AN: Please read and review. Please enjoy this chapter. Stay safe and be good people.

Chapter 12

Rebekah asked the tiny witch to teach her potion making, if it was possible for her to learn since she wasn't a witch. Bonnie thought it would be fun and practical plus it would distract both of them from worrying about the men.

So they went off towards field nearby which had all sorts of wildflowers and herbs growing. With the nesle, Rebekah named Talon, a blanket, a basket and Bonnie's sword (to be safe) they set off on their journey.

They were warmly dressed in furs and leather, but Bonnie wore the garments that she had worn to fight in, she hadn't thought to dress in more womanly attire, not that she had any since she didn't bring any.

Rebekah thought it was daring and rather practical to dress in trousers and she loved the idea of dressing less encumbered, but she wasn't sure if her father would approve. In secret, she wondered if Marcel would like it or would he be opposed to her wearing something less common for women.

"Princess there is nothing unwomanly or obscene with a woman wearing trousers. Many warrior women dressed as men did for mobility and battle. You are a fighter, a warrior, there is no shame in wanting to dress as such. I can make you a few garments if you wish." Bonnie stated as she stretched out the blanket for Rebekah to sit on.

"I..would you..that would be lovely. I saw the garments you made Nik. You are very skilled, I would be very honored if you could make something fitting for me." Rebekah beamed with a huge smile that rivaled the sun.

"It would be my pleasure." Smiled Bonnie. Turning her attention to her task Bonnie called to Rebekah. " Now this herb helps with pain, but be careful, this plant has a sister and they are strikingly similar yet very different. While this heals the other is very poisonous."

"What is the difference?" Rebekah asked, paying close attention.

"See here," Bonnie pointed to the flower, "the leaves have little brown specks. Rebekah nodded as she saw the brown spots that covered the leaves of the plant.

"The other plant doesn't have the specks but are colored the same and have the same leaf structure."

...

The time passed as the young women talked and gathered herbs and wildflowers. They enjoyed the camaraderie and the girly talk of babes, men and the various herbs to use for the most effective potions.

They were back in Klaus' longhouse hanging herbs, mixing and brewing simple potions. Bonnie watched over Rebekah as she explained to her the importance of different colors of smoke when "cooking" the potion.

"Remember, white smoke means that you are doing everything correct and the potion is good. This is the color that most complete potions will have. There are more deadly potions that will have red or black smoke that indicates they are ready."

Bonnie continued educating Rebekah while she mixed the brew. "So this is a healing tonic for sleeping?" The mother to be inquired again for clarity.

"Yes, I will only teach you healing potions. It is a good skill to have, especially a young mother."

Hours later the two young women were giggling over a miscalculation of a potion that blew up in front of their faces, causing blue smoke to fill the room when Anthus began to caw loudly, stretching his wings attempting to fly.

He flapped his wings frantically trying to achieve elevation, up...up...then gradually easing back down. Again, he cawed and flapped his wings, the wound was healed but the wing was weak from inactivity, he had not been in the mood to fly while Klaus was gone.

Once more Anthus spread his wings extending them out fully then he flapped furiously, finally achieving his goal flying to and fro rapidly swooping high then low, the length of the longhouse, causing the girls to duck out of the way.

"What is wrong with him?" Rebekah inquired, clumsily stooping down trying to avoid the wild fowl.

"I am not su…" Bonnie instantly stopped before completing the word she was about to say. She felt it, a warmth invading her body, her magic softly humming, no it was him, she felt him, she felt Klaus and her magic reacted, it was reaching out to him, pulling on him.

She walked to the door, swinging it open and the bird rushed out of the house soaring high and cawing as he went to his master, scaring many of the villagers in the process.

Rebekah looked at each of them confused, not understanding what was going on, fearfully thinking there was another attack. Bonnie turned, seeing the look of fear she smiled, reassuringly and walked to Rebekah taking her hand.

" They are back, well they are close. The men are returning," she said excitedly, hardly containing her happiness. Hand in hand the girls hurriedly walked towards the front of the village.

XX

Klaus had the horse going at a steady gallop, keeping pace with his brothers leading the other men as they trudged on, getting closer and closer to their destination.

He was anxious to get there, it had been a fortnight since seeing his wife and then it had only been her unconscious form. He had no idea if she was well or if she had worsened or was still in a state of slumber. He had had no way of sending or receiving any messages since Anthus was also recovering from his wound. Klaus had a deep regard for Anthus (in such a short time) and thus, missed the bird as well.

Klaus was lost in thought, however he knew he was getting closer by the sudden pull he felt, almost a nagging faint pain in his heart. At the same time he felt it, no sooner he heard a familiar sound he thought he conjured forth in his eagerness to be back, but looking up into the gloomy sky he saw the large black bird flying towards him.

Klaus couldn't hide his smile as the bird swooped lower then circled around him and his brothers several times then cawed and soared higher then ahead as if he was trying to get Klaus to follow him.

Taking his cue, Klaus quickened his pace leaving his brothers behind. Anthus cawed again, then flew behind him flying back towards his siblings circling around them again then flew ahead.

