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There were new changes to the decor of the mansion the next year with the addition of new artwork. Klaus' eye and love for art had him exchange some of his most prized possessions, those he mainly compelled into his collection along with his own pieces, to works that had taken over his heart.
Those his daughter created.
Hope picked up painting very easily and shared her father's talent, and seeing his not-so-little girl's art hung next to his gave Klaus the utmost prideful feeling.
His favourite was a still life Wolfy she finished just a few months prior. The stuffed teddy that was gifted to her was featured heavily in her art, and the multitude of painting difference being that the skill set improved a huge amount over the years of practice.
Hope was beginning to love her new style of letters. She felt she could start to connect with the sender and try to understand them more as they became personal.
Her mother still wasn't sure about the gifts and still guarded over them, but with the inclusion of defence lessons over the past year increased her which resulted in very happy parents and Hayley more convinced to give them a chance.
The usual knock on the door on the day of Hope's birthday signalled the gift being delivered.
Hope sat down with the gift and opened it in front of her family, still excited that she was receiving these precious gifts. She took the present out first and held an book on the art of weaponry and Mikaelson men's eyebrows rose accordingly in surprise.
When no one said anything, she continued to delve into the box and pull out the letter that always accompanied the present.
Miss Hope Mikaelson,
You are a young girl. The element of surprise is always welcome.
Learn how to use different weapons, be it a bow, sword, or gun.
Your father will always want to protect you. He will always protect you.
It is, however, useful to know how to protect yourself and not to rely on others.
Teach yourself how to be a strong, fearless woman.
All my love.
"Figures. It's definitely a woman sending the gifts for sure." Rebekah spoke first. "I've had the same view for centuries but it was always 'but you're a woman' or 'it's not becoming of a woman to handle weaponry'. I'm a freaking Original! I can compel people not to nice you know!"
She carried on, slightly aggravated of her brothers biased and sexist views. "Stupid overbearing brother." was muttered at the end of her continuous rant, only those with vampire capabilities could hear, which was perfect as it was directed at her three older brothers who chuckled in unison at her pouting.
"We have heard this argument for a thousand years now 'Bekah. And it was Niklaus who tried to stop you," Elijah defended.
"Well if Father had caught you wielding those swords, you wouldn't have seen daylight again," Kol joined in the conversation.
"It is acceptable for women of this era to defend themselves. Maybe you can pretend to learn how to use a bow and arrow when you take your niece for lessons," Klaus responded to Rebekah, who eyes shone in surprise at his request.
"You honestly take me for a fool? I always knew when you went off curious to learn. Do you remember that fencing teacher had a terrible bloody accident just mere hours of teaching you?" He finished mocking his sister who threw a cushion at his head, which he caught easily.
Klaus couldn't help but want his daughter to become a woman he already idolised.
Someone who was strong, beautiful and full of light.
If making sure his daughter was physically strong, as well as emotional strong and mindful, then he would continue to take advice from these letters. He didn't want to repeat past mistakes as he'd done with Rebekah. He could see the centuries of resentment regressing since he banished her from the city years ago. He was still learning from the previous family drama and Rebekah also tried to not look surprised every time she pushed passed his limits.
He made an attempt to stop controlling his family, trusting them not to betray him, letting them live their lives as they wished. He let them go as he did once before, no matter how difficult it was to do so at the time. He enjoyed real loyalty that he craved instead of the fake pledges from fear.
Still, he had his moments.
But it was a thousand year habit to break. He's still working on it.
Once Hope realised her father consented to her having more activities on top of her witchcraft and defence lessons, she rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering a quiet 'I love you'. She always wanted to try archery after watching Brave as a child.
Klaus never got tired of hearing his daughter declaring her affections for him. It still surprised him that someone was capable of loving him unconditionally and that she was proof he was capable of love himself.