AN:I hope everyone is still having a great new year. Please enjoy this chapter update. It is rather long, sorry, but I couldn't end it any other place. Thank you all for your reviews, they are so encouraging and I love hearing from you all, please continue. Now...please sit back, relax and enjoy. Remember stay safe and be good people.
Chapter 15
Henrik charged at Finn holding his sword loosely causing it to fly from his hand as Finn side-stepped him using his left foot to swipe his right foot then pushing him away so that the young boy hit the ground with a hard thud, fortunately for him the thick grass lessened the impact.
"Pay attention Henrik." Finn commanded as he helped his little brother up. "You have to hold your sword tight and make sure your footing is sure." He continued as he brushed grass off his shoulders, smiling at the small lad.
"That's not fair, you are twice as big as me and the sword is heavy," the young boy countered.
"That is not an excuse. Your opponents won't always match you in weight and height. And you will grow into your sword but only with practice and fortitude. Enough for now let's start back." Finn instructed.
Henrik was about to protest, he wanted to practice more, even though he liked sparring with Nik better, because he wanted to impress his big brother when he returned, but looking out over the cliffs he saw afar off the sails of longships.
Shaking Finn, jumping up and down excitedly he cried, "They're back, they're back!"
"What are you talking about -" Finn started.
"Look, look….they are back," he pointed towards the sea then before Finn could respond the young boy was off running.
Finn looked to the water to see four longships in the distance sailing towards land. The boat leading the way was unmistakable, the figurehead at the front of the boat was the head of a fierce snarling wolf instead of a dragon or snake.
Finn smiled, Niklaus and his brothers were indeed back, Klaus' boat was crafted beautifully and specific to his design, no one could miss it. He followed his younger brother, running down the path.
XX
The journey back to Orkney Islands was favored with calm waters and strong winds which drove the ships on with speed. It seemed to Klaus that the gods had given their blessings over their departure and return to their home.
Liam was displeased with Rebekah's decision to leave thus taking his brother's child from his kinsmen. Fueled by his sorrow and his disapproval of Rebekah and Marcellus' open show of affection, Liam made his disdain vocal.
"You think Connor would be pleased with you leaving your people, among other things? This is disrespectful of his memory and a breach of the martial agreement and alliance." He argued heatly.
"Connor would want me to be happy. And I do not have to explain myself or my desire to leave to you or anyone else, Liam, but know that his memory will always be with me." Rebekah countered indignantly.
Tired of listening to Liam's complaining and agitated at the thought of his sister having to explain herself to anyone other than his family, Klaus spoke up effectively ending any more debate concerning the matter. "My sister is going home to be with her people, her family. The moment Connor and soon after your father died she was no longer a part of your clan."
Klaus stood up, standing in front of Liam as he continued, " And Liam, I suspect, in your grief you forget yourself, in thinking you can speak so recklessly and free. A Mikaelson never forgets, breaks or reneges on a pledge and my father would be insulted by your thoughtless speech."
"I.." Klaus waved his hand interrupting Liam's words. "The child is of your blood, but make no mistake he is a Mikaelson. For honor sake we will come to your aid if you call, but you and your kinsmen have no claim on my sister. She is a widow, no longer bound to martial or lawful constraints and she is free to do as she pleases." Klaus emphasised the latter part, making it clear that Rebekah was a free woman in every sense of the word. To hel with Liam!
Klaus moved closer invading the young man's personal space, getting into his face, "And Liam, I will give you quarter due to your emotions and family ties, but I warn you this day, I am not as forgiving as my father or my brothers. It would be wise of you to remember that." Klaus' voice was soft which added a sinister quality to his implied threat.
Klaus walked out the room leaving his brothers and sister smiling at his antics while Liam stood there pale and clearly regretting his words.
...
Klaus was secretly concerned that Bonnie and Rebekah would not fare well on the open seas, the former due to her inexperience at being on a boat and the latter due to her pregnancy, however both women proved his worries to be foundless.
Rebekah, for her part, knew her babe would not give her any troubles, she was sure he was just as excited and happy as she was to be going home. She was sure he would be a strong swimmer and love the water as much as they all did.
