Family Ties Chapter Eighteen
-G-
AN – Thank you (really big Thank You!) for all your responses after the last chapter. I was really nervous about that last scene, I'm not really sure why but maybe I can blame it on being out of the writing game for so long. Either way, your kind words really helped and you listened to my request so here's the next update, soon like a lot of you asked for! This chapter got away from me so this is really just part one, with any luck I'll be getting the next part up just as quickly.
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
He's woken early from perfectly ordinary dreams, though still heavily featuring Adalind, by his phone and a request from Hank for information. He feels bad that he's not there for his partner and this case, but it sounds like Hank is doing ok and has the support of the county sheriff, who they have worked with before.
It definitely sounds Wesen related though and he offers what he can, happy his friend at least has access to the trailer and Grimm books, though he also considers asking Adalind for any input she could offer.
"You should know that captain's been acting weird," Hank adds into the conversation.
"Weird?" Nick repeats.
"Yeah, he's in and out of his office, and the precinct, then doesn't seem to remember where he's been. He's changing clothes a lot and seems to be confused most of the time yet denies it when anybody asks. Something's not adding up."
"Alright, definitely doesn't sound like captain's usual behaviour. I'll investigate more when I get back." As well as figure out how to go forward with sharing knowledge of his daughter, whilst keeping her safe, and potentially trying to get the man's blood, with or without his consent.
"Ok, and sorry again for interrupting your vacation." He quickly gives his own goodbye before rising to his feet and heading to the kitchen. He's awake now so can get started with the day and the best way to do that is with coffee.
There's so much to think about, to consider and he knows he should try to get some alone time with his mother to talk about some of it but that would possibly mean leaving Adalind and Diana alone with Henrietta, without either of them present, and he's not sure any of them are completely comfortable with that yet. He wants to trust the older Hexenbiest; she's proved true to her word so far but it's not entirely his call.
"Good morning," he greets Henrietta as she enters the kitchen and she smiles back at him.
"I hope you slept well, Nicholas," she says and he confirms he did as he gestures to the coffee pot to offer her a cup. She declines his suggestion, instead producing her own blend of ingredients that she quickly puts together with water and brings to boil on the hob.
His mother joins them and quickly takes him up on the coffee, settling down at the table with a large mug and fingers running around the hole created by the blood test.
"You didn't explain much more about the blood test, or why you even attempted it with our blood." She starts, sounding casual but her eyes are sharp.
"I saw an opportunity to discover new knowledge, and perhaps confirm some old rumours," Henrietta replies which makes his mother frown.
"That's not much of an answer. We've shared information with you, I believe you should be doing the same with us."
"Perhaps we should wait until all are present to further that conversation," Henrietta says and Nick nods in agreement, he can hear Adalind and Diana moving around upstairs so knows it won't be too long until they are all present.
"I am most curious as to how you have stayed out of sight to the royals," Henrietta states with a glance towards Kelly.
"I have certain skills and know how as to stay undetected," Kelly notes. "And we used other means to help as well."
"Magical means?" She guesses and receives two nods in reply. "Ah, I would guess you employed Nuukh Suens to conceal the child?"
"Enhanced with Grimm's blood," his mother admits and they see Henrietta's eye widen.
"I had heard rumours," she mutters and glances over at where the vials rest. "It would explain … and also why your test reacted as it did … this is most curious indeed." She looks back at them both. "The world of Wesen has a complicated and muddled history, with some facts being lost to time and others being deliberately hidden. The story of Grimms is one such case, your origins mostly unknown. There are those who believe you are Wesen yourselves, others who believe you are something else, something other. What must be acknowledged is that you hold your own space in our world, acting as a link or bridge between the world of Kehresite and Wesen. Which would imply you hold traits from both, perhaps a magic of your own." She stops to take a drink from her cup and then to point at Nick.
"Known is the ability of Grimm's blood and the power it holds, particularly in regards to Hexenbiests and taking their spirit. But it is rumoured it can be more, a focus of your actions and intent rather than a usable magical force, say such as a Hexenbiest ability to move items with their will and focus. The abilities you possess are more innate, used to better yourselves to meet your primary purpose – to protect; like your advanced strength and the ability to improve and gain skills as you face and conquer each new fight."
