four brothers. I feared their reactions to the realization, but each of them made the vow to stand by fate's hand. From that day forward, things changed, and I wasn't sure if my heart could take it.
The Mikaelson brothers changed after that day. I was sure my heart was going to explode out of my chest with the constant show of affection. Elijah and Finn were more subtle within their display, but I had a feeling Nik and Kol had some sort of game to see who could make my face flush redder.
"I can't believe you have them wrapped around your finger." I smirked at Bekah's words as I sat behind her. I braided her hair and weave flowers into her wheat colored locks. Kol scoffed from where he sat reading one of his mother's grimoires. Finn and Kol had decided to be Bekahs and mines escort for the day. We all sat in the peaceful quiet of the flower field.
"That is not how this works, Bekah." I reminded the younger girl. Rebekah knew everything that had transpired the day I went through my change. I was worried about how she would accept the changes in the lives of her brothers, but she accepted me just as I was. We were sisters after all.
Our day spent in the flower field was a peaceful one and as the sun began to set, we made our way back to the village. Finn escorted me the rest of the way home while Kol took Bekah to the caves.
"Stay safe, my love." Finn gently brushed the hair out of my eyes and I tilted my head towards his touch. My heart felt warm and content in his presence.
"I will, but then you must promise to do the same." I closed my eyes as Finn held my face in his hands. We stood among the trees, just out of sight of my home. While my parents knew about the brothers and I. The brothers were respectful of my parents. Nik especially when it came to my father. My father had a soft spot for the fair haired brother.
It was the soft feeling of Finn's lips that had my heart racing as he kissed me. I soaked up any touch, every kiss, and any show of affection the brothers showed me. I craved them, and needed them. The bonds between us grew stronger each day and I knew it wouldn't be long till we finalized the bond.
The full moon rose high in the night sky as my mother and I slept in our warm beds, knowing my father was keeping us safe. But as I slept on my cot near the fire, I felt a shift in the air. Something was wrong. I sat up and reached out towards the energy around me. I recognized my father's signature and stood from my cot and walked towards the door. My hand hovered just above the latch as I contemplated on opening the door.
The cool night air brushed against my cheeks as I swung opened the door and I stared out into the night. The moon's pale light cast it's glow on the clearing before my home. At first there was nothing. Nothing but the trees and the breeze rustling their leaves. Then I saw him. He staggered into the clearing and I felt my blood run cold.
"Papa? Papa!" I rushed from the doorway just as his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground. "Papa! No, no, no." I turned him over onto his back and the extent of his wounds made a gasp leave my throat. Red stained his skin as my hands hovered over the long wounds that covered his torso.
"Serena." The gurgling of his voice had my heart breaking as blood escaped his lips. My hands were shaking as they hovered over his dying form.
"Papa. What do I do? Papa, please." His hand reached up and I couldn't stop the tears from cascading down my face. I held his hand close to my skin.
"My little one." His voice was shallow and I knew he was not meant for this world much longer. "Niamh." His whisper made my heart clench. Before I could I say anything to him, my mother kneeled on the other side of her dying mate.
"I am here, my love." I watched in shock as my mother stared down at my father. Her skin no longer glowed and the dullness of her eyes had despair rushing through my body. She was dying. "Shhh, Castion, my love." I watched the two. "Do not be sad, my little love." My eyes met my mothers and I could see the color fade from her gaze. "We must keep the balance, no matter how much it changes."
I never wanted to believe that this day would come. That I would have to watch as my loved ones faded into the other side. My mother's words did nothing to ease the pain in my heart as I sat with my knees clenched tightly in my arms. My mother and father laid side by side as the sun rose to greet us with it's warm light. The bloodied skin of my father looked striking in contrast to the pale form of my mother who looked to be simply sleeping as she laid beside him.
My mother's skin no longer held it's stunning glow that seemed to hold the warmth of the sun within it. They were gone, and I was alone. Tears continued their trek down my face as I watched over them. I did not know what to do. My mind was a haze of sorrow and my chest would only clench painfully at the thought of having to bury them. I did not have the strength to move.
