Hey, lovelies! It's been a while, but I'm going to update "Eternal Flame." I apologize for the lack of updates, but I was busy with other projects and inspiration was difficult to come by. But, as I said, I'm going to update. No spoilers, just relax and enjoy the ride!
Tonight we'll dance
I'll be yours and you'll be mine
We won't look back,
Take my hand and we will shine
Oh, oh, oh
She needs a wild heart [2x]
I got a wild heart
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 1937
The excitement in the air was evident as the good people of Louisville, Kentucky, arrived at the gates of the prestigious Churchill Downs to watch the 62nd running of the Kentucky Derby. The reason for the excitement was because everyone was betting on War Admiral, the son of Man o' War, who had won both the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in 1920. Among those who were attending the race was Klaus, who had come to Kentucky the previous month, and his curiosity about the famous race that attracted a huge crowd had drawn him here. Speaking of which, he was also hoping to perhaps get inspiration for a new piece.
"Lovely day for a horse race, isn't it?"
The voice belonging to his sister, Rebekah, brought the hybrid out of his reverie and Klaus looked in her direction. She was dressed quite elegantly, so elegantly, in fact, the humans would think she was one of them, which was point of blending in.
"It is, dear sister," he replied. "This race is all the humans have been talking about for months leading up to it."
"Though, it's not the race that they're excited about," said Rebekah. "I think it's got more to do with the horse that's running in it, the son of the horse that won the 1920 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. They say that he's the top contender to win the whole thing."
Klaus nodded and before he could reply to his sister's comment, he saw a lovely blonde in the crowd, wearing a blue dress and matching hat with blue feathers. Rebekah noticed that her brother's attention shifted and smiled at him, playfully elbowing him. "Why don't you go over there and introduce yourself, Nik? It's obvious that you want to."
Klaus rolled his eyes and said, "Oh, Bekah, honestly."
"Don't be so coy, brother," said Rebekah. "I know that look when I see it. You've just spied a rare beauty and rare beauties like that don't come along every day. If you're worried that I won't have anyone to keep me company, I can always have a chat with the young men who have come here."
"Just be careful," said Klaus. "We don't know if the humans have vervain to prevent compulsion."
Rebekah nodded, giving her brother a kiss on the cheek, went toward some young men who were heading up to the booth to place their bets. Once she was gone, Klaus headed off toward the mysterious blonde who had caught his eye. As he looked through the crowd, he almost didn't see her, which was frustrating. Bloody hell, why did this place have to be so packed? It was just a horse race. I've got to find her. I can't give up, no matter what. It's like Rebekah said, rare beauties like that don't come along every day.
No sooner did he complete that thought than Klaus detected the blonde's scent and followed it until he came to the stands, where he saw her seated in one of the bleachers. Clearing his throat, he approached her, causing her to look in his direction. When that happened, he saw that she had the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen, which matched the dress and hat she wore perfectly. For a few minutes, there was a silence as the two of them tried to find the words to say. Finally, it was the blonde who spoke first.
"Were you following me?"
Her words brought a smile to his face as he replied, "I was drawn to you like a moth to your flame, love. You could say that I couldn't help myself." He cleared his throat again, remembering his manners. "My name is Klaus Mikaelson. Who might you be, dear lady?"
"Caroline Forbes. It's nice to meet you, Klaus."
"The feeling is mutual, Caroline," said Klaus. "So, are you looking forward to watching War Admiral run in this race?"
"Who isn't?" said Caroline. "I've read the papers, and they say that War Admiral comes from quite a bloodline. I mean, his father was Man o' War, who was the winner of the 1920 Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Granted, that's only two of the jewels in the Triple Crown, but it's still an accomplishment, something War Admiral has to live up to."
"Yes, definitely," said Klaus. "With a sire like Man o' War, you have to develop quite a reputation." He chuckled and then noticed the empty seat next to her. "Mind if I join you? A lovely lady shouldn't have to sit alone."
Caroline thought about his question for a while, taking the opportunity to look at him. The suit he was wearing made him look handsome, and his short, slightly curly dark blonde hair and greenish blue eyes added to his attractiveness. How could this man not have a lady on his arm? She then saw how the other women were looking at him and pulled him down onto the seat. "You know what? I think you should join me. In fact, I don't want you out of my sight for a second, considering how many looks you're getting from the women that are walking around."
Klaus saw what she had done and then looked to see that the women that were looking at him had turned their noses up at them and went to find men that would actually pay attention to them and not look at someone else. Caroline smiled as the other women walked away, knowing that she succeeded in her mission.
"Well done, love," said Klaus. "The human women have seen that they can't compete with you and have decided not to try."
Caroline returned his smile and wrapped her arm around his. She was about to say something when they heard that it was post time, and saw the horses, War Admiral included, being escorted to the starting gate. Once the horses were in position, the bell started and the horses took off down the track. Caroline felt her eyes go wide and started shouting for War Admiral to keep going. Klaus heard her and joined in soon afterward. When War Admiral crossed the finish line, Caroline screamed and wrapped her arms around Klaus' neck and kissed his cheek, which earned her a kiss on the lips in return.
They were still kissing when Rebekah approached them, having lost the men she had been with since before the race, not sure where they went to. Caroline and Klaus separated and saw her standing there. Klaus then stepped back and took Caroline's hand as he looked at his sister.
"Where did your friends go, Rebekah?"
"Oh, they probably found someone else to play with," she replied. "I probably would've gone after them had I not remembered that I was supposed to show restraint, because they probably had vervain on them." She smiled at Caroline. "Hello, love, I'm Rebekah Mikaelson, Nik's sister."
"Pleasure," said Caroline. "I'm Caroline Forbes. So, did you enjoy the race?"
"Oh, yes," said Rebekah. "In fact, I'm going to go celebrate War Admiral's victory. Care to join me?"
"That sounds like a good idea," said Caroline. "I don't know anyone here, so I'd like to join you." She smiled at Klaus. "Especially your brother."
Klaus returned her smile and kissed her, after which they left the grandstand to celebrate War Admiral's victory over the other horses in the pack.
Note: Since I don't want to repeat what was said, I'll end Chapter 95 of "Eternal Flame" here.