"You seem to know a lot about Grimms," he comments and gets a smile in response.
"I am a curious being," she replies. "And I am always in the pursuit of power, albeit mostly in the form of knowledge about power. While you may not be powerful in a traditional, Hexenbiest or Wesen way, no one can deny you hold your own gifts and authority in our world." That's one way to put it and makes him re-think all he knows about being a Grimm. Which, isn't all that much. Given how many books he has on Wesen, years and years of writing and recording of every type Grimms have met and the situations that occurred in those meetings, you'd think one of them would have taken the time to write down about their own history and kind.
The closest to that he's come to was Rolek Porter, who shared that information about Grimm's blood. And that was to be passed down but only by word of mouth, which was not the most reliable way to get information across, it had to be acknowledged. But could that possibly be explained by someone wanting to keep something secret. The true nature of Grimms and where they came from. Could it really be something that was worth all that? Something worth hiding?
He hears footsteps on the stairs and turns in that direction, his thoughts going to the two-missing people of their small group. Spending time with Diana yesterday had been precious, reading that somewhat silly book and seeing her reaction to it. He'd honestly enjoyed himself and could have read it several times more; not for the book, charming as it was, but for her, seeing her smile and laugh. The way she had looked up at him and snuggled in close to his side had tugged something inside him and just reaffirmed that he would do anything to keep her safe and happy.
Her mother brought other thoughts to mind. It might not be the wisest thing, to start something right now with Adalind. He's only just out of a long-term relationship that was pretty serious and she's on the run, hiding with his mother, of all people, and doing all she can to keep her daughter safe. The fact that his boss is said daughter's father just complicates it further and he really should give more thought to this whole situation and all the ways it could go wrong.
But then he thinks of that kiss, holding her in his arms and the feeling he gets when he's around her. He's not felt anything like that before ever and he doesn't want to lose it now, wants to see where it's going to go.
Adalind walks in, Diana on her hip and he can't help but run his eyes over her. She meets his eye but ducks her head down, away from him and he feels his face fall. That wasn't the reaction he was expecting, not that he's sure what she would do exactly, but it wasn't that. That seemed … off. As she walks behind him, he catches his mother's eye and tries not to look guilty or worried about anything. He's not sure he's pulled it off by the look on her face.
"Morning," Adalind greets softly and Diana echoes her words before requesting pancakes for breakfast. They all settle to watch as the two move and work together to make the food, Nick still feeling impressed that the little girl has such command over her abilities already.
"I want mine triangle shaped," Kelly instructs and holds her fingers up to make the shape as Diana offers to make her a pancake. The little girl laughs and then goes quiet as she concentrates, the batter moving through the air from bowl to pan before arranging itself in a vague three-pointed shape before melding into a messy blob. Her shoulders fall and she blows out a breath in frustration.
"It's ok, honey," Adalind soothes. "We can try again." She scrapes the now congealed batter out of the pan before offering the bowl to Diana. The batter rises once more and spins slightly before plopping into the pan, more blob than any identifiable shape.
"No!" Diana exclaims, stamping her foot with eyes glowing bright and the whole kitchen rattles with her irritation. Nick shares a look with his mom and Henrietta rises to her feet but Adalind just steps closer to her daughter and takes her hand.
"Hey now, it's ok to feel angry but it's not ok to use your power like that. You can always ask for help. Here," she turns over Diana's hand, laying it on top of her own before using her other pointer finger to draw on her daughter's palm. "Three points, or dots, make corners and then three lines connect it up. That's a triangle. One, two, three, see?" She does the action as she says it, repeating it and Nick can see Diana following the movement keenly.
Still holding hands, Diana re-focuses on the batter and they watch as it rises again, settling into the pan and forming a clear triangle. She grins up in delight at Adalind and gets a hug and high praise for her efforts.
"Well done, Diana! And thank you for making my favourite shape," Kelly says as she receives her pancake and Diana tilts her head in question.
"Shape?" She repeats.
"That's what we say to help us describe something, shape is the representation of an object's form or uh, the outline of something." His mother tries to explain. Diana just looks curious before turning to Adalind.
"Mama shape?" She asks, seeming asking for what Adalind's favourite shape might be.
