I know I sound like a broken record, but still - thanksthanksthanksTHANKS to everyone! You are just amazing!

Also, I would really like to apologize to the purists. I know that our beloved Klaus might come across as somewhat too 'harmless' in this story. Believe me, I adore him when he's being all Commanding General of Badassery, I absolutely do! But that annoying romantic inside me just wouldn't shut up. I'm constantly trying to gag her, but that little bitch is stubborn! :) So please forgive me if there is some OOC acting going on, I really don't mean to offend anyone!

New chapter up now, guys... I do hope you'll enjoy! :)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

O FORTUNA

They spent the next morning making inquiries about the white oak. At the botanic garden, they were told that the expert in the field of trees was holding a lecture in Oslo and was not expected to return for another day or two. After that, they went on to seek out the head of the biology faculty of Tromsø's university, who informed them that he had in fact heard of a legend describing a white oak somewhere in the area of the North Cape, where no oak could actually survive, but he had never seen it himself and wasn't quite certain whether to believe any of it. He also recommended to wait for the specialist from the botanic garden, whom he would notify of their impending visit. Klaus reined in his impatience at the lack of progress, as for no white oak in the world did he want to spoil Caroline's wide, happy eyes at everything she saw around her.

There were no words for what it did to him to see her enjoying herself like that. Nothing escaped her, and her vibrant excitement was so contagious he actually forgot about his worries for a while. He hadn't felt this good for longer than he cared to remember. She helped him see everything through her eyes, and if he had had a penchant for Tromsø before, he was now seriously falling in love with the place. In the afternoon, they returned to the hotel for a short while, as Caroline wanted to call her mother and he needed to make some arrangements. He could never tell her what these few carefree hours had meant to him, but he would convey it to her in his own way. The clenching at his heart that he had felt from time to time when he looked at her seemed to have become a permanent state by now.

Caroline loved the place he took her to for dinner that night. It was even smaller than the old lady's restaurant the evening before, and it was full of cheerful, drinking Norwegians. Dinner was a fun affair, as Klaus made her repeat the Norwegian names of the dishes and drinks, and the patrons at the table next to them applauded enthusiastically every time she got it right. After a while, everyone in the minuscule place seemed keen on teaching her new words, and her stomach started to hurt from all the laughter. Even Klaus wasn't able to keep himself from joining the fun, and Caroline almost choked when he actually bought a round of drinks for everyone.

They were still laughing when they stepped onto the deserted street, and Caroline marveled at his sparkling eyes. That was when a rather disturbing thought entered her mind.

I want you to be happy, Klaus. It becomes you.

When they had reached the hotel, he asked mischievously, "Are you up for some adventure, Miss Forbes?"

She eyed him suspiciously. "Depends on what you mean by 'adventure'!"

He chuckled. "I promise you, no shady intentions, and I also promise you'll like it." His eyes warmed. "Trust me, sweetheart."

She looked up at him then and smiled. He deserved some trust, and she had promised to try. "Okay."

He had the valet bring the car, and then they drove off into the night. Caroline kept staring out of the window, thinking how beautiful the combination of darkness and snow could actually be. After about half an hour, Klaus stopped the car at a small hut a little off the main road. Everything was completely inundated with snow, and she felt like she was in the middle of some fairy tale. They got out of the car, and Caroline heard something that sounded like little bells. He's Klaus. We're probably going on a tour with Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

When they walked around the hut, she saw them. A bunch of snow dogs, hopping around excitedly, wagging their tails. Her eyes popped open. A dog sled? Unbelievable. What on Earth had gotten into the monstrous Original who had made a qualified profession out of terrorizing the entire supernatural world?

Klaus shook the hand of the old man who was busy harnessing the dogs. They exchanged a few sentences, and the man pointed into the direction of a nearby hill. Then he motioned towards what was apparently the lead dog. Klaus nodded, grabbed Caroline's hand and pulled her along. Then he crouched in front of the dog, holding out his hand for the animal to sniff. It was more than obvious that the dog was falling in love with him instantly, they way her whole attention was immediately focused on him, reacting to his every move and sound. Caroline copied him, holding out her hand, and the dog wagged her tail, albeit not nearly as enthusiastically as she had with Klaus. Probably some Alpha Wolf stuff. "Her name is Oda," Klaus said softly. "She is a Siberian Husky."

