Chapter 4 - Let it all out

"We had our suspicions about what could have made such an imbalance in nature, but I never would have guessed." Esther admitted, eyes growing with surprise but was quickly masked by a look of deep thought.

Great! I just had to open my big mouth Caroline thought as she watched Esther and Ingrid begin to frown at the sudden confession, clearly it wasn't something that crossed their minds.

"The question is why?" Ingrid observed, "Why would you want to come back here?"

"What? No. I-I didn't want to." Caroline stuttered, placing her hand over her chest "I didn't want to come here. I was sent here, my friend, she…I don't know exactly what happened but she sent me here. I'm not sure why. It all happened so fast and I couldn't really ask any questions at the time." She rambled off with pleading eyes, desperate for them to understand that she wasn't here of her own accord.

"If that's true that would have taken immense power, nothing a single witch would be able to perform." Esther added, "She must have had help."

"It was a full moon last night." Ingrid pointed out, "That would have helped."

"I'm not sure even that would have been enough." Esther concluded, "Regardless of how, we should be looking for a way to send her back, we don't know the consequences of her presence here. We will have to take her to Ayana, and ask for help." Esther told Ingrid, before turning back over to her with a tight smile. "Hopefully she will have the answers."

Should I tell them that I might have already changed something that was supposed to happen?

Caroline thought as she listened to the woman's conversation. Maybe not such a good idea. She decided as she saw the look on Esther's worried face.

"Thank you for helping me." Caroline sighed, "I'm sorry for causing you all of this trouble."

"Don't be, I still believe you're here for a reason." Esther reassured, "Get some rest while you can, and my son will come fetch you later. You can come to the village with Ingrid to meet our coven leader. She will be able to help us and more importantly," Esther reached out to her arm to give a comforting squeeze, "help get you back home."

After Esther's departure, Ingrid nudged Caroline back into the hut, and told her to sit next to the fire. Caroline made herself as comfortable as she could, and shifted in her seat as she watched Ingrid move through the room.

Caroline couldn't help but be slightly fascinated by the entire idea of time travel, she was standing in a part of history, no less the original family's history. They were human here and now that she saved Henrik maybe always will be.

Caroline sighed out loud making Ingrid turn around from where she was standing, which Caroline believed to be a weaving loom. "What's wrong?" She asked, moving closer to her.

"Nothing…" Caroline avoided, but was stopped when she saw Ingrid's face, "...sorry, I'm just having a hard time with all of this and have so many questions. I don't know no what to do." She confessed

"Little one, I've seen many winters and have gone through much but I can tell you a secret…"Ingrid bent just a little closer to her, "no one really knows what they are doing. You just have to get up and take one sunrise at a time."

Caroline smiled at Ingrid, who had an interesting but endearing way of wording things. She was being kind and right now that's all Caroline really needed. "Thank you." She said simply, as Ingrid gave her hand a squeeze and went back to the otherside to weave.

"Why don't you live in the village?" Caroline asked after a while in silence while watching her.

"My husband, Edwin and I tend the land to grow wheat…" Ingrid explained, not looking away from her project "...we needed space, and this is a good place, near the river so we can fish, and there are many plants around here that I use for my healing."

"Where is your husband now?" Caroline wondered. She wasn't surprised to hear that they grew wheat, in fact she knew that there would be a large wheat production in the future near Mystic Falls. She wondered if these two places were one in the same.

"He went out fishing this morning before you woke up. He should be back anytime now."

"How long have you two been married?"

"Almost forty winters…" Ingrid turned to smile at her. Caroline smiled back when she saw Ingrid's eyes that were filled with love for her husband. "I lived in a small coastal village with my aunts, both my father and mother had long been gone from this world. They both raised me as their own and taught me everything I know about healing. Both my aunts were widowed after their husbands left for a raid and never came back. I was forced out of my home, my ancestral land, when the northmen came and killed my people. One of my aunts was killed, and my other aunt died when we fled. I ended up finding a home where the entire village was like me. That's where I met Esther and her sister, Eleanor."

"I didn't know Esther had a sister." Caroline exclaimed. She realized then that she really didn't know anything about the original family, only what Elena had mentioned, which honestly wasn't much.

"Esther doesn't talk much about her sister. Eleanor and her had a disagreement and when we decided to travel here, Eleanor stayed." Ingrid explained, with a sad look in her eyes.

"What was the disagreement about?"

"I'm not quite sure, I just remember Esther getting on the boat and when we asked her where Eleanor was, she just shrugged, "She made her choice," and that's all she said before we set sail."

Caroline was puzzled but didn't spend too much thinking about, "Is that where you met Edwin, then? In the village."