"Why don't you see if you can guess?" Henrietta jumps in. "Look at your mother and see if you can sense what it might be, what shape is linked with her?" All the adults in the room look at the older woman but Diana just stares at her mother, eyes glowing. She doesn't move her focus away, even as more batter rises and goes into the pan. It quickly forms the shape of a heart and Adalind grins brightly before kissing her daughter's hair.
"I love you," she murmurs and Diana echoes her words back.
"Wonderful," Henrietta murmurs. "Perhaps Nicholas next?" She suggests and he gets the intensity of that purple gaze on him. It's an odd sensation, like a veil of some kind passing over him, not unpleasant or heavy on his senses but a presence he can feel. He meets Diana's eyes squarely and gives her a small smile.
"What shape is that?" Kelly asks as the batter forms in the pan. They lean closer and Nick thinks he's got it, feeling a rush of affection towards the young girl.
"Escutcheon," Henrietta replies. "A shield. Representing protection, stability and solidarity as well as longevity, among other things. How appropriate." She smiles at them all. "Is there enough batter left for my turn?" Diana nods and spends the next minute studying the older woman before the batter moves once more.
This time the shape is a circle, but with holes and lines inside, and much more complicated. Nick doesn't know what the pattern means but it seems to be recognisable to Adalind and Henrietta.
"A sigil of magic," Henrietta breathes out. "You are wonderful, child." Diana blushes at the praise. "One last one, if you can. We would like to see the shape of you?" They all watch as the last drops of batter form in the air and rotate around, curious to see what will form. It splats down into the pan and quickly morphs into a skull, eye holes wobbly and teeth edges jagged. Adalind sucks in a deep breath but manages to smile as Diana looks up at her and Henrietta nods as if some thought of hers has been confirmed.
"We should eat before they get cold," Adalind mutters and quickly produces one of the round pancakes made first, kept warming in the oven, onto Diana's plate which pushes aside the skull shape. She eats quietly, even as Diana chats to Kelly about all the different shapes and watching as the Grimm draws them out for her on a notepad. She likes the simple diamond as well as the more complicated heptagram. Kelly draws them simplistic at first before adding more detail and flair.
"Do not worry for your child," Henrietta speaks up in a lull in their conversation. "For Hexenbiests the skull is not a symbol of fear but of power."
"That's what I'm worried about," Adalind says back and he can see that clearly in the lines of her face. He tries to reach for her hand under the table but she pulls it away from him.
"Will you excuse me for a moment?" She says after checking that Kelly will stay with Diana. The little girl doesn't seem to notice her mother leaving the table but he does, watching as she disappears and feeling the room grow just a bit colder with her absence. He sits and listens to Diana's chatter and his mother's replies for a few more minutes before giving in and pushing his chair back.
"I'm going to go check on Adalind," he says and gets an eyebrow rise from his mother and a knowing smile from Henrietta. He ignores both and makes his way down the hallway before climbing the stairs. He knows exactly where she is and knocks lightly on the door before pushing it open.
"Hey, you ok?" She looks up from folding a small pile of clothes, what Diana wore yesterday. She nods jerkily at him before looking down again.
"Can I do anything to help?"
"You've done more than enough," she says and he can't read the tone in her voice. She sighs and sets the clothes aside.
"I'm sorry. You've done so much for us already and all I've done is take. Put you in this situation. Taken advantage of your willingness to help and used your time and energy. And last night … I shouldn't have done that and made you-"
"You didn't make me do anything." Nick interrupts as he goes to sit next to her on the bed.
"It's just all so intense and I got lost in the moment, this thing between us and I forgot about Juliette and I didn't mean to put you in a position like that and-"
"Juliette and I broke up," he cuts in, thinking he understands now what's going on. "A few weeks ago, though it's been coming for a lot longer than that."
"Oh," she murmurs.
"Look, you're right when you say this thing between us is intense, and unusual and complicated and so much more. But that doesn't mean I don't want to explore it, figure it out." He leans over to take her hand and she lets him, entwining their fingers together.
"With these dreams, this link we have, we're getting to know each other, and I like that," she starts softly. "I like you, and I know it's complicated and there are so many other things that should be focused on right now but I still can't help but think of you, want you." She blinks, then just gazes at him and he gives in to the urge to move forward, closer to her and then press his lips to her own.