The closer they got, the more the baby moved inside her, kicking and pushing against her belly. Some motherly instinct told her that the baby would thrive and grow and become a strong man under the tutelage of her father, brothers and most importantly, Marcel.
She truly had mourned the loss of Connor and she would always be thankful for the child he had given her, and the kindness and affection he bestowed upon her when they married and during the marriage, but her heart was always Marcel's.
She would tell the child of her first husband, but he would know Marcel as his father. She had no doubt that he would be a great father because he had two examples of wonderful fathers in his life.
Rebekah longed to share her pregnancy with her mother and sister because although she loved her brothers, there was nothing like having a mutual experience to talk about with other women, more importantly the women in her family, which now included Bonnie.
She smiled as the thought of Aurora's reaction to Bonnie and the news of her status in the family tickled her. Oh! She couldn't wait for that scene. She knew her mother would call her wicked and chide her for her pettiness, but she couldn't help it, she had a bit of Loki in her.
...
Bonnie was melancholy, not because she was leaving, per say, but because she would miss her forest and the creatures there. For so very long the forest had been her home and only companion and she would miss it.
The night before they were to leave she went to the forest to say her good-byes, not knowing if she would ever see it or the inhabitants again.
With a heavy heart Bonnie walked into Farigaig forest for what may be her last time. Klaus had offered to accompany her, but she thought it best to go alone, in truth, she wanted the solitude to commune with nature. She knew he thought she would change her mind by going back without him, but he just nodded, kissed her forehead and let her go, watching her ride off.
Bonnie entered her hut being immediately assaulted by memories of Klaus and her time spent with him. Every place she turned to she saw glimpses of Klaus either sitting at the table laughing or by the fireplace telling her of the many tales of his raids and travel or the pallet where Klaus worshipped her body.
How could he ever think that she could stay here without him, being haunted by his lingering scent and piercing blue eyes? No! She was bound to him and no longer content to live alone.
She gathered a few herbs and spices as well as her linen frocks, spell book, and a couple of furs which she had left in her haste to warn Klaus of the approaching enemy soldiers. She mused that that night seemed like a lifetime ago to her now.
Once she walked out and shut the door she said a spell magically securing the door, then another spell over the whole hut and the land it stood on within the stone wall preventing anyone access to cross the threshold of the stone path, should anyone be so bold to venture this far into the forest.
She walked to the small pool of dark water. It was still and silent. The sun was setting and the temperature was dropping, Bonnie pulled her cloak closer to her body.
She kneeled down in front of the water, tempted to skim the surface with her finger, but thought better of it, so she just kneeled there still and quiet. She listened to hear the Great Mother's voice, but all she heard was the rustling of the leaves as the wind picked up.
The weeping maiden and the little lost boy apparitions floated up to the witch, she smiled looking fondly at them. "I will miss you, the both of you. I pray to the Great Mother that one day you both will find peace."
The tiny witch stood up and then addressed the forest and its inhabitants, those benevolent and those on the more mischievous side. "The hour is late and I must leave. I carry you with me. You are my home even as I make a new one. You are my family even as I accept a new one. Part of me stays with you."
Bonnie's voice was hitched and full of emotion as she continued to speak , tears fell from her eyes. "You accepted me as your own and as your mistress and protector. Thank you. I do not know if I will ever return...only the Great Mother and the gods know these things."
"Know that we are connected and I will miss you. Guard and protect yourselves while I am away."
As Bonnie quickly rode off, leaving the forest behind, blinded by tears and lost in her grief she did not hear the forest moan and creak as the trees swayed furiously, branches thrashing, leaves being shaken violently causing them to fall to the ground before their time.
She did not hear the sprites singing a sad lament for the witch with their tiny voices heavy with despair as their glow dimmed to a dull glimmer. She did not hear the weeping maiden's cries transform into banshee-like wails.
And she did not see the woodland creatures scratching and clawing in fits of agony and loss or the dense mist descending down covering the forest in a cold haze which was unbidden by her.
That night Klaus held the weeping witch as she cried herself asleep unconsolable in her sorrow.
XX
The port was busy with commotion as many villagers gathered wanting to greet the long awaited men. The excitement was palpable as the dock and around the pier was crowded.
