Having seen the house fire on her way back from the market, Cami had smartly driven away with Hope to keep her safe, but since catching up, we were now all piled into the car whereby I threw our luggage into the trunk then handed her phone back to her whilst still dusting ash out of my hair. No one spoke as Elijah drove, all of us too tense and I was too tired, soon falling asleep next to Hope who was also snoozing away whilst gripping onto my finger for comfort, her favourite wooden knight safely tucked next to her as I had salvaged it from the fire. I woke just as we entered New Orleans, stopping only to change and freshen up so that I wasn't covered in blood and ash, before we then headed to the compound where everyone was preparing for Hayley's and Jackson's wedding. Today.

I was strangely glad to be back, and as I carried Hope through the door, Nik brought Hayley through with Jackson following her and the moment she saw her daughter, Hayley could have nearly cried for joy. "So I don't have a wedding present for you guys, but I hope this about covers me." I smiled as I passed Hope over who, recognising her mother, giggled and gurgled in the cute way only she could.

"Thank you, Lia." Hayley said as she gripped my hand, sharing a look with me before she then turned to Jackson who had approached. "Hope, this is Jackson. Jackson, this is Hope." I stepped aside to let them have their happy moment and, feeling physically drained from the several months of hiding, running and now, fighting against Finn, I was just about ready to take a very long nap. Instead, I focused on the compound itself and was already casting boundary spells, stronger than ever before to keep Finn and his mysterious helper out, wanting to make sure that nothing ruined this day. I had been brought up to speed with what was going on, and once Jackson had a moment spare, he asked me if I would add to the ceremony by giving my blessing as a druid priestess.

"Of course I will. I'll prepare everything and contact my ancestors. I'm sure they'll be happy to bless your marriage after the ceremony is complete." I agreed, finishing the last of the spells as I grew some wisteria around the compound so that the hanging purple flowers added a delicate touch to the place. "Don't worry, I'll add a little druid twist on the place and you'll feel right at home in no time. Plus it'll probably piss of Nik, so all the better. You just get yourself ready and tidy yourself up. You want to look your best for your bride, right?" With a good natured laugh and grin, Jackson thanked me for agreeing to bless the ceremony before leaving me to mess around with a few things. Everything looked beautiful and was certainly well thought out, however I knew that Hayley and Jackson preferred things to be a little more…rustic. So without any hesitation, I started growing trees in the compound everywhere I could. In the courtyard, inside the house and even had two blossom trees flanking the stairs where I grew a large archway of roots and vines, adding wisteria and flowers overhead so that the air was filled with a pleasant smell before then growing soft moss across the floor and up the stairs, covering everything so that it looked like a beautiful forest paradise until Nik came storming in.

"Is it your intention to turn my home into a forest or just the courtyard and entrance?" He demanded as I finished adding a few touches here and there, butterflies now fluttering about the place with a water feature gushing down the stairs and trailing away elsewhere. "And now you even flood the place! What's next, alligators and mud ponds?"

"Don't tempt me." I retorted, folding my arms to look at my handiwork. "So you're finally speaking to me. If I had known all it took was to grow a few trees in your house, I would have done that a long time ago." Scowling at me still, Nik asked me what I meant by this so I just sent him a dry look. "Come on, don't play dense it doesn't suit you. This is the first time in weeks you've actually talked to me. Whatever your issue is, I'd hoped that you would have sorted it by now but clearly not, so whatever your problem is, I suggest you tell me now before I really start to get pissed off with you and next thing you know, it won't be a forest in here but a jungle. Complete with all the bugs and mosquitos to eat you raw."

"Unless you have forgotten, I must remind you that I have been somewhat preoccupied of late what with my mother, my father and my brother all trying to raise hell, destroy my family and kill my daughter. So forgive me if I haven't been able to give you my undivided attention." Nik barked back at me which did nothing to improve my mood, souring further against him.

"You know that's not what I mean. You've been avoiding me like the plague, and even when we were face to face you wouldn't talk to me. Have I offended you, somehow? Have I done something to make you question your trust in me? What is it Nik, because I would just love to know. I come back here after faking my death and nearly getting blown up, and you can't even take two seconds out of your day to ask me if I'm okay. Blown up, Nik. Blown. Up." At this Nik had the decency to look a little guilty but he quickly hid it by stubbornly expressing that Elijah had assured him that we were both alright and had not seen the point in asking me how I was considering I looked fine. That was the final straw, so I flicked out my hand in order to make a tree branch snap forwards and whack him on the back of the head sharply. "You're such an ass, Niklaus."