This kiss is soft and slow and just right for this moment between them. He doesn't push for more, just wanting this connection with her and to have this feeling. Pulling back, he meets her eyes and knows he's done right by the smile on her face.
"What we said last night was right. If this is to be about us then we give it time, and maybe try a bit harder about communicating better." She laughs and nods, leaning into his side and he can't help but press a kiss to the side of her head.
"You ready to head back down?" He asks after a moment and both feels and hears her sigh.
"No," she mutters. "But I have to. Nothing will get done by hiding away in my bedroom."
"Hiding has worked so far," he comments.
"So far," she agrees. "But there was a reason we wanted to contact Henrietta and that hasn't changed. Diana is an unknown, her powers more than what I understand and we've already had instances where we could have been discovered. If I want my daughter to have a life, any semblance of a normal life, then we have to stop running and figure out how to do that, as well as what's best for her."
"Including getting to know her father?" Nick asks cautiously and she instantly pulls a disgruntled face. "I know you don't trust him; I understand that better than most. But he is still her father and he did help to get you out of Europe. He deserves a chance to get to know her and show what kind of a father he could be."
"But what if he takes her away from me? What if he uses her? What if-"
"We won't know until we try, or at the very least have a conversation with him." He squeezes her hand. "And I will be there, right next to you, to protect both you and Diana, from him, or anyone else that would do either of you harm." That static shock erupts at his words, jumping between where their skin touches and runs up his arm. Adalind gasps as she lets go of him.
"What was that?" She shakes her hand slightly while looking at him.
"It's a Grimm thing," he explains vaguely, still slightly unsure himself. "It's uh, my vow, I guess, to protect you."
"Oh," she murmurs again. "Nick … thank you." She smiles and he copies her. They sit and stare at each other for a moment before she nods her head. "Ok, let's go talk about all of this. Diana should know who her father is, you're right about that, and maybe Henrietta could be of help there too, she did spend time with Sean as he grew up. Her perspective might be useful." She nods and stands and Nick follows her out of the room.
-G-
Walking back into the kitchen, Adalind sees they have moved on from drawing shapes to the characters from the book Nick brought, with Kelly doing the outline as Diana attempts to colour it in. She's mostly within the lines, but it's definitely not neat. She chatters about the story as she goes, telling Kelly the phrases she has already learnt and likes.
"Are you feeling better now?" Henrietta asks as she retakes her seat at the table and if she sits closer to Nick than before, well she hopes nobody notices. His presence is strong and soothing, especially to her rather frayed senses and emotions.
"Thank you for giving me some time," she replies. "I know your time is precious and I do appreciate what you have done for us so far."
"It has been most fascinating and well worth my time," the older witch replies. "Are you ready to continue?" She shoots a look at Diana, happily colouring away and hopes she isn't about to do something that will negatively impact her daughter's life.
"I can take this into the other room?" Kelly offers, pointing at the notepad and pens in front of her, seeing where Adalind's gaze is but she shakes her head.
"Diana needs to know some of this too," she replies and her daughter looks up in curiosity.
"You mentioned the possibility of two spirits?" She starts. "When I've connected with Diana, I've felt something that could be explained by that."
"I see," Henrietta hums. "Would you consent to me trying the same? Perhaps the three of us can form a connection?" She looks between her daughter and the Hexenbiest before nodding slowly.
"Diana, honey, we're going to try something." She starts. "We're going to work on our connection and this time, we're going to let our friend join us," She points at Henrietta who gives Diana a warm smile, which the small girl shyly responds to. "Let's go into the sitting room and get comfy so we can do some magic, ok?"
"Do magic!" Diana chirps and quickly slips off her chair and takes Adalind's hand. They all move towards the other room, Kelly lingering behind as she fills several cups full of water then follows. She tries not to show her nerves, straightening her shoulders and kneeling down on the floor next to the sofa. Nick sits back into the seat behind her, knee by her shoulder and just within touching distance. Once upon a time having a Grimm at her back would have been terrifying, now it brings nothing but comfort. Diana plops down next to her and Henrietta gracefully sinks down to be on the same level as them.
"Should we use the chairs instead?" She offers but the older Hexenbiest waves away her concern.
