A/N: This isn't exactly a filler chapter, but it does border a filler chapter. At least, the first half kind of does. Regardless, there are things which will be used down the line. Updates are going to be far apart for the time being because I'm behind in writing and since I want to keep a somewhat steady flow of updates, I have to spread the chapters I do have out so when I finish those, I'll have the others primed and ready. Plus it's given me an opportunity to rework some things and play around with them. Hope you guys are doing well!
Summary: Caroline was building a life for herself, her plans were set and continually derailed by the supernatural world. The next thing to take her off course is the discovery that she is married, to Klaus Mikaelson and a vampire/witch hybrid. With her memories of their life back, she finds herself in New Orleans, ruling beside the big bad himself. Sequel to Sun and Moon, An Immortal Dance.
Chapter Ten
Caroline set the utensils quickly and carefully. As bizarre as it sounded, she was putting together a 'family' dinner for everyone in their top circle because for one, they all had similar goals in regards to the city, two it had been two weeks since anyone had actually spoken spoken and three, she was restless. Her trip back home after Rebekah's departure had been interesting at best and mortifying at worst. No one was happy with her choice to transfer and move to New Orleans, everyone was even less excited knowing exactly who was in New Orleans. The revelation of her marriage to Klaus made things smooth over just a little bit with her mother while managing to leave all her friends speechless and dumbfounded.
Stefan, though not happy and worried about it, supported her and whatever decisions she made which she was more than grateful for. However it took Bonnie, Elena and Damon a lot more convincing. Bonnie was being judgmental about it all, but considering that was her way of looking out for her friends, Caroline understood where she was coming from. Elena had serious issues with it, a lot of issues, but Caroline had pointed out that her own boyfriend had done some things in the past so she didn't have that much room to judge. It annoyed Elena to be sure, but she also relented understanding that you couldn't control who you were attracted to.
Damon gave her a run for her money, they had argued the most about it. Plenty of screaming, some flying objects, he even tried to lock her in the Salvatore cellar to keep her from going back to Klaus. Looking back at it Caroline found it amusing. Matt's opinion hadn't changed by the end of the talk, he was angry with her, but wouldn't tell Tyler. Tyler hadn't been there, which Caroline was grateful for because she knew that she wouldn't be able to face him with this news. Not after everything Klaus had done to him. It would be the worst betrayal.
After setting the table, Caroline looked at her work with a bit of pride. Footsteps brought her attention to the entrance to see Elijah dressed in his usual suit, a slight grin on his face.
"What do you think," Caroline asked with a nervous smile, "Do you think this is a stupid idea?"
Elijah shook his head, "Not at all. I think it's lovely and very, you."
Caroline released a nervous chuckle, "Thanks. I know there are more important things going on, but it's been fairly quiet these past few weeks and maybe everyone sitting down at the table would be nice. Plus, it will even give us practice for that summit we're working on."
"I would prefer we not discuss the summit with Hayley," Elijah said glancing away.
Caroline frowned, "Why not? Come on Elijah, you know you can't hide it from her nor can you keep the wolves out of it. They deserve to be there."
"I'm well aware of that," Elijah said softly, "But the amount of effort it's taking to get the witches and vampires to agree to a meeting would only double if the wolves were brought in."
Caroline knew that was true, "Leave the witches to me, I'll get them there. You focus on the vampires. Hayley would handle the wolves and Cami has the humans."
Elijah made a face, "Please Caroline. Let's leave the wolves out of this for now."
Caroline was ready to continue to argue her point, but there was something in Elijah's voice and eyes that told her to let go. For the past few weeks Caroline had been splitting up her time among the wolves with Hayley, Elijah with the vampires and being with the witches. Building up as many relationships as she possibly could with each member, hoping to establish the ground work that would eventually lead to this peace treaty working. So far she had made some good friendships.
Elijah understood why Caroline was pushing for the wolves to be present, he knew that if Hayley had knowledge of this summit she would be pushing just as much. It wouldn't be fair that the wolves not be present, but as far as Elijah was concerned this treaty was meant to deal with issues in the Quarter and the wolves were not in the city. Their time was spent in the Bayou, the outskirts of the city, not the heart of it. Rather than bring them in at the beginning, Elijah thought it would be better to wait until the first wave of peace be brought in.
Caroline raised her hands in surrender, "Alright, fine. But you get to deal with her anger."
