A/N: It's been a rough day, not gonna lie, but when I checked to see how this story was doing I smiled and felt better. Thanks you guys for checking out the story, following, favoriting and reviewing. So here's an update for your Wednesday. Not too much happens in this chapter, more or less meant to be a typical day. Either way, hope you guys like.
Summary: Klaus was not the only one affected by the hybrid curse, denying him his werewolf side. The curse had a second victim, his wife Caroline, who for a 1000 years he thought was dead. Only days before he is meant to break his hybrid curse, he learns she is alive and closer than he ever imagined. Klaroline!Time travel story.
Chapter Two
When Caroline was shaken lightly, she turned over away from them. Tired and weak was how she felt, every part of her felt sore as if she had the hardest work out of her entire life the other day and was paying the price for it now. Still someone was trying to wake her. Caroline meant to tell them to go away, but it came out as unintelligible speech and in response, a soft chuckle escaped the one trying to wake her, it sounded nothing like her mom.
Caroline's eyes snapped open as she recalled yesterday's events, how she had appeared in the middle of the forest to be found by a brother and sister who looked like they were out of a history book. She looked over her shoulder to see it was the woman, Rebekah, who was trying to wake her. Disappointment washed over Caroline as she realized yesterday hadn't been a dream, that she had actually been taken somewhere far from home with no way to get back.
"Sorry to wake you so early, but I thought you might want to get some food before my brothers try to steal it all," Rebekah said softly, "You would get first pick of the berries."
Caroline offered a sweet smile, "That's generous of you. What are we waiting for? Show me those berries."
Rebekah offered her hand to Caroline who took it with little prompting. The two teenage girls quickly changed into the dresses they would wear for the day. While Rebekah chose a light green dress to wear, Caroline took the light purple one that Rebekah had offered her to wear.
As Caroline changed, she noticed that standing on her ankle didn't hurt really at all, an incredibly dull and hardly noticeable pain as she stood on it. However she didn't have time to think about it as Rebekah rushed her out of the room to get to main area where she had been the night before. The table had been set for the most part, the berries were at the center in a wooden bowl. Esther was by the chimney stirring a pot. When Esther noticed the girls, she offered them a grand smile.
"Good morning Rebekah, Caroline, how did you two sleep," she asked as she stood from her leaning position.
Rebekah answered, "Good morning mother. I slept well thank you."
"I slept goo- well, I slept fairly well," Caroline stuttered out, "How did you sleep?"
Esther grinned, "Just fine. I see your ankle is healed."
Caroline looked down at her ankle then back up at Esther, "Yes. Thank you for whatever you did to heal it so quickly."
Esther nodded in acknowledgement, she changed the subject, "You girls are just in time to get first pick of the fruit and to have a cup of herbal water."
"Where is father," Rebekah questioned.
"Your father should be back with Finn with more water. Elijah went out to get us some more cloth, I imagine he should be right behind them," Esther answered simply, "Here Rebekah, grind some more of those herbs and mix them into the pot for me."
"Is there anything I can do to help," Caroline asked as Rebekah went to grab the right herbs on the side.
Esther thought for a moment, "How about you set the table for us?"
Caroline nodded, "I can do that."
The three women got to work in amiable silence. Though Esther wanted to ask the guest in her home some questions about her past and how she arrived here, she didn't want to overwhelm or offend her. Given the circumstances, there had been no telling what Caroline had been through exactly.
Esther knew from Rebekah that her family had been killed by the wolves last night since it had been a full moon, but why was her family out there in the first place? This village was not well known and hardly anyone went out into those woods as far as anyone here was concerned. That was the reason the villagers were located here, because no one was ever around.
Soon enough breakfast was ready. Mikael and Finn had returned as the table was finished. Caroline looked up at them as she set down the last wooden bowl, her eyes fell on the new face. The facial structure matched his mothers, but Caroline had no trouble seeing the resemblance he shared with Mikael. However instead of the blond hair that Rebekah and Niklaus had, his was a darker color, brown she realized. As he walked over, Caroline noticed his brown eyes were like his mother's. Niklaus and Rebekah had eyes closer to their father's blue.