"Yes, he grew up there." Ingrid explained, "He is a winter younger than me, and when I first met him, he would constantly follow me around and bother me while I did my work. I thought he was only interested in me because I was new to the village…" Ingrid laughed as she thought back to all those times the boy would follow her with big wide eyes and a large smile that always plastered his face. "...but I realized that he actually cared for me more than that and I couldn't deny that I felt the same."

"How did you know?" Caroline asked with a look of wonder in her eyes. She was fascinated with the story and had to know.

"I just knew. It wasn't exactly one moment in time that made me realize that I loved him but it was all the moments combined that made me realize that no one would ever love me like he did and would never understand me like he did, and I knew that I couldn't spend my life without him in it." Ingrid smiled lovingly

As Ingrid was talking she couldn't help but think about her boyfriend whom she left behind in the future. I wonder if he knew that I had disappeared? I wonder if he's looking for me? She hadn't seen him for awhile, only a text or call here and there. The last she heard from him was the voicemail he left the day after her father died. She had wished that he was there with her, holding her and telling her that everything was going to be alright but instead it just reminded her of the other man who was there instead.

"What's going on here?" a man's voice asked from the doorway, startling her from her thoughts. He walked in with a bundle of fish in his right hand, and a net in the other. His blonde hair was put up in a bun but was clearly wet, along with his clothes. "I'm pleased to say that we will be eating well tonight." He walked to the table, putting down his catch. He gave a large grin to the two ladies by the fire, "My love, I see our guest finally woke up. I'm glad to see you well." Edwin smiled, as his blue eyes twinkled with glee.

"Thanks to your wife." Caroline acknowledged. Ingrid stopped her work and gave the man a tight hug, which was returned with a longing kill on the forehead. Caroline looked away from the private moment between the two.

"Edwin, this is Caroline." Ingrid told him, "Caroline this is Edwin."

"Nice to meet you, Edwin."

"Nice to meet you, Caroline." Edwin greeted, "I have to apologize for not being able to see when you woke up, we were both worried about you when you arrived. I figured you would be in need of some food when you awoke, so I went ahead and left."

"Thanks, that's very considerate of you." Caroline was surprised by their warm nature. She was a stranger but they treated her like a friend.

"Well, Esther came by to see Caroline and has invited us to dinner in the village." Ingrid told her husband

"Then we'll have to bring it with us to cook and we can all have it together." Edwin suggested, sitting down on the wooden chair. "Caroline tell us, where are you from, I haven't seen you in the village before, you must have just arrived." Edwin asked Caroline with curiosity

Caroline wasn't sure if she was supposed to make up a lie or tell the truth, so she just turned to Ingrid hoping she would understand her pleading eyes.

Thankfully Ingrid seemed to understand the plea for help, "Edwin, Caroline isn't from around here or this time to be exact."

Edwin looked very confused, "What's that supposed to mean?" He said, and it was just then that Caroline noticed his accent come through more. It reminded her of one hybrid in the future who also sported blond hair and a charming smile.

"It means, my love, that Caroline is from the future." Ingrid explained to her husband, who leaned forward in interest. "A witch has sent her here, and now it is our duty to make sure she gets home safely."

Edwin frowned and gave a sympathetic smile to Caroline "You're welcome here for as long as you need."

"The coven will convene tonight to see what actions we can take to send her back." Ingrid explained

Edwin nodded to his wife but a look of worry clouded his face. "I'm sure they will do everything in their power…" He acknowledged

Caroline found herself overwhelmed, and began wandering off into the woods. She didn't stray too far from the hut, and sat underneath an old oak tree, whose large branches gave her shade from the sun. They were beginning to change from their summer greens and into their muted reds, rusty oranges and warm yellows.

As she hit the ground and laid her head against the tree, she shut her eyes tightly, and breathed in a heavy sigh. The brisk autumn air and wet dirt smell, which reminded her of home, gave her an odd sense of comfort.

Home.

It was the strangest feeling. Staying in the same place, yet being the furthest away from home then anyone could ever imagine. Everything she knew wasn't gone but just didn't exist yet. It was hard to wrap one's head around. She was a stranger in her own home.

Caroline's eyes drifted up into the blue sky, where the fluffy white clouds moved against the gentle breeze. At least that never changes Caroline thought with a smile, as she put a hand over her heart.

Caroline's mind became calm as she listened to the rustling of the trees in the breeze, and as she felt the steady rhythm of her human heart. She couldn't help as her eyes began to close as the anxiety of the day slowly began to be washed away.

Caroline's eyes didn't stay closed for long, because soon she felt a lingering shadow overhead. "Ahem, excuse me." a deep voice came from the shadow.