"Understood," Elijah told her, "Now, is there anything I can do to help?"
Caroline thought for a moment, "Uh no, everything is covered. Just need to get everyone a place to sit. We have you, Klaus, Marcel, the O'Connell's, Hayley. Is she bringing Eve?"
"I do not think her friend would be comfortable in a house of vampires," Elijah commented.
"Fair enough, I did invite Davina and Josh," Caroline said, a little quickly.
Elijah raised an eyebrow, "And did they agree?"
Caroline shrugged lightly, "Unclear. Davina and Josh wouldn't come if the other didn't so honestly who knows, they might come. Getting Marcel to agree took some bribes and pulling some strings."
Elijah didn't respond, but his expression said it all. The fact that Klaus hadn't attacked or terrorized or gotten any revenge on Marcel after the revelation said a lot. The day after Rebekah left, Klaus found Marcel and gave him a deal which neither Caroline nor Elijah knew what was discussed. Only that Marcel would be a representative of the vampires, doing the ground work while Klaus was the big one in charge.
How the two came to the agreement, why Marcel agreed considering how bothered he was about the loss of his city, was beyond them. Elijah wanted to believe the best about the situation, but he had a feeling that Marcel intended to usurp the power one day. It made him seem paranoid to be sure, but Elijah wanted to be cautious and as prepared as he could be. It was best to keep Marcel closer, so that if he did try anything it could be handled.
The oldest original was brought out of his musings by the sound of Caroline's laughter. He turned his attention to see Niklaus spinning her around in his arms, a sweet smile on his face.
Klaus was not looking forward to this dinner, he would have preferred it not exist at all, but he knew Caroline was growing restless. Given their new arrangement where she remained in New Orleans, he knew that he should be less… less of everything really. Nothing much was happening in town, but he was certain that would not last and knew that anticipation was grating on his wife.
If there was anything he could do to ease that stress, he did it, which included him being on his best behavior and letting her run around to do as she pleased. That included putting on a little dinner for everyone. It was the perfect mini project for her. Especially when her mind was wrapped in all the other projects including watching over the witches, keeping vampires in line and even running with the wolves. Klaus admitted that while he had grown a bit distracted, Caroline and Elijah had picked up his slack to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. He was grateful for it, for the both of them.
"Klaus, put me down," Caroline laughed as he stopped spinning.
"I don't know love," Klaus said looking into her eyes with a too pleased smile, "I quite like having you so close and in my arms. Perhaps this should be a permanent arrangement."
Caroline tried to look annoyed with him, but her smile showed, "You're ridiculous you know that?"
"You've told me once or twice before," Klaus setting her down.
Caroline adjusted her shirt, "Because you seem to forget. Everything is almost ready, food will be served shortly and all that remains is our guests. Also, don't forget what we're doing tomorrow."
Klaus leaned his head back with a heavy sigh, "Why must I accompany you? Surely you can visit the Bayou by yourself or even with Elijah, who I know for certain misses the little wolf."
"Keep me out of your discussion please," Elijah said with a pointed look to his brother.
"Don't act like you don't miss having Hayley around," Caroline said to Elijah, she focused on Klaus, "You need to come with me so you can get to know her pack better."
"They're stuck in wolf form, what am I supposed to learn from them," Klaus asked, his brow quirked up.
Caroline breathed a scoff, "That pack is apart of Hayley's family, ergo your daughter's apart of that pack. It would be good for you guys to at least be friendly with each other. Plus it would be a great opportunity for you to see what being in a pack is like." Klaus opened his mouth to argue, but she stopped him, "You're hidden wolf pack doesn't count, they aren't even in this state."
Klaus made a face at that, he sighed, "I have no reason to be bothered with the Crescent Wolves while they remain in wolf form. When their curse is broken, then they can be of some use."
Caroline made a disproving face, "Work with me here. What's the worst that could happen?"
"They'll eat him alive," came the voice of Hayley, a smirk on her face.
Hayley hadn't returned to the compound since the night she captured Celeste, while Elijah had tried to convince her to come back, she had refused time and time and time again. For now she wanted away from the city and to just be with her pack. Though she surprisingly did enjoy the visits from Caroline, who came every few days with all kinds of little gifts. There had never been a time Hayley thought she and the blonde would have become friends, but she couldn't pretend that this friendship bothered her. Maybe calling her a friend was pushing it, but saying they were only acquaintances wasn't strong enough either.