"That is my stuck up brother Finn," Rebekah whispered to her as she set down cups.
Finn approached them, he stood on the opposite side of the table and said, "You are the one named Caroline correct?"
Rebekah kept her head turned as she rolled her eyes.
Caroline answered with a sweet smile, "Yes, a pleasure to meet you."
Finn nodded sharply, "Likewise. You have my condolences for your loss."
"Thank you," Caroline said softly.
Without another word, Finn left to go retrieve the rest of the family and get them ready for breakfast. That meeting had gone well enough in Caroline's mind, but she suspected he likely would not be a friend to her here unlike how she saw Rebekah and Niklaus to be.
The door opened a few moments later to reveal another new face. A young man with the same complexion as Finn and similar facial structure. His hair was as long as Finn's and Niklaus', but it was also brown. However where Finn looked rigid and stiff, this man appeared more relaxed, though not much. And his expression was far friendly.
"Ah Elijah, how was your trip," Esther asked curious.
Elijah glanced at his mother, "It was successful. I procured the cloths as you requested."
"Thank you son, just place them on the side there and I will get them after breakfast," Esther said with a smile before returning to her work by the pot.
Elijah placed the items down before he walked over to Caroline. He studied her for a moment. Last night when he returned home, he found her asleep next to Rebekah. Niklaus, who had been awake at the time, explained to him the situation about how she had been found. At hearing the tale, Elijah felt sympathy for the loss this young woman suffered and was pleased to know that she would be staying with them until she could find a suitable home.
"Elijah," he said to her with a welcoming smile, "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And you as well," Caroline said.
"Should you need anything, no matter how big or small it might seem, I hope you will not hesitate to ask myself or any of my siblings," Elijah said, his voice smooth, "However I recommend not referring to Kol as he tends to not be the most reliable."
Caroline chuckled, "I'll be sure to remember that, thank you."
Elijah nodded to her, but said nothing else as he went to the other room to make sure his brothers were not delaying their task in getting ready. As he left, Caroline had a feeling he would be a friend.
Everything was ready by the time the rest of the family had entered the room. Mikael and Esther sat at the heads of the table, Caroline sat between Rebekah and Elijah while Kol sat beside his older brother, opposite to them was Finn, Henrik and Niklaus. It made Caroline feel better to be directly across from Niklaus and to have Rebekah beside her, but she still felt out of place, especially as the younger two boys of the family gave her curious looks. Though neither said a word about it.
"We have guest," Mikael said a few minutes into breakfast, "I expect that you will each be on your best behavior while Miss Caroline is here with us."
"I will do my best not to be a burden to you all, I am truly grateful for you opening your home to me," Caroline said softly.
Rebekah took her hand as Niklaus spoke, "You would not be a burden to us at all. It is an honor to help you."
Caroline couldn't fight the sheepish smile that broke across her face. Though out of the corner of her eye, she could see Mikael did not seemed pleased by his son's words, but said nothing. Breakfast went on with idle chat, the youngest boy Henrik asked her some questions which she was able to answer, as luckily it wasn't anything serious.
Kol had asked her an odd one that left her puzzled for a bit. Finn and Mikael didn't speak to her. Esther said a few words here and there in her direction, though Rebekah, Niklaus and even Elijah were ready to keep her involved in the conversation. She appreciated the effort. When the meal was finished, Mikael left with Finn and Elijah to go on a hunting trek.
Caroline noticed that as they left, Niklaus clenched and unclenched his fists, though she couldn't be sure what happened. Rebekah and Caroline helped Esther clean up the area while Niklaus brought Kol and Henrik outside to gather more supplies for the rooms. Though Caroline didn't miss the look he gave her before he left the house.
When Esther left for a few moments, Caroline asked, "Why didn't Niklaus go with your father and brothers to hunt?"
Rebekah inhaled, "Well, father and Niklaus do not get along. My father seems to believe Niklaus cannot handle it, but it is simply not true. Niklaus is a brilliant hunter and is old enough to join them, but still father refuses to take him. A handful of times Elijah and Finn will take Niklaus on their own, but it usually angers our father."