She grunted as she turned over, and slowly opened her eyes again but when she noticed who the stranger was she quickly became more alert. She wasted no time getting up from her lying position and pushed herself up with the help of the tree.

He was wearing a simple colored tunic, trousers and cloak with a fastened bronze brooch. He wore a braided leather necklace, much like the one he will wear in the future. However unlike his future self this Klaus had his curly blonde hair all the way to his shoulders. As she observed him she noticed the air of innocence around him and his eyes which held a youthfulness she hadn't seen from him before.

Caroline didn't notice the dimpled smile that was now playing on his face as he watched her checking him out. "Ahem." Klaus cleared his throat, which snapped Caroline out of her daze and back to his attention. "I'm glad to see you are alright." He smiled amused as he saw the blush that crept onto her cheeks. "I was afraid you got wounded saving my brother." Klaus looked away with a solemn expression, "I could never forgive myself if something had ever happened to him…" Klaus looked back to her with sad eyes, "Thank you."

Caroline wasn't used to hearing that from Klaus and it took her by surprise but she quickly recovered with a smile, "You're welcome."

"I'm Niklaus." Klaus bowed his head to her, "but you can call me Klaus, it's a pleasure to properly introduce myself."

"I'm Caroline, nice to meet you…properly." She laughed at the awkward situation. She had known this man in the future but standing here right now, he was a complete stranger. This wasn't the man who terrorized her friends in order to get what he wanted. He hadn't yet become the monster her and her friends feared.

"We should probably be going now, it'll be dark soon."

"I'll go get Ingrid an-"

"No need. I told them to go ahead of us and I would escort you, myself." Klaus interrupted

"Lead the way." She nodded, moving her hands up and away from her in a dramatic manner.

They began walking side by side without saying a word to each other, but Caroline could feel Klaus' eyes wander over to her every now and then. "What?" Caroline finally asked as she caught him staring once again.

"Nothing." Klaus stated, quickly looking away from Caroline and onto the ground. Caroline wasn't one for an awkward silence and found herself asking, "Klaus how old are you?"

Klaus looked relieved, "It'll be my nineteenth this winter. And how about you?" He smiled over at her.

Caroline pondered if she should count the year she spent as a vampire or not, but decided it didn't matter. "I'm eighteen." smiling back at him.

"Really, you're the same age as my younger brother, Kol. You'll see him at dinner tonight. Along with my other siblings, including Henrik, who is excited to see you."

Caroline smiled at seeing the youngest Mikaelson again. "I look forward to seeing him too."

"Do you have any siblings, Caroline?" Niklaus asked with genuine curiosity. She couldn't help the warm feeling that she felt when Klaus said her name, but she was quick to ignore it.

"No, I'm an only child." Caroline didn't elaborate but just continued walking in the path that Klaus was leading her.

"How about your family? Where are your people? Did you travel alone?" Klaus questioned, brows frowning as he tried to figure her out.

She wasn't quite sure how to answer his question. She decided to come up with a quick lie and hope it was convincing enough. ""I got separated from my family while I was traveling and ended up here."

"I haven't seen you around the village. When did you arrive?" Klaus asked, helping her step over a fallen tree log.

"I didn't know there was a village until this morning when your mother met me. I got here last night, and when I heard the howling of the wolves I got up into a tree to be safe but then…" Caroline trailed off when she saw Klaus's back stiffen

"That's when you found Henrik." Klaus concluded, with a tight smile and sad eyes. Caroline didn't say anything and just nodded. "It was my fault that we were out there last night…"

Caroline didn't say anything, just listened to him, silently encouraging him to continue.

"...I wanted to watch the men turn into wolves. Henrik begged me to let him go with me, and I gave in and let him." Klaus confessed, making an effort to avoid Caroline's piercing blue-green eyes. "I should have had a stronger will to tell him no."

Caroline was surprised to see how much it ate at Klaus that Henrik was hurt, and she could only imagine what he must have felt like in the future where his brother spent the last thousand years feeling guilty for surviving and blaming himself for not being able to save his brother.

"It wasn't your fault…" Caroline declared, stopping in their tracks; which made Klaus turn around to look at her. "...Henrik made a choice. He wanted to see them, that was his choice and you were just trying to be a good brother. There isn't anything wrong with that. Don't blame yourself." She finished exasperated and stomped away but not before abruptly turning back around. "It doesn't matter anyway…Henrik's alive and safe."

Klaus didn't say anything but just looked at her with a shocked face that slowly morphed into gratitude and understanding. Caroline didn't know why but watching Klaus made her irritated and angry.