Bubbling with fury, I stormed away before he could recover from being hit by a tree, disappearing upstairs in order to find something to wear to the wedding as Hayley had already asked me to be her maid of honour. Bekah had plenty of dresses, but most of them were too gaudy or revealing for my tastes, and since I was formally blessing the marriage I needed something suitable. I gave up after a while, instead focusing on what needed to be done, which was contacting my ancestors, asking for their blessing, then preparing the incense and other ingredients I would need as well as desperately trying to think of a gift to give to Hayley and Jackson.

Seeing as all I really had at my disposal was magic and my art, I decided on exactly what I was going to do. A wedding drawing. This meant it would take a few days to get to them, but I figured if I took a few photos at the wedding, then I could compile an album for them so that they could hold onto the memory of today although this wedding wasn't based entirely out of love. I was certain that Jackson was in love with Hayley, and Hayley loved Jackson in her own way, but her heart already belonged to Elijah, and I couldn't help but feel sad for them all. If only there wasn't a threat hanging over Hope, then Hayley wouldn't have to go through with this. Still, since Hope's safety was everybody's first priority, I forced myself to just go with it, despite the fact that the secret romantic in me wanted to protest. I focused on finding myself a dress, choosing one of Rebekah's and quickly put it on before fixing my hair and makeup so that I looked a little more presentable.

The dress was made from peridot green silk which rustled lightly when I walked. It came all the way down to my feet, where I put on some jewelled strappy shoes, also Bekah's, then added a pair of earrings which I knew she wouldn't mind me borrowing. Looking at myself in the mirror, I was reminded again just how good I looked whenever I dressed up a little. The dress clung to my figure, which was a little curvier ever since delivering Hope, and I had dedicated myself to returning to a bikini ready body after the birth which had certainly paid off seeing as my hips and stomach looked amazing in this dress. The deep plunge with the halter was a little revealing, but it was one of the more modest of choices, so I just had to deal with it for the ceremony as I twisted my hair, now smooth and silky, into a curling knot at the base of my head with delicate waves framing my face.

With a final touch of some flowers in my hair, I then pulled out a dusty old cloak made from dark emerald green satin that Bekah had buried at the back of one of her many wardrobes and shook it out, since traditional druid rituals and blessings required a cloak. It was a means to hide our identities, as well as a symbolism of the mystery of magic, nature, life, etcetera. Basically it was just tradition, and my ancestors had been very specific in what I needed to do when I had talked to them. For the moment I just draped it over my arm before deeming myself ready and headed over to find Hayley, who had just come out of Jackson's room whereby I immediately clocked a new necklace she was wearing. "Hey, that's a moss agate stone. It's the mineral totem of a planting moon."

"Yeah, Jackson gave it to me just now. He said he wanted me to have something that was just mine." She said after a deep breath, looking more than a little nervous as she then looked me up and down. "Wow, you look amazing Lia. But what's with the cloak?"

"Oh, druid thing. I have to wear one whilst blessing a ceremony just to make it formal. I won't wear it all night, just for the ceremony then it can go back into the closet and probably never be worn again." I said to her, also admiring how pretty she looked in her wedding dress. "Let me guess, Rebekah." Recognising my best friend's style in all the lace, Hayley confirmed that this was indeed one of Bekah's dresses that she was borrowing for the wedding. "You nervous?"

"A little, we're getting married in a vampire's home in front of so many people. I'd have been happy with a backwater bayou get together, say a few vows then have a bonfire afterward." She admitted as we walked together back to her room to wait until it was time for the ceremony to begin. "All of this is just a little overwhelming."

"Well, I've added my own personal touch to the layout of the ceremony, so you can thank me later." I grinned at her as I began to grow two bunches of flowers for us both, my magic creating them in my hands before I held out the larger bushel to Hayley. "It's going to be fine. I promise." Calming down after I gave her some chamomile tea, Camille then arrived in order to watch Hope which meant it was time to get this wedding underway. Hayley and Jackson were going to walk together so I, as the maid of honour, was tasked with leading the way which made me more than a little nervous. Music was already playing when we reached the doors and after a few moments, they were opened to let us through as I looked back to give one final smile to Jackson and Hayley, who were standing arm in arm beside one another.