"Why is that," Caroline asked, though seeing Rebekah's face she backtracked, "Sorry, I don't mean to be nosy or pry. I just happen to be curious is all."
"It's quite alright," Rebekah told her with a smile, "It is just… none of us truly know why our father is so harsh with Niklaus."
Caroline looked back to where Niklaus had left, a pit formed in her stomach, but she said nothing else. Esther returned with sewing materials and told Rebekah to get the cloth. It wasn't the softest material Caroline had ever encountered, but it wasn't too thin or too thick which suited Caroline just fine.
The three of them sat together in the corner, Caroline realized what the materials were for. They intended to make her some clothes, which Caroline was grateful for and excited about it. With all the material, they were able to make Caroline three dresses. Two for the day and one for the night which was perfect for the time being. Esther assured Caroline they would get some more material in order to make her some more dresses despite Caroline objecting she didn't need anymore. However Caroline learned Esther did not take no for an answer and insisted it which Caroline couldn't deny.
By the time they finished, it was time for Esther to prepare for a late lunch. The day passed by without incident, Caroline was able to get to know Rebekah very well. She learned that Rebekah had recently turned sixteen and was filled with thoughts of romance, though did her best to downplay it when others happened to pass by as they did their work. Caroline enjoyed their talks immensely, it was nice to talk to her like they were old friends and discussing more normal things, like cute boys in the village.
It sent a pang through Caroline as she thought of her friends back home, if they knew what had happened to her, if they would find her. Niklaus she also was able to spend a good deal of time with, he was pleasant and had a cheeky grin. The dimples that showed never failed to make her heart skip a beat, though she repeatedly told herself to get a grip and ignore it. That she would not be charmed so easily.
After dinner and it was time for everyone to retire, Caroline had slipped on her new nightdress with a smile. It was an incredibly pale yellow and in the dimly lit room, it could have passed for off white. The hem line barely skimmed the floor and the sleeves cut off at her elbows. She was alone in the change area in the corner, a thin sheet of rough material offering privacy to whoever was behind it. Unless someone tried to move it, which luckily she had yet to see occur. Caroline emerged.
Rebekah grinned madly at her, "How do you like it?"
Caroline smiled as she twirled in it, "I happen to love it. Thank you for helping make it."
"Quite welcome," Rebekah said as Caroline took her place beside her, "Tell me, how are you feeling?"
Caroline took a breath as she thought over the loaded question. In all honesty, if she didn't focus on her situation, she didn't feel terrible. However as the crashing reality of her predicament being away from her friends and family came to her, she struggled to keep a smile on her face. And though Caroline thought she was doing a good job at hiding it, Rebekah and Elijah were able to tell that she was not in good shape. The conversation echoed in Rebekah's mind, her older brother's words not leaving her.
The poor girl is a moment away from breaking down. Though she has been able to keep her composure remarkably well, I imagine it will not be long before she loses this facade.
Rebekah wanted to prevent that from happening, but she knew it would happen at one point. However she thought if Caroline opened up to her, even a little bit, the blow wouldn't be so harsh.
"I am doing well," Caroline said slowly, "I miss my friends and my mother. I wish they were here with me, but given the circumstances I feel okay."
"I'm glad to hear that, just know we are all here for you," Rebekah told her sincerely.
Caroline nodded to show she understood and appreciated those words. The two girls laid down and tried to get some sleep as the boys all got settled.
Caroline hadn't been sure how much time had passed, but she was jolted awake by angry screams. It sent a pulse of panic through her heart. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, the only light coming from the moon that seeped through the mostly covered window.
The shouting came from the next room over, she strained her ears to listen. This made her miss her vampire hearing, because even though the voices her loud, she couldn't quite make out what they were saying. The cry of pain forced Caroline to sit up, she looked in the direction of the pained cry. She made a move to get up, but as she pushed herself off the ground, a hand caught her wrist and pulled her to the floor.
Caroline spoke, "Hey-"
"Hush," Rebekah hushed, when Caroline said nothing else, she continued, "Do not move. Stay down and silent."
"Rebekah, what's happening out there," Caroline whispered, her eyes filled with concern.