"My love." I did not take my eyes off their figures as a voice spoke to me. "Serena. Look at me, my love." I couldn't help but listen to the command and forced my gaze away from the bodies of my parents. Finn kneeled beside me. A look of concern and heartbreak written out in his eyes. Fresh tears welled up in my eyes and I wanted nothing more than to be in his arms. I weakly reached out to him and he gathered me into his strong hold.
"Finn, take her home." Finn stood with me clinging to him. I wrapped my arms securely around his neck as he held me close. I peeked over his shoulder to see Elijah standing close, a frown marring his strong face. Niklaus stepped forward and stood beside his brother.
"We'll take care of them, love." I could only give Nik a small nod before burying my face in Finn's neck.
I felt Finn turn and start to walk away. I clenched my fist in his tunic as I forced myself not to look back. I couldn't bear to walk away. A hand reached up to the one I was using to clutch at the back of Finns tunic. I released my hold and glanced up to see Kol walking close behind his brother. He took my hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Don't worry, darling. We have you." His voice brought a sense of calmness over me and I closed my eyes as the weight of my parents' loss weighed heavily in my chest. My parents were all I had in this world. They were my only family. The ones I deepened on and looked to for guidance. But now they were gone, and I felt their loss like a hole in my heart.
Esther opened her arms and home to me as her eldest son carried me across the threshold. Kol stood close as Finn placed me on the bed Rebekah slept in. Esther and Bekah were attentive and cared for me as Esther grieved with me. My fated ones stayed close as they waited for their brothers to return home.
The loss of my parents was not something I had ever dreamed of happening. I thought, in my own little hope filled world, that they would be with me forever. That they would be there to watch me as I grew up. As I matured and created ever lasting bonds with my fated ones. As I brought new life into the world. But they were gone, and my heart ached with the pain of their loss.
But I was not alone. My fated ones worshiped me and showered me with support and all the affection they could muster. Rebekah stayed beside me and our bond as sisters grew, and Esther, she accepted me into her home. As for Mikael, he didn't seem to mind my presence. I could hear him and his wife discuss the idea of marrying me to one of their sons, mostly Finn since he was the eldest. But Esther did not push it. She knew the ways of Fae, I also had a feeling she was begging to realize what was happening between myself and her four eldest sons.
The cycle of the moon phased in and out as the days changed and my heart grew used to the loss of my family. While I would never be fully over their loss, I learned to move on and give into the love I felt for my fated ones. I slept beside Bekah in the Mikaelson home and did whatever was needed of me. As a fully matured Fae, I was able to grow herbs and help Esther with healing and anything she needed to provide for her family.
"Oh, look who's sparing for your attention." Bekah nugged me as the two of us walked side by side. I glanced ahead of us and saw Elijah and Niklaus sparing with their swords. The brothers held large smiles on their faces as they faced off and I couldn't help but stare at the physical performance of my fated mates.
Elijah was swift in his movements and my eyes watched as his bare arms flexed with the unbidden strength as he kept full control of his sword. Niklaus was just as strong as his older brother, but far more cunning and willing to play a little dirty when compared to his honorable brother.
"Oh look, our fated one and sister have just arrived to watch my fast approaching victory." Elijah taunted Nik and I shook my head at the brothers as the smirk on Niklaus' face grew. Henrik appeared and rushed to Rebekahs side to watch his older brothers spar.
"On the contrary, Elijah. They have come to laugh at you." With a swift cut of his blade, Niklaus spun on his knee and relieved Elijah of the leather belt he wore around his waist. Rebekah and I couldn't help but laugh at the two brothers' antics as they showed off. Elijah let out an airy laugh and Niklaus caught my eye. He sent me a charming smirk and I found my heart fluttering at the sight of those knee weakening dimples.