Caroline turned around, her smile wide, "Hayley, great to see you and Eve. I'm so glad you both could make it. The food is nearly all prepared so please have a seat or get a drink or whatever suits your fancy."
Eve nodded politely, "Thank you girl for the invitation."
"Of course," Caroline said a little nervous, "I know you are not our biggest fans, but I am thrilled you came. Family of Hayley's is friend of ours. I hope the others come."
Klaus put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "They'd be foolish to miss out on a Caroline Forbes dinner."
Klaus studied Caroline for a moment. Despite all their time apart, he could still read her better than anyone else could dream of. The slight edge in her voice and the worried look in her eyes told him all he needed know. It was not the dinner or people coming that was actually troubling her, it was something much deeper than that. The night she had returned from her trip home, she had looked a little more than fractured with her sad eyes, red cheeks and trembling lips. Immediately he had told her he would let her out of the deal, but she was stubborn.
Her friends hadn't taken the news very well, he knew they wouldn't and he wondered why she didn't just fabricate a story. She never did say why she chose to tell them the truth. However he knew that the issues between her and her friends had yet to be fully resolved. He knew that Caroline still spoke to them often enough, there was a sadness that hung around every call.
Being in this disjointed place was only making it worse. Klaus knew he was not well liked, it didn't bother him, but he knew that with everything so fractured here it was affecting Caroline, it was affecting how he would run this kingdom and it would affect the place for his child to grow up in. Klaus knew that he would have to play things differently than he would have preferred, but if it eased his wife nerves then he would do anything.
"Glad you think so," Caroline said, "Eve, do you think you could make your lemonade? I've tried at least a hundred times and still cannot get it right."
Eve smiled, "Sure thing doll."
Caroline's eyes brightened, "Fantastic. Klaus, run upstairs and get the nice napkins please. The ones that match the tablecloth."
Klaus was prepared to argue that he was not an errand boy, but the pleading look in her eyes coupled with her slight head tilt towards Elijah made him stay quiet. His brother's feelings for Hayley continued to make themselves known which was beginning to bother him. Yet he would do nothing about it for two reasons, the first being it would not get in the way of any of his plans and the second being that perhaps he had been too controlling when it came to his siblings relationships. In honor of Caroline and Rebekah, he would remain quiet on the matter to let Elijah work it out on his own.
So Klaus left the room as did Caroline and Eve allowing Hayley and Elijah some minutes to themselves. By the time Klaus returned the dining room it was filled with more people. Marcel had arrived with Davina and Joshua along with Camille and her uncle, who was looking better. Caroline had been working on a way to get rid of the hex, so far nothing was working, but she had managed to make an elixir which stopped most of the symptoms. A temporary solution she knew, but it eased the Father and his niece for now.
The air in the room wasn't tense or horrible, though that didn't mean it was necessarily great. At the sight of everyone here, he was mildly curious to see where this meal would go. Perhaps some squabbles and fights would come out. Though realized any fights that break out would involve him and for Caroline he had to be on his best behavior which was disappointing. That possible entertainment was lost. Klaus handed the table clothes to Elijah and Caroline, who quickly set them down on the table.
"So, why did you want to have this big dinner," Cami asked when Caroline was beside her.
The vampire blinked, "It's, well it's silly. I know that everyone isn't on great terms, which is totally understandable, but all of us here want the same thing or very similar things."
"And what would that be," Marcel questioned.
"The city," Caroline answered with a breath, "everyone here wants something of or from the city. Whether that be power, for it to be a home, for it to be safe, for it to be something more. Each of us wants something from this place."
"While you aren't necessarily wrong on that idea, still doesn't explain why bring us all together," Hayley pointed out,
Hayley knew there was some other reasons Caroline wanted this dinner to come together. Even though Hayley hadn't known what she was like as a human, from the stories she knew Caroline was nosy and in everyone's business. As a vampire that was either amplified or dormant. Apparently turning into a vampire heightened everything about a person, but some times there were certain traits that would turn dormant. From what Hayley has seen of Caroline, albeit not a lot, the vampire had her hands in everything at school because she was the queen Bee so to speak. However that didn't quite transfer over to the supernatural world from what she saw.