Even in the darkness, Caroline could see the wince on Rebekah's face, "Our father is not the nicest man, especially when he gets into one of his moods. Sometimes we are the targets."
Another shout caused them to jerk. Caroline bit her lip, she looked around to see if anyone was missing. Whoever was not here, Caroline just knew they were facing the wrath of the man outside this room.
"Niklaus," Elijah said softly to Caroline, "He is the one who is out there now."
Caroline turned sharply to Elijah, something burned in her, "Your father is causing him this pain and you leave him out there?"
"It is wrong of us to remain, but should we interfere it will only make it worse for Niklaus," Elijah explained, though he sounded ashamed.
Rebekah continued, "Whenever one of us interferes to protect another, it never ends well. Should Elijah go out there to help Niklaus, father will punish him by hurting Niklaus more. The same goes if their positions are reversed."
"We have learned this the hard way," Elijah whispered, Caroline almost didn't hear the words.
Caroline looked to the door, she heard another cry and angry shout which sent a pang through her heart. She wanted to get up and go out there, to stop whatever Mikael was doing to his son. However based on the warning Rebekah and Elijah had given her, it would make things worse for Niklaus.
It left her feeling weak and powerless, she despised the feeling. Minutes passed by as they lay there in the darkness. The door opened, none of them moved and forced their bodies to remain still as they heard Niklaus being shoved to the ground. The door closed a moment later.
Niklaus remained on his knees as he shook slightly in his place. Caroline sat up, but she didn't move to him yet despite herself wanting to offer him any form of comfort. Though she stopped herself. Rebekah had sat up beside her when she was certain Mikael would not return.
"I want to comfort him, but I, I fear it is not my place," Caroline whispered to her friend.
Rebekah touched her shoulder, she whispered back, "Come on. Though Nik will deny it, he enjoys knowing we are all here."
Rebekah went to Niklaus' side with Elijah, they spoke to him as he struggled to catch his breath. Though neither of them touched him, but Caroline could understand why. After whatever Mikael had done, she imagined being touched, even softly would not be the best received.
Caroline moved closer to the siblings, she felt slightly out of place there. Even though comforting people was not something she struggled with, she didn't know if Elijah or Niklaus would appreciate her being involved. Though Rebekah didn't seem to mind, she worried about the others. Rebekah moved over allowing Caroline to come beside Niklaus.
This bothered Niklaus though he could not say it or show it. He hated to appear weak to anyone, now the woman who joined them would see him as a weakling. The thought angered him, he wished she had been asleep as to not know about this. When he looked at her, he expected to see disgust or pity in her eyes, but when he turned to look at her, he saw something else.
Though he could see her expression was sympathetic, it wasn't pitiful or disgusted like he thought it would be. No, he could see the compassion in those blue eyes, but he saw a spark of anger there.
Niklaus spoke, "Forgive me Caroline… I wish you not to see me this way."
"No, don't apologize," Caroline said to him gently, "Nothing here is your fault."
"Caroline-" he started.
"No, don't argue it," Caroline told him, her voice firm, "This isn't your fault, you didn't deserve this."
"If I were stronger this would not happen. Do you not see me here as weak," Niklaus asked her in a whispering tone, but she could see heat in his eyes.
Caroline shook her head, "Not at all. In fact, I see a strength like I haven't seen before. Do not believe otherwise, you must understand this."
Niklaus watched her for a moment, but he did nod with a slight smile, "If you insist."
"I do," Caroline told him with a small smile of her own.
Throughout this exchange, Elijah and Rebekah were giving each other looks, having a silent conversation of their own. Whenever Niklaus returned from Mikael's temper, he refuses to speak to them or even look at them. The most he would let them do was guide him back to his sleeping space if he could not himself.
To see him speak to Caroline, to even acknowledge her had been a shock to the siblings. However it was a pleasant surprise and they had a feeling that when these nights happened again, Caroline would be a great asset in helping their brother get through the night. After a few more minutes, Niklaus and Elijah moved to their sleeping space while Caroline and Rebekah went to theirs.
The four of them each had something weighing on their mind as sleep claimed them, one by one.