"Hello Oda," she said, patting the dog's head. "You are one lovely little lady," she cooed when Oda licked her hand. Klaus surprised her again when he petted Oda almost lovingly and mumbled some words in Norwegian to her. The dog seemed to be listening closely, her eyes never leaving Klaus' face. He smiled very brightly at Oda.

"You like dogs," Caroline wondered aloud. Klaus pulled a face. "It's not like I hate everything under the sun, however hard to believe that seems to be. In fact, I love dogs. But I've long since learned that it is hard to keep them when you need to continuously move around. They deserve their master's attention, and when you can't give that to a dog, don't get one. Maybe one day, when I'll be able to settle for some length of time, I will get some Borzois again. Russian Wolfhounds," he added when she looked at him quizzically. "I kept a few of them while living in Russia. They are my favorite breed by far. Tall, fast, very beautiful. And they have a mind of their own."

"I didn't think you particularly liked that," Caroline teased with a smug grin.

"At least they don't defy me all the time," Klaus shot back, smirking. "Shall we?" he asked, and she nodded excitedly. "Would you like to sit in the sleigh or stand with me on the runners?"

"You actually know how to steer a dog sled?"

"Oh please," he just said, chuckling.

"Okay, I think I'll stand."

He smiled, and she could see he liked her choice. "All right then." He motioned for her to step onto the runners. "Grab the handles tightly. Don't worry, I'll be right behind you, you can't fall."

She held on to the handles, feeling him standing very close behind her. The old man nodded at them, and Klaus gave a loud command. The dogs started to move, and Caroline held on tighter to the handles, almost losing her balance. She sensed his reassuring presence behind her and relaxed instantly, feeling another layer of her defenses crumble.

This looks like a fairy tale indeed! They moved through the breathtaking landscape in almost complete silence, and she enjoyed the cold wind on her face. Dark firs covered the hills to their right, and there was nothing but an endless, snow-clad plain on their left. There were no sounds aside from the dogs' little bells, and she lifted her face to see the innumerable stars shining brightly above them.

A shiver went through her, but it was not from the cold. It was from feeling his lips on her hair and his arm around her waist.

Caroline had no idea how long they had been riding. She was lost in her own little world, and it was not until the sled came to a slow stop that she noticed they had actually reached the top of a small mountain. The stars were bright enough for her to be able to see her surroundings very clearly. To her feet was a large valley, covered in trees and snow, a fjord and another mountain range on the other side of it. Everything looked pure and untouched by any sign of civilization. It rendered her speechless.

"We'll need to wait now, love," a husky whisper sounded at her ear. She just nodded, still so spellbound that she actually had no idea what he was talking about. He moved away from her, the sudden loss of his proximity making her want to pull him back. He went to secure the sled and rewarded Oda by petting her and talking to her softly. The he returned to her and took her hand, leading her towards a small rise on the top of the hill.

Caroline looked around once again. "This is so unbelievably beautiful, Klaus," she whispered, squeezing his hand. It was amazing how natural it felt to touch him. Crack… there goes another layer of bricks.

"Oh, you have no idea," he breathed, staring at her so intently her knees went weak. His face was only inches from hers and she could feel his breath on her lips. Can vampires faint? Then his eyes moved to something behind her and he smiled. His fingers brushed her cheek. "Turn around, love," he murmured. She looked at him in confusion but did as he asked. And stopped breathing.

The sky in front of her was on fire. All over the valley and the trees, there was a green shimmer, moving in languid waves. The stars were still visible, but the Northern Lights were everywhere. Caroline stood completely paralyzed as the colours gradually changed to a light shade of purple and back to green. The lights slowly swirled and swayed, illuminating the night sky and bathing the landscape in fleeting flickers of colour. It was like watching the Gods dance. The sheer beauty surrounding her was almost unbearable. She silently started to cry, not able to contain the overwhelming emotions that all but invaded her soul. Blindly, she reached behind her for his hand, needing to know he was there with her during this incredible moment.

His arms came around her waist and he pulled her very close. She leaned into him, covering his hands with hers and letting her head rest on his shoulder. She heard him sigh and felt his lips on her hair again.

"You're hearing music in your head now, aren't you?" she asked in a whisper and felt his grip around her tighten infinitesimally.

"Yes, love. Know me so well already, hm?"

She smiled through her tears. "So what are you playing?"

"'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana. A bit dramatic maybe, but it suits the occasion."