"Because I think if we all can find a way to… at least tolerate each other, we can work to the same goal and accomplish what we need to," Caroline replied softly, "I've run through the numbers a million times, my brain hurts. There is no feasible way to restore New Orleans to be a supernatural utopia with all of us opposing each other at every turn."
"You realize what you're asking," Josh asked, brow raised and incredulous.
Caroline ran her fingers through her hair, "Honestly I expected this conversation to come up after the appetizers."
"That was certainly ambitious of you love," Klaus said coming to stand beside her, he addressed the room, "At one point or another I have crossed you and you have crossed me. Currently the playing field is even. Now Caroline wishes for everyone to come to an arrangement, something I believe would not be possible as their is a bit too much animosity."
"Gee, thanks for that Klaus," Caroline said sarcastically.
Klaus didn't acknowledge her comment. "However Caroline is a much better person than most if not all of us here. She believes that we would all be stronger together than apart. Would you like to tell them more love?"
Caroline shook her head amused, "Look guys. I know there are a lot of issues here that one meal can't fix, believe me I know. I'm not asking that we all become best friends and braid each others hair every Friday night as we watch rom coms. I just think we could broker a deal, know that we each had one another's back then we would achieve all of our goals better. The truce between Klaus and Marcel for instance, look at all they are able to accomplish. Imagine what we all can do. Just… just think about it."
Remarkably everyone had a nice time at Caroline's dinner, much to the blonde's relief. The whole thing had made her nervous and she had been terrified that it was a horrible mistake, but now she was glad she did it. As the night had carried on everyone was able to get more comfortable. It brought a smile to her face that things at least felt nicer among all the people she spent the most time with. She knew that not everything was right with the world, but she had a feeling things were on the right track.
Klaus had been surprised that Caroline's little dinner worked, though he knew it was her words that won them over. A semblance of an agreement was reached among the group of people that night. Behind closed doors all their issues and struggles would be obvious. However when it came to the building of bridges and standing against common enemies, they would all stand together. It had been nothing short of a miracle as far as Klaus was concerned. Though as he looked at Caroline, he realized that was just something she had a talent for.
Caroline was up before the sun, much to Klaus' annoyance. Apparently today was a busy day for her when he would have preferred they do nothing but lounge around in bed. Last night she had been out late helping Hayley with her wolves who were now free of Celeste's curse. Though Klaus had gone to meet Hayley's family in their wolf forms twice, it made little difference of their affairs. Even if his child were welcomed by their pack, they would look after his daughter regardless of whether they accepted her or not. Being friendly didn't change that.
"What's gotten you in a bad mood," Caroline asked with a raised brow.
Klaus gestured to her, "You're all dressed and getting ready to leave me to my lonesome."
Caroline rolled her eyes, "Seriously? Today is a busy day, for the both of us."
Klaus leaned back in his bed, "I have nothing planned. Except all the ways I can get you to stay in this bed without those clothes."
"As if. You need to go speak to Elijah about the meeting with Kieran and Diego, you've been slacking lately," said Caroline, her tone was mixed with something he couldn't place.
"On the contrary love, I have been nothing if not dedicated to plotting and scheming," Klaus told her, his smile almost eager, "Soon things will fall into place. Speaking of falling into place, how are those moonlight rings coming along?"
Caroline frowned at him, "I told you to find another witch to do the spell, I can't spell objects."
Caroline had hit a wall in her magic training. There were a number of things she could do that were advanced given how little time she had spent using offensive magic, but spelling objects seemed to be hindering her. Typically spelling an object was an easier trick, but she struggled to do it. Her lessons with the witches bore fruit in other ways, along with his mother's grimoires. However casting a spell to create daylight and moonlight rings was her undoing.
"No need to worry. When you are able to complete the spell, then those arrangements with the wolves can be made," Klaus told her not bothered.
Caroline considered replying, but instead she kept her mouth shut. Without another word, she left to go see the witches, specifically Davina and the harvest girls, before her meeting with Genevieve.
The little classes were going well for Caroline, she was even able to teach some tricks of her own that the other witches could not do before. The problem came with Davina who had been unable to truly use her magic like the others. Something simple as making objects float or lighting a candle took a lot of energy from her, she strained to do the small things. It didn't help that Genevieve wasn't kind to her or the fact that Monique was bullying her.