I stepped out with the hood drawn up over my head, hiding my face from view which made more than a few guests whisper with curiosity, but I kept my head slightly bowed as I led the way for Hayley and Jackson before then stopping on one side of the staircase where Hayley then pulled away from Jackson to ascend on opposite sides. I held out my hand in order to take her arm which she gladly accepted and together, we climbed the steps to the wedding pavilion I had created as Hayley whispered to me. "This is amazing. It's like you've brought nature to us."

"I figured you guys would appreciate the trees more than a traditional all white wedding." I murmured back whereby Hayley finally grinned naturally, now looking towards Jackson as we reached the top. I bowed my head, took hold of her bouquet then stepped aside to stand behind the elder who was conducting the ceremony, Jackson's grandmother, Mary.

"Please, be seated." Mary invited to all the guests who until now, had remained standing at the arrival of the bride and groom. "We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by this couple standing before you. There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed, but blessed with connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honour that blessing with the long-awaited unification of the two Crescent bloodlines." Proceeding with the ceremony, Mary bound Jackson and Hayley's hands together with baby's breath flowers. "In doing so, we choose to embrace Hayley's vampire nature. With this union, Hayley will share her unique gifts with her pack." The next stage was to prepare to light the ceremonial candle after the vows, Mary placing the match in Hayley's and Jackson's bound hands so that they could light the wick. "And now, your vows." After taking a deep breath, Jackson went first to speak his vows.

"I pledge to honour you and defend you and yours above all others." He began, never once looking away from Hayley as she too, kept her eyes focused entirely on Jackson as they continued their vows, each promising to share in blessings and burdens, to be each other's advocate and champion, to be their comfort, their sanctuary, and above all, to be one another's family. It was a beautiful vow, and even I found myself tearing up a little as I stood still hooded and cloaked with the best view of the entire ceremony. With the vows spoken, Hayley and Jackson lit their candle together as Mary smiled proudly.

"You two have endured all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials. There is only one remaining. Jackson, you may kiss your bride." I could have laughed for how terrified Jackson looked, but he quickly recovered himself and after unbinding their hands, took hold of Hayley and lowered his face to hers where they shared in a sealing kiss, bonding them to the other for the rest of their lives. I felt a shiver of magic as the ceremony took hold and, upon drawing away and opening their eyes, revealed that their eyes were now a vibrant golden colour as the bonding ceremony proved a success. "And now for the final part of the ceremony, the blessing of ancestors long since passed through their representative." Mary finished, turning to gesture with her arm with a respectful bow of her head so I stepped forwards in order to begin.

"Hayley Marshal." I looked at her and picked up a chalice filled with rosewater and petals which I had already prepared, dipping two fingers into the liquid before then drawing a symbol on Hayley's forehead. "Jackson Kenner." I did the same for Jackson whilst murmuring their names, however as magic began to rise upon the air it carried my voice so that even those at the very back could hear me as if I were standing right next to them. "With my ancestor's approval, I thee bless." Now taking the incense, I waved it ceremoniously around them in circles, signalling that they were now as one. "May nature guide your path, and give you strength to endure hardship." Next I picked up the candle they had lit, and whilst smiling at them both, had them hold it together. "May you ever live in harmony and peace." With representations already from water, air and fire, the last to uphold was earth, which came in the form of a large, smooth stone with a celtic rune carved into the surface. "May you always have hope, and trust in one another." At the word hope, Hayley breathed in deeply as I glanced to her. I meant it both ways, a little addition I had added to the blessing ritual which I could not help but feel was appropriate, given the circumstances. Taking the stone and placing it in their hands along with the candle, I flicked the rosewater over them one last time with a final waft of the incense to complete the ceremony. "I stand witness to this union, and give my blessings freely and without limitation. I wish you both all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you." Jackson spoke and I smiled to them, the formalities now having been addressed.

"You are more than welcome. Come on, it's about time we had some fun, right? Let's get out of here." More than happy to comply, Hayley and Jackson presented themselves to their guests hand in hand before we each took to the streets in order to celebrate, the parade following a police escort as everyone danced and cheered freely. The moment I had descended from those stairs I had decided to hell with it and cast aside the cloak to reveal myself, whereby Davina had shrieked and ran crying into my arms along with several other shocked faces who had not realised that it had been me all along.