The air suddenly grew thick and Henriks and Bekahs laughter cut off at the sight of Mikaels approach. Esther watched her husband from afar and I could see the worry in her eyes. She tried to stop her husband, I could see her lips moving to halt his movements, but he brushed her off and approached his two sons.
Mikael took Elijah's sword from him and stood before Niklaus. "So, why don't you teach me that trick, young warrior?" I felt my stomach tighten at the display as Nik lowered his gaze and submitted to his father's torment. Elijah suddenly appeared in front of me and took a protective stance before me. A gasp slipped through my lips as Mikael swung his sword at Niklaus.
"Father, we were just having fun." Niklaus began to explain, but I could see the rage building in Mikaels eyes as he continued to swing the sword and Nik continued to dodge and protect himself.
"We fight for our survival!" He shouted at his son and I gripped the fabric of Elijah's vest as my heart pounded beneath my ribs. "And you find time for fun!? I want to have fun, teach me! Come on!"
"Father, it was nothing." Niklaus continued to defend himself from both his father's attacks and his sword. Anxiety welled up within me. I hated the way Mikale treated Niklaus. It left me feeling helpless as my fated one fought for his father's approval. Mikael suddenly disarmed Niklaus and I pulled myself closer to Elijah's body. Elijah held steady and kept his stance in front of me. His muscles were taunt and I could tell he was readying himself to step in if he had to.
"You are foolish and impulsive, my boy." Mikael hissed at his fair haired child who was now laid out on his back after being bested by his father. "What? No more laughter?"
"You've made your point, Mikael." Esther spoke sternly to her husband and Mikale stabbed the blade into the ground beside Niks head.
"Some days, it's a miracle you're still alive, boy." Mikeal walked away from Niklaus and Esther begrudgingly followed. With Mikaels back turned, I rushed from around Elijah and fell to my knees beside my fated one.
It was no secret that the Mikaelson siblings did not enjoy the company of their father. Finn and Kol were the ones who made themselves scarce when their father was around. While Elijah did not enjoy his father's presence, he took upon himself to be the honorable son and stand beside his family, including his father. But it was Niklaus who suffered the most at his father's hand. He craved his father's approval and worked endlessly to make Mikael proud of him.
I reached out and placed my palm against Niks cheek, turning his head so our eyes could connect. "He is wrong about you, Nik. He does not see the greatness I see." Gently, I placed my forehead against his, still looking into his eyes. I could see the conflict swimming in his gaze, but with my skin pressed against his, I watched as his eyes filled with hope and longing. "You are worthy, Niklaus." I pulled back and placed a gentle kiss against his forehead.
With my heart belonging to the four brothers, we found ourselves in a unique position. As a Fae I was powerful in my own rights, but my purpose was to keep the balance. I was not a fighter, but my mates were. They were strong and protective, and they were mine. But not all things went in our favor. Loss was always just around the corner.
"Mother!" Niks screams were the first thing I heard as I stood beside Bekah and Ayana, Esther's witch and friend, when his shouts echoed through my entire being. We rushed out of Ayanas hut to see Niklaus crash to his knees before his mother, Henriks bloodied body in his arms.
The air in my lungs felt trapped as the red staining Henriks little body told me everything I needed to know. He was gone. The sorrowful wails of his mother and sister had my heart breaking. I wished with all my might that there was something I could do, but death was a part of the balance, one I could not defy.
Esther and Mikael did not handle their youngest son's death with ease. Fear and hatred burned in their hearts. I sat close beside Elijah, our hands gripping one anothers as we sat at the table with his family. Rebekah took the seat beside me and leaned her head against my shoulder as I brushed a gentle hand through her hair. We mourned Henriks' loss together. At night, I often found myself holding the younger girl as she cried, whispering reassuring things into her ear until she fell asleep.