Marcel, intrigued by the bird, urged his horse faster leaving the others. He reached Klaus , riding beside him, smiling a bright and contagious smile. He tilted his head to Klaus then spurred his horse faster, leaving Klaus behind him. Klaus laughed heartily from his stomach then spurred his horse on. The race was on!

They both galloped into the village at the same time, both smiling. As they dismounted they saw the two women holding hands rushing towards them.

Bonnie saw them riding in, Klaus, first, letting her eyes feast upon him, then she noticed Marcel (only knowing it was him due to Rebekah calling his name). For a moment she was stunned into immobility due to seeing her husband looking like the warrior he was, rugged, dirty and so very pleasing, but what caused her to falter was Marcel, his adopted brother. She stood looking at him until she felt the pull of Rebekah urging her on.

The two were now standing a few feet away from the men, Bonnie was staring at Marcel as Klaus was watching her perplexed by her behavior. Rebekah broke the spell Bonnie was under by letting go of her hand and running (as fast and carefully as she could while holding her belly) to Marcel.

With her attention back on her husband, Bonnie stood there watching him, almost shy now, not knowing what to say or do, and it seemed as if he was struck by the same malady. She wanted to run into his arms...she didn't.

Rebekah ran into Marcel's arms not caring who was looking, just so very happy that he was alive and well. Crying as she clung to him, she pulled away only to run her hands over his shoulders and chest and up to caress his face. " I was so worried about you. Are you hurt?" She asked not breathing, still roaming her hands over him, thanking the gods for his return.

Marcel chuckled, "Bekah, breath," he commanded teasingly, bringing his hands up to place them over hers then bringing them to his lips to kiss. "I am well, no injuries, just tired and grimy," he smiled.

By now the village was alive with subdued excitement as the rest of the battalion along with the remaining Mikaelsons entered the village. Heartfelt greetings, warm hugs and tears were on display as family members were reunited.

Still standing watching each other were husband and wife, separated by just a mere few feet. Bonnie had decided to make a move when Elijah and Kol joined the two couples. Marcel had Rebekah next to him tuck under his arm, she moved to hug Klaus.

"Brother I am so glad you are well," she said as she hugged him, then she went to Elijah and Kol doing the same. Turning, she walked back to Bonnie taking her arm in hers.

"Formal introductions are needed and long overdue," she smiled, " This is Elijah, our older brother, but not the eldest brother, that is Finn but he isn't here, but you will meet him," Rebekah stated as she pointed to him.

"Prince," Bonnie muttered, giving a small bow with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Elijah nodded his head as he looked perplexed by her greeting.

"This is my twin brother Kol, he is the troublemaker of the family and can be a nusauce," Rebekah teasingly stated as she smiled at him.

Bonnie smiled, "Prince, I remember you. You are a fine warrior from what I remember." She again gave a small bow. Kol smirked, feeling proud. "It is good to see you recovered." He said.

Then beaming Rebekah turned to face the love of her life. "And this is Marcel as you already know. He is our brother, adopted by our father." Rebekah wanted to touch him again but she knew that it would be inappropriate to do now with more of an audience.

Bonnie watched the handsome man with a smile that could set the sun its ablaze, skin the color of the warm golden brown sands of her mother land and honey colored eyes that were wise and compassionate. He was a fine man, well built and straight backed and he stood with a confidence that was fit for a king.

She stepped forward about to raise her hand to touch his face, but she caught herself before she did, she instead smiled and bowed. "Prince, may the gods favor you."

"I am no prince, but thank you for the blessing," Marcel responded with a smile.

"But you are." Bonnie simply returned.

"This is Bonnie, our new sister and of course Klaus' wife." Rebekah stated excitedly, trying to ease the awkwardness that seemed to envelope the six of them as they stood out in the open with prying eyes watching.

Bonnie was about to say something else but Rebekah spoke again before she could, dragging her along with her, away from the men. "I am sure there are things you men must do. We must go do what women do," she said in a sing-song manner.

"I will do nothing until I speak to my wife and am given a proper welcoming." Hearing a voice dripping with irritation stopped the retreating women in their tracks.

Klaus had missed his wife. During the whole time away, she seldom left his thoughts and it irritated him that their reunion was not as he envisioned it would be. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but her standoffishness hurt his feelings and her odd behavior perplexed him. Elijah's words were echoing in his mind unbidden causing some doubt to surface. Damn Elijah, he cursed to himself.

Bonnie's response to Marcel was not missed, but it was only Klaus who noticed her almost imperceptible move to touch him. Klaus was curious by his wife's reaction to Marcel and her seemingly aversion to Elijah for he did not miss that reaction either.

Elijah on the other hand had watched her closely and decided she couldn;t be trusted. He now had all the proof he needed to know that he had to protect Klaus from himself and the witch. He had hoped he was wrong about her, almost thinking he was acting overprotective, but for a woman, supposedly a wife, to openly eye another man in front of her supposed husband and his family...well that was enough evidence he needed to know she was indeed beguiling his brother. He would continue to watch and when the time was right he would strike.

XX