It took a while to explain that I had faked my death because some witches had tried to kill me whilst completely omitting the part about Hope, but everyone accepted it without question before we then returned to the celebrations. I danced and smiled until my face ached as much as my feet, but still I did not stop. I allowed myself to completely let loose, enjoying the festivities which brought an air of enjoyment and liveliness I had not had around me for a very long time, and I was not going to let a single moment go to waste, though when the band stopped playing, everyone turned to see Nik entering the courtyard, holding none other than Hope in his arms. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? Hayley, if you would join me, I would like to propose a toast." Surprised and looking more than a little concerned as to what Nik was up to, Hayley nonetheless went over to him and took Hope into her arms. "I want to welcome you all. As you know, last spring, Hayley and I had a daughter. Due to tragic circumstance, she was lost. Now, she has returned home. Her name is Hope. She will live here among you, her pack. Her family. We implore you…protect our daughter. Teach her. Love her, as one of your own." Suspicious as to what Nik could have planned, I folded my arms and watched as Nik took a glass of champagne and lifted it towards Jackson as he addressed him. "Jackson, I invite you and your bride to live here, uniting your proud and noble people in peace. Welcome to the family, mate. To Jackson and Hayley!"

All the guests cheered in response before returning to the festivities, however I was now more worried about what Nik could have planned. He never did anything without a perfectly calculated reason, and inviting the wolves to live here in his home did not seem like something he would do out of the goodness of his heart. The dance floor was soon filled with couples dancing to a slow song, however before I could move away someone caught my hand in order to pull me back, and I knew that hand almost instantly to be Nik's. "You look enchanting, sweet Ophelia. Like a beautiful nymph all in green." He said to me as he took me up in a slow dance, holding my hand and waist as he pulled me close to him. At first I was surprised by his sudden interest in talking to me, but then I gradually came to realise something about Nik which I hadn't before. I smiled sadly and looked away, pulling my words together whilst straining to keep my voice from betraying my feelings.

"Why do you talk to me like that?"

"Like what, love?"

"Like I'm just any other random girl you've noticed in a crowd and pulled your attention long enough to warrant a baseless compliment and some half-assed flattery." The bluntness of my words seemed to shock Nik enough to register on his expression, staring at me openly as we stopped dancing and I pulled my hands free of him.

"Baseless? I assure you Ophelia, you truly do look beautiful, this is no lie." He tried to tell me, however when his hand reached out in order to touch my hair, I found myself retracting from him without even needing to think, not wanting him to touch me as I came to terms with the fact that no matter how I felt about him, I was never going to be anything more than a fleeting fancy for Nik. Someone unexpected and different to arouse a certain degree of curiosity and yes, perhaps strong feelings at one point, but it seemed like the depths of those feelings had amounted to nothing more than a momentary passion which had long since passed. My arms wound themselves around my middle, feeling small and more than a little pathetic.

"You know Niklaus, you only ever look at me as a woman when I'm all made up. Every other time I'm just…another face in the crowd."

"No, no that is not true." Nik was beginning to panic and growing increasingly confused, I could hear it in his voice as he began to try and defend himself, however I did not want to hear it. Perhaps the only reason why he had allowed me to grow so close to him was in order to keep me as part of the family, to ensure that I was always on hand should they need my power for something. I felt wretched, and used, and in that moment, I wanted nothing more than to leave. "Ophelia, you are mistaken if you think that I do not care for you. What has got into your head all of a sudden? Have you had something to drink?"

"Perhaps it is best if we parted ways, Niklaus." I said to him, once again drawing back when he tried to reach out for me. "It is clear that you see me as nothing more than a tool or a pawn, and I have tried every method I can think of to try and make you understand how I feel but I see now that it was me who was unable to see the truth for what it is. I've been…humiliatingly stupid. I…I have to go. I'm sorry." He called out my name but I waved my hand in order to disappear into thin air, allowing me to escape whilst hiding the fact that I was crying. I was right. Nik only paid attention to me with interest when I looked beautiful. All other times of day I was just a scruffy artist who smelled of herbs, and clearly that was not his type which made me a fool for believing that perhaps he still had some kind of feelings towards me.

I returned to my room and got changed, tossing the dress aside and kicking off the shoes in order to start packing up my things to at least leave the compound for a while and find somewhere else in the city to stay for a while when my phone began to ring. I'd numerous missed calls and messages from both Rebekah and Davina asking for my help with Kol. I was confused as to why Davina cared about the youngest Mikaelson brother, but considering I needed a distraction and they had asked for my help, I decided why the hell not? I packed my things and whilst still invisible, left the compound after leaving the baby books of Hope in Hayley's room for her to find complete with all the drawings I had completed thus far with more to follow. I paused one last time at the entrance, looking back on the party where I saw Jackson and Hayley's smiling faces, Hope still in her arms and, having taken my fill, turned away and left.