"This is perfectly acceptable, and might be safer." She turns as Kelly takes the seat opposite them, in clear line of sight to Adalind. "You have water? To disrupt the connection if necessary?"
"It worked last time, when things got a little intense." Kelly states and receives a nod in acknowledgement.
"Very well, if we are all ready, I believe it would be best for you to connect with your daughter first then allow me to join you." Adalind grips Diana's hand a little tighter, nodding to show she heard Henrietta, laying a hand out on the floor towards the older Hexenbiest to give her a physical link to help her join them, and then takes a deep breath.
"Ready?" She asks and Diana grins up at her, eyes turning purple and she Woges, opening up her senses and the magic in the room whirls around them in a rush.
Everything seems more intense than before. Their energies mingle quickly now, having done this exercise many times and Diana recognising her mother's magic. She feels the rush of love and affection her daughter greets her with and pours it back to her, strengthening the connection between them and always keen to show her little girl how much she is loved. The warmth she gets from her daughter burns hotter now, just this side of too hot, and she can see the control the little girl grapples with to contain it within her. The core of magic she has that is shored up with, but also competes with this other presence, this pillar of magnanimity and power that is foreign yet tied so intrinsically inside her.
She feels the vague sensation of someone taking her hand, as if from far away, before another presence joins them and her magical senses are sent reeling. Henrietta is old and powerful and her essence exudes that, seeming to wrap around herself and Diana and bringing with it a feeling of authority and edification. It is cooling, compared to Diana's heat, but does not mix well, seeming to lay on top of them rather than join with them, as she and her daughter do so well. She is a visitor, come to observe and Adalind tries to re-focus, calling on her magic to show all that she can.
Her own abilities shift the connections in view, that which ties her to her daughter, the dual power inside her child that pulses stronger and stronger, and that same thread from before, that once faded into the space around them but now has a tie. It weaves from her, to her daughter and back again, before out towards someone else, a being of another power altogether and who sits solidly at her back.
The sensation of a tug comes and she feels Henrietta using her own power to investigate this thread, that seems to connect the three of them, but a flash of heat and power comes from Diana, as if taking the inquisitive action as a threatening one, and both of their magical sense turn inwards towards her as she reacts.
Diana glows too bright, too strong and Adalind rushes to soothe, to brush her own power along her daughters and reassure as well as calm her. It seems to work, as the bright pulses and heat reduces but then Henrietta's cool presence presses close, too close and too strong and whatever is inside Diana rises up in a rush to meet and overwhelm it.
It's too much, all too much, light and heat and power all in an overwhelming mix, and her senses screaming at her before she realises, she can also hear screams and cries and the light burns her eyes, her lungs are burning with lack of breath, as magic takes over her world. All that is preventing her from being torn apart is her daughter's grip on her hand.
With a throb Henrietta's presence is pushed away, a rush of cold that does nothing, the heat eradicating the cooling sensation and leaving nothing but burning in its wake. She tries desperately to meet the heat, greet it and calm it and help it simmer down but it can't or won't listen, the magic growing stronger than her daughter's will behind it. She feels it build, faster and stronger, and can't help but cry out Diana's name, seeming to scream it into the void of magic that now resides inside her child.
She's in there, she can feel it, almost hear her daughter calling to her and she pushes with everything she has to find her, reassure her that its going to be ok. They can do this together. A pressure comes then, as if from far away, a tight grip that supports her and gives her strength and she uses it as an anchor to re-focus, to grab at that thread that floats around them and to call back to her daughter, to push through the blaze of power to the core of her little girl and enhance the connection between them.
It works, Diana responds readily to it and slowly the power fades, the heat and glory and light sink back under their skin and return normal, their magical senses lightly entwined as it should be.
With a gasp she opens her eyes and can barely take in the room around her before Diana is throwing herself into her arms, crying out her name. She cradles her daughter's sobbing form close, burying her head in her hair and letting her own tears fall. An arm supports her shoulders and she realises Nick is at her back, on the floor with them, body solid behind hers and helping to hold her up.
No one says anything for long minutes as Diana's cries fade and she realises her daughter has cried herself to sleep, exhausted from the power and emotion of what just happened. Shifting her into a more comfortable position, and leaning back into Nick as she does, she strokes her daughter's hair softly before finally looking up and taking in the other occupants of the room.