Klaus' boat docked in first, then the other three ships came in and anchored in a row next to his, but spaced apart enough for the men, horses and cargo to be unloaded.
The Mikaelsons and their men were greeted with shouts and cries of excitement, handshakes, huggs and joyous tears as well as some lament for those who did not return but found themselves in Valhalla.
Bonnie was overwhelmed by the throng of people pushing and shoving trying to make their presence known. Some girls and young women that were acquaintances of Rebekah gathered around to hug the mother-to-be showing their affection, which caused Bonnie more apprehension. She held onto Rebekah's hand tightly as they maneuvered their way and walked down the pier.
Rebekah guided Bonnie, keeping her close by her side as Klaus and the others were inundated also by their kinsmen and neighbors. Rebekah's steps quickened as she saw Henrik running towards her, he ran into her protruding belly putting his arms around her, breaking her hold on Bonnie as she hugged him trying to steady herself.
"Bekah you are so big," he exclaimed happily. Henrik hadn't seen her in over two years and was not aware of her pregnancy.
"And you are still no taller than a troll or the little fairies that live in the woodlands," she laughed as she pulled away from him, tousling his hair.
"Aww… that's not true, father says I will be as tall as Klaus, if not taller," the boy smiled, his smile contagious, causing Bonnie to smile also as they stood there. She regarded him and came to the conclusion that as he smiled he looked very much like Klaus.
"And I am not big, it is just the babe is big and strong," Rebekah pouted with laughter in her eyes.
From behind them Kol wrapped his arms around the two women's shoulders, smiling and said, "Dear sister you are huge, as big as a horse, but just as lovely as the wildflowers that grow in the fields." Then he kissed her cheek then untangled himself from the girls to pick up the youngest Mikaelson in a big bear hug before his sister could strike him.
"Put me down Kol. I'm too big for that now," he protested as he laughed holding on to his brother.
"Oh is that so, oh old wise one?" Kol asked jokingly as he placed the youngster down. As they resumed walking, he continued, "We haven't been gone that long, you look like the little brat I left behind."
"It is so and I'm not a brat. And father says I am growing into a fine man." He proclaimed proudly.
"If father says it, then it is so," Kol conceded with a smile.
The banter continued between the siblings as they walked with a smiling Rebekah taking Bonnie's hand again and the other Mikaelson men walking behind them now finally free as the crowds of people had decreased and some of the people had begun to scatter.
At the end of the dock watching the commotion and the slow procession of returning travellers, stood Mikael, Esther and Finn, patiently waiting with equal parts of merriment and curiosity.
Rebekah squealed as she leaped into her father's arms. He held as much of her as he could due to her belly being in the way. He held on tight not wanting to let go, but knew that Esther was also waiting her turn.
"My dear, how I have missed you, love." He said as he let go. Rebekah wiped a tear from his eye even as hers ran down her face freely. "Father I have missed you so much."
Rebekah then turned to her mother giving her a big hug, kissing her cheeks. "Oh mother, I have so missed you also." Then she hugged Finn, "Brother you look well."
Standing silently next to Kol, Bonnie took in all the activities and greetings and it warmed her heart to see the affection the whole family seemed to have for each other.
Suddenly Rebekah asked, "Where is Freya? Why has she not come to greet us?"
"Your sister has taken ill and is bedridden. She sends her love and waits impatiently for us to return to the house." Esther answered.
"Well I am sure that Bonnie and I will be able to get her better soon," Rebekah smiled as she grabbed Bonnie's hand pulling her into a sideways hug.
"And who might this one young woman be?" Mikeal asked shrewdly watching Bonnie wonder how this lovely tiny emerald eyed, dark skinned girl came to be standing before him. He was sure there was an interesting story to be regaled with.
Kol smirked, "Dear father this lovely creature is your new daughter." Kol could not contain himself. He was bursting at the seams to stir the pot and spill the beans, he couldn't help it, he too had a bit of Loki in him. The amusement he experienced at the looks of shock, confusion and then blind acceptance would be worth the lashing he was sure to get from Klaus for his free tongue.
Mikael's blue eyes sparkled with delight as he stepped closer and gently pulled Bonnie into a hug, "Welcome child." Pulling away he looked to his wife with a smile on his face, "Well it seems that Elijah has finally gotten his head out of his ass over that incipient little girl he fancied himself in love with and has found himself a truly enchanting maiden."