When Caroline was there, the witches did watch themselves a bit more, but Caroline could not go to every class or lesson with the girls. Not because she wasn't allowed or didn't want to, but because she had a number of things to take care of. Today she could not stay long, her job was more or less to keep Hayley distracted. Not that she would try hard to do so considering she hoped Hayley would find out about the summit, it wasn't something she wanted to hide from her new 'friend.' Caroline stepped inside the green house quietly, watching as the harvest girls were practicing a spell on wilted flowers. While Monique's and Abigail's dead flowers returned to life, Davina's did not.
"See Davina? It's easy," Abigail said, sounding encouraging and condescending at the same time, "All you have to do is try."
Davina kept her eyes on her flower as she replied, "I am trying."
Monique scoffed, "Trying and failing. Ever since you came back."
"When are you going to stop being such a bitch to me, Monique," Davina asked her former best friend.
Monique narrowed her eyes, "When you stop being weak. You're supposed to be a Harvest girl, but maybe you don't belong here. Maybe you never did."
Caroline wanted to say something, but she knew fighting Davina's battles for her wouldn't help the teen girl. Staying silent however made her feel awful, being a bystander never sat well with Caroline. If you try to defend me then they'll only do it more. You can't protect me from some mean words and stares.
Caroline did her best to put on a smile as she made her presence known, "Hey there girls. How are we doing this morning?"
Abigail answered her with a smile, "Swell actually. We decided it might be a good idea to practice a bit before our session with Genevieve."
"Will you be joining us," Monique asked, curious.
Caroline shook her head, "Afraid not. I needed to speak with Genevieve before I head off on some errands. But I wanted to stop and say hi."
"Always a pleasure to see you here," Abigail said politely, she looked genuine.
"You're turning into a right witch, you'll be a regular French Quarter witch in no time," Monique added, an odd look in her eyes.
Caroline put on a smile, "Thanks. I may not have much experience with covens, but from what I know it is like family. If not everyone is working to hold each other up, the family weakens. I think sometimes you forget that and think that putting another down will make you better, I promise you it won't. Be mindful of that."
Not saying anything more, Caroline left the girls alone so she could find Genevieve. Lucikly that didn't take long. The witch was sitting outside the green house looking out at the city below and in the distance. New Orleans had always been her home, even if time had changed it, the heart of this place beat the same. Genevieve glanced over her shoulder to see Caroline, her least favorite witch, but a reluctant ally at best.
The two did not get along, but whenever they stood before the witches, they did their best to show they were in this together. Why the French Quarter witches had taken to Caroline more than herself was beyond her and drove her insane. Caroline was not a New Orleans witch, she knew nothing of their struggles here, did not practice their magic, was married to the hybrid and was half vampire even. There were so many things wrong with her being here, but she was not one to argue with the ancestors and the plans they had.
"Caroline, glad you could make it," Genevieve said facing her with a fake smile.
Caroline rolled her eyes, "You can drop the act, no one's around."
Genevieve tutted, "At least you're ready to get to the point. As I'm certain you are aware of the summit considering you reside in the same household as the Mikaelsons."
"The summit is still going on as planned, you agreed to be there so you can best represent the witches," Caroline said, her tone sharp, "Don't tell me you intend not to go."
Genevieve released a heavy sigh, "You want us to work with the abominations nature, who have killed numbers of us and others. You yourself are even an abomination of nature, albeit half one now."
"Yeah and this half abomination can still kick your ass," Caroline snapped annoyed, "And let's not forget. The witches in the Quarter are not innocent, I've seen all their dark deeds as well as the deaths they've caused to innocent vampires."
"No such thing," Genevieve hissed.
Caroline barely held back her fangs, "There is a such a thing, just as there are innocent witches and wolves and people. There are good and innocent vampires who just want to live as best they can. If you aren't at this summit, it shows that you don't give a damn about peace in this city. I know that, but they don't."
Genevieve frowned, "I care for the witches-"
"Don't bother bullshitting me," Caroline interrupted, her eyes flashed red, "The only thing you are concerned with is yourself. You aren't here to guide the witches, the ancestors are only letting you stay for now because I cannot be trusted with the witches alone. If not for that, Cassie would be back by now."
Genevieve clenched her jaw, but said nothing in reply.
Caroline put on her fakest smile, "You better be at the summit, otherwise we'll have some serious problems."