"What happened?" She croaks, voice hoarse and her throat sore. She's also wet, water droplets still clinging to the ends of her hair.
"Something I have never felt before," Henrietta replies, looking pale and exhausted. She sits, propped up by the chair and her hand shakes as she raises it, clutching at the blanket that is wrapped around her shoulders. "The sheer amount of power your daughter has …" She trails off.
"Kelly?" Adalind asks, looking to the older Grimm.
"It wasn't like what happened last time," she says quietly. "It all seemed ok at first but then, this sensation filled the room, it felt … bad and then you all looked to be in pain and we tried the water, threw it over all of you but it didn't seem to work." She gestures to the empty cups, lying haphazardly around the room. "Then Henrietta got thrown back and you and Diana were levitating and Nick managed to bring you back down and then it faded."
"Who screamed?"
"You did, and Diana," Nick replies and she looks at him then, taking in his pale and worried face. His hands are cupping her shoulders, fingers gently stroking. "It all got a bit … intense."
"But it served its purpose," Henrietta speaks up. "We now know for sure and know what must be done."
"Done?"
"As I suspected, your daughter has two Hexenbiests inside her, both extremely powerful. They are co-existing now but we cannot guarantee that it will stay that way. As of now, your daughter can tap into power beyond most people's comprehension. And it responds to her. But there could come a time when it doesn't or she loses complete control. Worse still, if the spirits inside her turn against one another."
"What, like a dual personality?" Nick asks.
"Perhaps, it has been known to happen, when those that are ill prepared for power have it in ways they cannot control. Power has influence over us all and when not treated properly, react in unknown ways." Kelly shifts on her knees, Adalind just taking in her position of protection between her and the other Hexenbiest. She feels a little warmer, seeing and knowing how both Grimms stood guard over her and Diana.
"You speak as if power is a sentient thing?" The mother Grimm asks and Henrietta tilts her head as she considers her answer.
"Yes, and no," she finally says and Kelly frowns. Adalind keeps stroking Diana's hair; glad she can hold her daughter close and feel the movement of her chest as she breathes. "Power is not its own thing and yet it often feels that way. For those of us that have awareness of extra senses, power is an essence that can be felt, and can corrupt. It is an influence that affects us all, and there are those who seek it out as well as those who are attracted by it. Those who chase it and who wield it. When talking about magic of this scale, the sense of power goes alongside and can be as in important as the person who controls it."
"Ok, interesting, but let's get back to Diana," Kelly instructs.
"It is all about Diana," Henrietta says. "And it is as I said before, the power she holds and her magical capabilities are vast. And too much, her body is holding for now but soon it will become too much. And then she may age again, or something far worse may happen." She shudders at the words, clutching Diana closer and feeling very, very lost. All she'd wanted … and now look, look at what she'd done and it was her beautiful, innocent daughter paying the price.
"I think we should take a break," Nick interrupts. "We've all been through an … experience and I'm not sure everyone is following along with what is being said. Plus, you both are sitting here in wet clothes, as is Diana. Let's get everyone comfortable, maybe have some food, then continue when we know we're all in the right mindset." A rush of gratitude fills her for this man and then for Kelly as she helps Henritta to her feet then hustles her out, talk of hot drinks and food as they disappear.
Nick shifts to her side, eyes on her and helps her to stand while still holding Diana. It's a little awkward and she feels a bit weak, but she feels his strength and knows he won't let them fall. He follows her upstairs and opens the door so she can step through to their bedroom. She sets Diana down on the bed, soothing a hand over her forehead and feeling her shoulder shake as she tries to hold in her emotions.
"Hey," Nick murmurs and steps close, pulling her into a hug. She buries her head into the crook of his neck and lets the heat of him soak in her and warm her insides.
"What have I done?" She whispers quietly but he still hears it.
"I thought we talked about this?" He replies softly. "This was never your intention and you're doing everything you can now to help Diana."
"I had intentions," she mutters, "And not good ones. Now my daughter has to pay that price."
"Well then, I should share some of that blame too," he states and she looks up at him in shock. "From what I understand you got pregnant so you could get your powers back, after I killed your Hexenbiest spirit. So, I put you in the position where you even needed to think about doing something like this."