They were silent for a few minutes, then he spoke again. "Did you know," he whispered with his hypnotic voice, "that the legend says the Northern Lights are actually caused by a fox sweeping the arctic snows with his tail, tossing the snow crystals into the sky?"

Klaus… please don't show me your romantic side on top of everything… you are breaking through the last of my defenses.

They stood as one, watching until the very last of the lights had subsided. Caroline felt tears falling down her cheeks for nearly the entire time, but they were tears of joy. She had never been happier. For the first time, she realized just how amazing the world really was and how many wonders there were to discover. With endless time on her hands, she would see every single one of them. And start all over when she was done. And I wouldn't have wanted to share my first wonder with anyone but him. He understands, and he will show me all the beauty in the world if I ask him to.

Very slowly, she turned around to face him. Something was glistening on his cheek. She reached out to brush the single tear away, but he stopped her. She silently shook her head, looking at him intently until he reluctantly released her hand. Her fingers touched his cheek, and his eyes closed. She caressed his face very gently, feeling her heart ache for him. Even with all the cruelty inside him and all the evil things he must have witnessed over the centuries, something like this could still make him cry. She could only imagine how everything he had gone through - and done - had left its mark on a soul so sensitive.

He opened his eyes again, and Caroline's breath caught at the fire in them. He raised both of his hands to cup her face and brought it closer to his. Then he paused for a moment and shook his head once in despair.

"I just can't take it anymore," he whispered hoarsely. And then, at long last, those full, devilish lips were on hers.

She had no choice. A small voice inside her whispered that she hadn't had a choice ever since he had scooped her up and let her drink from him. His lips were so soft, so seductive, so experienced. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before… the kiss was soft, strong, delicious and very, very sexy. But there was something else as well, a raw, sheer need beneath his dizzying skill that made his kiss so much more than a mere assault by a hungry mouth. Her lips parted and she felt his velvety tongue slowly starting to savour her. When her own tongue tentatively met his, there was a jolt of electricity so powerful it made her groan. Oh Jesus. Her arms wrapped around his waist and she pulled him closer, her fingers possessively claiming his back. One hand moved up to feel the skin of his neck, and she heard him moan into her mouth. The sound was as intoxicating as his enticing scent. So very musky… a little dangerous… and overwhelmingly Klaus. His hands caressed her face before moving on to her neck. While one hand remained at its side, the other moved to her throat. A quick thrill bolted through her when his fingers started to exert the slightest bit of pressure while his tongue traced her lips. She knew she should be appalled or scared, but she was as far from either as she had ever been. His low moans came straight from her own personal heaven. And by God, his lips were the sweetest thing she had ever tasted. She lost herself in his masterful seduction, and she never wanted to emerge again.

As their kiss grew more and more heated, the dance of their tongues became increasingly mesmerizing. Klaus' lips were all over her mouth, moving with an artfulness she hadn't known was possible. She couldn't get enough of his taste, his passion, his determination. Somewhere deep inside, she had always known he would be a crazy good kisser, but reality so surpassed everything she could ever have imagined that she could do nothing but hold on to him and let him drive her more insane by the second.

An eternity later, she felt him release her very slowly. His hands went to cup her face, and he softly kissed her mouth, her cheeks, her forehead. They stared into each other's eyes in wonder until he sighed reluctantly.

"Much as I wish to continue kissing you until the end of days, we will need to head back."

Caroline almost pouted. "Are you getting cold?" she asked teasingly, then lowered her voice to a husky whisper. "I don't think I have tasted yet enough of you, Klaus."

With a groan, he dragged her into his arms again and crushed his mouth to hers. His tongue and lips were much more demanding now, and he was all over her, his hands roaming over her back, her hips and her arms. He took, he ravaged, he conquered. But he also gave, and she had the weird feeling that he was completely attuned to her body, the way he seemed to almost read her mind. He did everything the way she liked it the most, even when she had not been aware of it herself. This kiss was way beyond hot. She felt herself growing very aroused, and her imagination started to run wild with images of his hands and tongue pleasuring her entire body. And if she was to be honest with herself, this wasn't the first time her thoughts of Klaus went down the smutty path. She melted against him and kissed him back vigorously. They were both moaning now, and she was surprised at how his little sounds of passion actually got to her.

Again, it was Klaus who pulled away. "Caroline," he panted, "if we don't stop, I will need to ravish you right here in the middle of nowhere, with a bunch of snow dogs watching and me freezing off some vital parts of my anatomy." He grinned. "Even though I highly doubt that any part of me could ever get cold within twenty feet of you."