...
Klaus hastened his steps in an attempt to catch up to his family as he saw Bonnie being inundated and most likely interrogated by his parents. He hadn't meant to leave her side. He was just out of earshot of the group and a few feet away, but as he was approaching he was halted by eager hands pulling him into a passionate kiss.
Aurora held onto Klaus shoving her tongue in his mouth demanding access as her lips pressed wantonly across his unsuspecting lips. As she ravished his mouth her hands roamed his body as hers rubbed over his with lustful abandon expecting to feel his body respond.
Caught off guard Klaus was fixed within her grasp not fully present in the moment which rendered him immobile.
...
Kol, Rebekah and Bonnie were rendered silent upon hearing Mikael's mistaken assumption as Marcellus and Elijah made their way to the group. Suddenly Kol began uncontrollably laughing from his belly as the newest additions to the group looked confused and completely horrified.
Chuckling, Rebekah elbowed Kol in his side to stop his cankling, then announced, "Gods forbid father."
"Elijah should be so favored by the gods," Kol teased, hitting him on his back, "I believe Nik has something to tell you." Kol said, looking for the man in question. "Where is he?"
Realizing that Klaus was not standing there, the Mikaelson clan turned in search of the missing Mikaelson sibling. Everyone including Bonnie turned to see what appeared to be Klaus passionately kissing Aurora.
Suddenly a roaring clap of thunder echoed a warning through the perfectly clear sky for the day was beautiful and bright. Then another powerful and riotous peal rumbled murderously through the heavens, like the crashing of hundreds of ships upon the jagged rocks of a deadly and treacherous sea.
…
As eyes fell upon him, Klaus regained his cognition, grabbing Aurora forcefully by her shoulders, detaching her from his body, pushing her away. He wiped his mouth with a look of disgust. He looked at her with icy blue orbs, fury written over his countenance.
He was only thinking of one person, while he stared into Aurora's confused gray eyes when he heard the thunder, he hissed, " Do not ever do that to me again." Then without explanation or waiting for a response he walked hastily away from the bewildered woman.
"By Odin,what mischief is this that causes Thor to wield Mjölnir," questioned Mikael, looking at each of his children. Klaus finally made his appearance, standing beside Bonnie taking her hand.
He could feel the heat from her magic as it stirred within her. It soon turned hot as if he put his hand to the fire but he squeezed her hand harder refusing to let go. "Father, mother please allow me the pleasure of introducing you to my wife."
They all turned to hear a loud gasp that escaped Aurora's mouth as she was standing there having followed behind Klaus.
"That cannot be true," she accused, "You are betrothed to me." She continued, her voice getting louder in her distress.
Now the few people that had not run for shelter for fear of the gods' wrath were now standing around actively listening and watching with curious eyes and tongues ravenous for gossip.
Not caring if she was making a scene before the people, Aurora continued with tears in her eyes, "Klaus? Klaus...you lie!," She hissed, grabbing onto his arm.
Before he could say or do anything Rebekah stepped in front of the girl, "I will cut that hand off if you do not remove it from my brother's person." She said in a calm and low voice that made the hair on the back of the girl's neck stand.
Aurora released Klaus' arm.
"Enough," roared Mikael, "You dare to speak to my son in such a manner? Woman I would gladly have you beaten if not for your status as a free and noble woman."
Mikael was furious.
Esther spoke up finally after standing quietly observing the scene. She was intrigued by this woman that her son had taken as his wife and she wanted to know more, but she refused to have her family's personal affairs become fodder for wagging tongues.
"Enough from all of you. Aurora stop this folly. You will behoove you to remember who you are, where you are and who you are speaking to. You will conduct yourself accordingly. Go home and collect yourself."
Aurora sobered quickly, wiping her convenient tears, keeping her eyes lowered, not daring to look anyone in the face, she meekly, although angrily nodded her head and hurriedly walked away.
Esther continued, to her family, taking Mikael's hand, "Family let us rejoice, giving thanks to the gods for your safe return by killing twenty of our best goats then let us feast and drink celebrating glad tidings and the fortune of having all my children home."
XX