My fated ones took the death of their little brother poorly, but I had not expected them to react in any other way. Kol grew angry at his little brother's death, while Elijah blamed himself for not watching over his siblings as he was taught to. Finn was quiet in his mourning, choosing to hunt most days and moun on his own. Then there was Niklaus. The torment he put his own thoughts threw had my heart aching. My bond between the brothers was strained as each of them went through such an emotional trauma in different ways.
"Serena, come, I wish to speak to you about something." I glanced up from my place between Elijah and Rebekah. Esther stood from the table and motioned for me to join her. I squeezed Elijah's hand and stood to follow after his mother.
"Esther." I spoke her name softly as I joined her outside. I did not know what it was like to be in Esther's place. To lose a child must have been worse than death itself coming for her.
"My children mean everything to me, Serena." Esther did not turn to face me, he gaze stayed fixated on the trees surrounding her home. "And I know you have grown to care for them, love them." Her eyes finally turned towards me and I could see the desperation in her gaze. "There is a way to keep them safe, Serena. A way to keep my children alive, a spell." I felt my heart squeeze in my chest and I couldn't help but shake my head at her.
"Esther, you can not tip the balance in such a way." I spoke softly as we faced one another. "You have to be careful what you ask of nature and your ancestors."
"Serena, these are my children. My reason for living." Her voice quivered and she reached out to take my hands. "I know you love them, deeply. Do you not wish to protect them? Help me, all I need is your blood to complete the spell."
My mouth felt dry as her words left her lips. She was right, I did love them, with all my heart. But my blood was not something one could just tamper with in a spell and expect it to work in their favor. There was always a loophole, guidelines, if you will. But the heart break and desperation in Esther's eyes made my earlier worries falter. All she wanted was to protect her children, and I could not deny that I wanted the same thing. I want my fated ones safe, but at what cost? What would this spell entail for them?
"I am sorry, Esther." I pulled my hands away from the grieving mothers. "But you know my blood cannot be used in any spell that threatens the balance. I am a Fae." Esther's face fell slightly and my heart ached for her. She had taken me in so easily when my parents had passed, maybe I could do more. "But if the spell was one for protection. One that does not run the chance of disrupting the balance, then I will help you." I knew there were such spells,ones that would put the grieving mother at ease. Ones that I had no doubt she would be more than capable of performing.
Esther nodded her head in understanding and I gave her a hope filled smile. While I could not perform spell like witches, my blood was a powerful ingredient that could offer aid and strength to a witches spell or brew. So the next night, I found myself standing beside Esther as she sliced a knife across the palm of my hand. My blood dripped into the cauldron she had prepared for the spell.
The cauldron was already filled with a wine colored liquid when I arrived to help her. My blood was apparently the last ingredient. I pulled my hand close to my chest as Esther stirred the liquid and said a low chant. My palm thrummed in pain, but I knew the wound would heal in a matter of moments.
"Thank you, Serena." Esther glanced up at me and I could see the relief in her eyes. I offered her a small smile and stepped back as she finished the brew. Mikael entered the hut and looked to his wife as she spooned the wine colored liquid into a wooden bowl.
"Is it finished?" He asked his wife and I stepped back towards the wall as Esther nodded her head. Mikael turned and left the hut, before returning only moments later with his children filing in behind him. Finn spotted me against the wall and was immediately standing in front of me. He took a hold of my hand and gently unfolded my fingers. The cut Esther had made on my palm was slowly healing and was now closed and fading into a light pink color. I gave Finn a reassuring smile and turned my gaze towards Esther.
"Come, my children." Esther motioned for her children to fall into line before her. I gave Finn a slight push and he went to stand beside Elijah. "Drink, Finn." Esther handed the bowl to her eldest son and as Finn lifted it to his lips, I felt my heart squeeze within my chest. Something wasn't right, something didn't feel right about any of this. I could not find my words as Finn passed the brew to Elijah and Elijah drank. Esther showed no expression as her spell was passed onto Niklaus and soon Kol. Before lastly, falling into Rebekahs hands.