Caroline giggled. "You're right. It would be completely irresponsible to corrupt those poor, innocent dogs. They might suffer an irreversible trauma!"

She started to walk, but he pulled her back to him. "Not quite so fast, sweetheart," he smirked. "I believe I have about a minute of self control left. But I seriously need to rid you of yours, so give me thirty seconds." The snippy reply died on her lips as he brushed her hair to the side and lowered his mouth to her neck. His lips trailed hot, wet kisses along her throat and the side of her neck, his tongue following its own mesmerizing rhythm. One hand was in her hair, the other had somehow found its way to the small of her back, pressing her body as close to his as their thick winter clothes would allow. Caroline could no longer think or breathe. Her head fell back and she grabbed his arms for support. She wasn't even embarrassed about the wanton moan that escaped her. Or about the hot moisture spreading between her legs. Oh God, how she wanted him! She was so aroused by now that nothing else mattered. Klaus… all you have to do is ask.

But he didn't. They were both breathing heavily when he stopped his sweet torture on her neck. Holding her securely to him, he brushed his lips over hers and smiled. A little smugly. He took her hand as they walked back to the sled where the dogs were anxiously waiting to get back to work. Klaus stroked Oda and came back to stand behind Caroline on the runners again. She leaned into him immediately, and he pulled her closer with one arm. His lips were at her ear when he whispered, "I may have made you lose your self control, but you… you made me tremble, my beautiful Caroline."

Her eyes closed, and she gave a shaky breath. God, Klaus. What are you doing to me.

Klaus was sitting by the window in the suite's vast living room, a glass of Scotch in his hand, staring at the dark scenery, recalling the events of the evening. When they had arrived at their room, Caroline had looked at him questioningly. He saw that she expected him to make a move, to try to woo her into his bed. But he knew she wasn't ready yet, and he had told her so. There was still a hint of doubt in her eyes, and he wanted her to come to him of her own accord, out of desire and need. He had caressed her hair, this lovely soft hair, and pulled her close for an instant. She had gone to bed after that, albeit not without giving him a breathtaking smile and whispering a soft but urgent 'Thank you, Klaus". It had pierced him like a knife. No one had ever been like this with him, and it made him yearn for more. It made him want to open the door, slip into her bed and hold her for as long as she let him.

The kisses he had shared with Caroline had shaken him. He had expected to enjoy finally kissing her in his own body, but what he hadn't expected was that it would mean so much to him. The second his lips had touched hers, a feeling had surged through him he had not immediately recognized because it was foreign, something he hadn't known for a thousand years. But he understood it now. Home.

He buried his face in his hands. The memories of the sweetness of that lovely girl in his arms just wouldn't leave his mind, however much he tried to have the alcohol blur them. He knew himself well enough to see the truth. This was no longer just about sex, no longer a question of conquering her and getting her out of his system. It had probably never been. No, this had become so much more than he had bargained for and he had no idea how it had happened.

Klaus hoped to the Gods he had not fallen in love with her.

'You will soon discover that there is someone you will come to love above everyone else, above your own life even, and that he is going to take that someone away from you in a way that will destroy you beyond repair.'

He downed his drink and was just about to get another when he heard a strangled sob and some almost unintelligible muttering from Caroline's room.

"No! Please!"

She was having the visions again. Blast, he would bring down hell and high water on that misbegotten son of a bitch! He quietly opened her door to see her thrashing on the bed. She was whimpering, and her face was contorted in agony. He felt a cold hand clutching at his heart, and there was just one thought left in him. Ease her pain.

He slid onto the bed next to her, carefully pulling her into his arms so she would not wake with a start. She seemed to actually relax for a second before her soft pleading started again. "Stop hurting him! Stop!" She started to cry, and he pulled her closer. Suddenly, she whispered, "Klaus… keep fighting…please!"

Everything inside him turned upside down. She was crying and pleading for him! Klaus tensed. Did he actually matter to her? Really matter? Was it possible? He shook his head, chasing the thought away. Then he closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her temple. As those were not regular dreams, he could not invade them. But he assumed that if he gave her a different dream, it might suppress the visions. He was in physical contact with her, and that should make his influence stronger than the warlock's. He concentrated and let his mind fill with something light, soothing and beautiful.