"You're right, thanks to you he is safe and sound, and that's all that matters." Klaus gave a genuine smile to her. Caroline felt her heart begin to beat faster than normal as she stared back at him with a smile. She was angry just moments before but now looking at Klaus with eyes that didn't hold the sadness and loneliness of the future, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and happiness. Maybe it was worth it. Maybe saving Henrik wasn't a bad thing.

Klaus stood there not moving and just studied Caroline

Klaus was rooted in his spot, as he studied the stranger, and he

They both stood there rooted in their spots, and just stared hypnotized. Klaus was the first to break free with a shake of his head "We should get moving."

When they finally arrived at the village the sun was blaring on them, now that it was the highest point in the sky. They were on a handmade path that created a walkway that separated the huts.. As they walked to the end of the path they found themselves at one of the largest huts, where she saw Esther coming out of. She felt Klaus's body stiffen and he an inched closer to her when a man came out along after Esther, and she could only assume was Mikael.

Caroline couldn't help the shiver that went down her spine as she neared the couple. She had never met Mikael but from what she had heard she wasn't looking forward to being acquainted.

"Welcome, Caroline to our home." Esther greeted with a smile.

Mikael ignored Esther and Caroline. "Don't you have chores to do boy?" He yelled at Klaus, who flinched at his father's raised voice. "Leave us."

Klaus didn't say anything but simply obeyed his father, running off in the other direction. Caroline was shocked to see Klaus be so timid and afraid, it was a far cry from what he was like in the future. Caroline began to understand why Klaus was the way he was in the future, and she began to grow angry at both parents. Mikael seemed to be a cruel man, and Esther was no better for being complaisant.

Before Caroline could do anything she would regret, both Ingrid and Edwin joined her side after watching from afar. Edwin leaned forward "Don't say anything to Mikael." He whispered into her ear. Ingrid entwined their arms together "The man's wrath isn't something to be played with, little one." Caroline turned to see Ingrid shaking her head back at her. Was she afraid of him?

"Caroline, this is my husband and the chieftain of the village, Mikael." Esther addressed, "Mikael this is Caroline, the girl I told you about."

Ingrid bowed and Caroline followed her lead in an awkward motion that felt unnatural. Caroline came back up with a fake smile plastered on her face, which made Mikael's nose flare with anger.

"Yes, the child who is from the future." Mikael sneered, walking closer to her. Ingrid gripped onto Caroline tighter, and Edwin stepped in front of the two women in a protective stance.

Mikael scoffed at the man "I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were you, child."

"That's enough Mikael." Esther spoke up, moving forward to pull him back. "Ayana would like to meet her before dinner." Mikael smirked, and walked away but not before giving a warning look at Caroline that had her unsettled and fearful.

Ingrid loosened her hold when Mikael finally was out of sight, and even Edwin sighed with relief. "I'll wait for you outside." Edwin said to his wife and Caroline. As Esther motioned for them to follow, Caroline couldn't help but look back to Edwin with a worried expression. Edwin gave her a smile, "I'll be here if you need anything."

Arriving at Bonnie's ancestor's hut, she was greeted by a woman who sat behind the roaring fire that was in the middle of the room. Ayana's face was lit with the light, which caused her hair to look almost ablaze with flame. Caroline was mesmerized by Ayana's emerald green eyes as she followed her every move through the room. "Sit by the fire, Child." She requested.

Caroline obeyed and made herself comfortable on the floor where the skin of a black bear laid.

Esther made her way over to Ayana's side, while Ingrid stayed just a few feet away from her.

The fire settled down as Ayana got up from where she was sitting, and she made her way over to her, holding an empty bowl and dagger in each hand. "I need your blood." She told her, holding out the dagger for her to take. Caroline hesitated in taking it but slowly nodded and made a small cut on her finger, squeezing it into the bowl.

Ayana gently pushed Caroline's hand away from the bowl and moved back over to the other side of the fire. Ingrid quickly moved beside her and wrapped up her finger with a clean cloth, and just as quickly retreated back over to the side.

The fire seemed to come back to life and Ayana began to mumble under her breath, and the bowl of blood went into the fire, making the blood orange flame to turn into a transparent blue. It startled her as the room became colder, with the flame growing in size and as it changed in color. Ayana's head whipped back, and as though she was possessed; her eyes were consumed with white.

"So much noise. Shining silver streets. Towers that touch the heavens." Ayana speaks in a voice not of her own. "You have traveled far and I see…I see it all."

"What do you see, Ayana." Esther speaks up from behind her.

The fire died, and Ayana's eyes slowly began to turn back to normal, "I see what we must do."