Dread continued to fill my stomach and I took a step away from the wall. Just as I was about to speak, the worst pain I had ever felt erupted from my chest. I fell to my knees as the sound of agony fell from my lips. At first I did not understand why I was in so much pain, but then my eyes saw what would forever haunt me. Finn laid on the floor before me. His eyes closed and blood seeping from the wound in his chest. I knew he was dead, because I could no longer feel our bond.
Shouts erupted from around and a body came crashing down beside me. I cried out as my chest flared in pain and clutched onto whoever had wrapped their arms around me. "No! Father please! No!" Niks voice was right beside my ear, but it sounded so far away as prayed for the pain to end. My bonds with my fated ones were being severed, and there was nothing I could do about it.
"Serena! Love, look at me!" His words sounded so desperate, but I did not heed them as I felt my life slipping through my fingers. I was dying. "No! Ser-" Niks voice cut off suddenly and I felt pain flare in my chest one last time. Then there was nothing. Darkness took hold of my soul and I was dragged away from the living.
"Wake up, my little one." My mother's voice whispered to me as I floated through nothingness. "It is time to wake up. The living are not yet finished with you, Serena."
Breath came back into my lungs and I jerked awake. My body convulsed as life flooded through me. Pain flared in my chest and I groaned as I tried to turn over onto my side. Everything sounded muffled as voices tried to speak to me. Finally, I opened my eyes and was suddenly thrown back into the present.
"My love, look at me. Serena!" Finn's panicked voice reached my ears and I lifted my head to look at him. The second our eyes met, something passed between us, something strong and undefinable. Finn stared at me as if I had hung the stars in the sky. His eyes were filled with such devotion and love, that I thought my heart would burst.
But something was different. The bond between Finn and I was stronger then it had been before. My eyes glanced away from Finn and I found my fated ones slowly beginning to reawaken. They had been dead only moments ago, and yet here they were, slowly rising. I tore my eyes away from them and looked at Esther. She kneeled over her husband's body.
"What did you do?" I whispered in despair. "What did you do?!" my voice rose and I pushed my body up off the ground. Finn hovered beside me as I stared at his mother and waited for her to answer me.
"Serena?" Niklaus' voice called out for me and I turned to look at him. He sat close to where I had been laying and I remembered him draping himself over me as I withered on the ground in agony. Our eyes met and another bond reformed between us. The pain in my chest grew lighter as I made my way to Niks' side.
I stayed beside him as Elijah and Kol slowly began to rise. Elijah looked around his surroundings and before his gaze finally settled on mine. I could not bring myself to offer him any sort of smile as he let out a relife filled sigh as our gazes met.
"No." Kols' mumbled voice pulled my attention away from Elijah as the youngest brother stared down at the floor. "No. No. No." He repeated. I felt my heart clench and I stood from Nik and Finns side to approach Kol. "I can't feel it." I kneeled down in front of him and his head lifted up to look at me. "I can't feel it, Serena." Our eyes met, and the bond formed, but the sorrow that filled Kols gaze left me holding my breath to keep my sobs from escaping.
I threw my arms around him and he caught me in his hold. I didn't know it was possible without us completing the bond, but I could swear I felt Kols anguish as we held each other.
That night, everything changed. That night, Esther disrupted the balance. Not only did she break the rules of nature, she killed a Fae in the process. But I was brought back, my fated mates were brought back. A new balance was set, and the laws of nature were changed. I was changed.
"Wake up!"
A/N: I cant even begin to explain how hard it was to write this chapter. I struggled all week trying to put this together, and I still don't know if I like it or not. I rewrote this one chapter, three times! Three! I may even go back and rewrite it again some day, but for now I can live with posting it as it is now. I left out some important details, only putting in what was needed in this moment. More about Fae and the relation ships between Serena and her fated mates will be revealed in later chapters.
Thank you so much for the reviews on the last chapter, really made my day. A thank you to all the new followers. Please, feel free to leave a review. Post days are Monday.
Stay safe everyone.