He was dying inside. She could tell from the way the light was flickering in his eyes. And still, the hidden man didn't stop inflicting pain on him. "Stop hurting him! Stop" But the man just laughed. Klaus' body was bruised, and his mind was on the verge of snapping, it was more than obvious. Suddenly, another man came up behind him. She couldn't see his face, only the eyes… there was the sickening, perverse hunger in them she had already seen before, but this time the eyes were much closer. She felt sick to her core. The man started to remove his coat, and she started to cry. No! Leave him be! She stared into Klaus' eyes, desperate to do something, to help him, but she couldn't move so much as her little finger. The feeling of despair grew unbearable as she whispered, "Klaus… keep fighting… please!"

Then the black, filthy room and the sickening feelings were gone. She was happy. The sun was shining, and she was laughing. She was on a boat, pristine, blue waters beneath her and something that looked like the remains of a volcano ahead. Klaus came up beside her, grabbing her hand and teasing, "Don't be a sissy! Come on, sweetheart!" She laughed again and squeezed his hand. "Whoever's last at the bottom pays for the Krug tonight!" Then she let go of him and elegantly dove into the water. It was wonderfully cool, and she found herself surrounded by tropical fish. Swimming towards the bottom, she caught sight of Klaus attempting to overtake her. Putting all her strength into her strokes, she reached the ground a split second ahead of him and grinned. Klaus groped his heart, made a chagrined face and let himself float backwards. She swam towards him and took him in her arms. He looked at her tenderly, wrapped one arm around her and pushed himself off the ground. They slowly floated towards the surface, with him holding her and pointing at a peculiar-looking fish that somehow reminded her of Jar Jar Binks. Her eyes were shining with delight. This was such a beautiful, serene, peaceful place! When they emerged, he pulled her face to him and kissed her very softly. She could taste the sea on his lips. "One day I will take you here, Caroline. And I promise there will be nothing but joy and fun and laughter!" She smiled at him and nodded. "Sweetheart."

"Sweetheart," a soft, dark voice sounded in her ear, "wake up." She opened her eyes with some effort, surprised to find herself in the darkened hotel room with Klaus holding her securely in his arms. Then she remembered. The vision. It had been way clearer and far more intense than usual, and she had almost physically felt his pain. And then there had been the ocean… the fish… and Klaus, laughing happily.

She turned towards him, not leaving his embrace. "Did you give me the dream about the ocean?" she asked quietly.

"Yes. I figured it was the only way to push the vision out of your head. I heard you from next door."

"It was… worse this time. Intensified, with more details. You were badly beaten, lying on the floor. There was a second man this time, and he was about to… to…" She didn't know what she had actually seen and how to explain it to him.

"Shh, love. Don't. I… think I know what you saw. Just relax and try to put it out of your mind for now."

She sighed. "Where was this place you showed me? I liked it very much."

"That was Molokini. A small, half-sunken crater off the Maui coast."

"It was really lovely. But next time, make the dream more realistic, okay?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning. "It's exactly what it looks like there."

"But in reality, you would never have let me win the race to the bottom."

Klaus gave his lovely open laugh again. "Guilty as charged," he grinned. He started to get up. "I think I will let you sleep now. We can talk more tomorrow. You need to get some rest."

Caroline closed her eyes and made a spontaneous decision. She couldn't bear to be alone now, and she wanted to know he was there, keeping her safe. And idiotic as it sounded, she also needed to keep him safe. "Klaus?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Stay."

He stared at her, and she could see the question in his eyes, mixed with a deep longing. "I mean…" she added hesitantly, "if… that's okay for you. I'd rather not be alone right now."

His gaze softened, and he nodded. "Of course it's okay." His voice dropped, and he whispered, "As I have told you once before, I do like to hold you." From nightmares to blue oceans to another butterfly assault. Freud would have had a field day with me.

He slid back into the bed, under the covers this time, and pulled her onto his chest, his arms securely encircling her. It was very warm, very comfortable and it felt outrageously right. She sighed contentedly, wrapping an arm around his chest and snuggling closer to him, inhaling his wonderful smell. Within minutes, she was sound asleep.

Klaus stared into the darkness, listening to her calm and steady breathing, trying to stop the uproar in his mind. In between all his confusion, his doubts and his anger, he knew one thing for certain.

There was nothing he would not do to protect this girl. And to prevent her from seeing his most devastating defeat.