"That's not the same at all! You did that to save your friend! After I poisoned him and-"
"And we could go back and forth about this, about past actions and what we could have done better and everything to do with hindsight. Won't change anything." He meets her eyes with a soft but firm gaze. "I meant what I said before, and right now looking back won't help. We acknowledge it, learn from it and do what we can now." She nods and leans into his embrace, even if a small part of her still disagrees and feels guilty. She suspects that will never go away. He gives her a gentle squeeze and she feels a drop of water slide down her throat.
"Oh, I must be getting you wet," she gasps and pulls back. "And Diana …" she turns to check on hr daughter, on the bed and still asleep, clothes damp. She quickly, but gently, pulls the items off, rustling through the small bag she brought with them to replace the items with warmer clothes.
"Is she ok?" Nick asks quietly and she pauses in her task to rest her hand on her daughter's forehead, opening up her senses and feeling. She smiles as, even asleep, she feels her love and acceptance echoed back.
"Just very tired," she replies. "Using that amount of magic really wore her out." She finishes quickly, Nick helping her to tuck Diana under the covers before she goes to remove her own top.
"I'll just step out," Nick mutters and his discomfort brings a small smile to her face. She watches as he leaves, shoulder taut and tries not to think of other possible times that might involve the two of them, in a bedroom and clothing being removed. It's an inappropriate thought and she pushes it aside, even as part of her thrills at it. Still, Diana is her focus right now and she has to concentrate on the situation at hand.
A situation that showed just how powerful her daughter was and gave a glimpse at what she might be able to do. It was frightening and awe inspiring and worrying and just too much. Being a Hexenbiest brought it own struggles, the same for any number of Wesen or even Kehresite who had to contend with something extra, and especially for everyone as they grew. Teenage years were troublesome for everyone, what with the added hormones and awareness, let alone for those with added abilities they had to learn to control. How would Diana grow? As normal or in bursts? They'd already noticed she was aging faster before she made herself into a big girl, what if that happened again? How big would she become? Could they be celebrating her first birthday while she looked like a five-year old? Ten-year old? Older still?
And they still had to contend with her other heritage, the royal family who wanted her but who would never accept her. Not based on their past actions. Though they ruled and lorded it over Wesen, the royal families had never entertained relationships with one; Elizabeth being a rare exception as the king's mistress and Sean an accidental baby that had him being ousted and hunted by the late queen. They cared too much about the bloodline to sully it with something they deemed not pure enough.
Yet, as Henrietta said, Diana was the first child of that bloodline to be born in many years, and if the rumours were true, could possibly be the only one. Keeping the bloodline pure had the selection pool for matches very small and in-breeding had possibly led to sterile males.
It didn't matter to her; they were not having her daughter. And Sean … she didn't know but she wasn't on her own anymore and asking for help was not a weakness. Looking to her daughter again, she doesn't want to wake her but is unsure about asking everyone into their room to continue the much-needed conversation.
"Nick?" She calls softly and he steps back inside immediately. "Could you tell the others we can talk in the living room? I'll carry Diana down and we can let her sleep on the sofa."
"I can carry her," he offers and moves forward, bending to slide his arms under the small blonde and hug her close as he stands upright again. His movements are slow and sure and Diana doesn't make any sound or movement in response to the disturbance.
"Alright." She quickly gathers the blanket, as well as Diana's witch doll, and follows him back down the stairs.
The living room has been tidied, no sign of what happened before and Kelly is there, offering her a cup of hot tea and a squeeze of her shoulder. Nick lays Diana on the sofa, tucking her securely closer at the back and Adalind quickly sits on the cushion next to her head. She tucks the blanket around her and feels Nick as he settles on the sofa-arm beside her. Henrietta shuffles towards the opposite chair and sits down heavily.
"Are you alright?" Adalind asks, looking closer to see the Hexenbiest still looks pale.
"I am fine, dear, thank you for enquiring. It was an, how did you put it, Nicholas? Ah, an intense situation, with a high volume of magic and power, and I am not as young as I used to be. I shall be fine once I have rested." She gestures at Kelly who is holding a cup out towards her. "And we have good company who are here to help, which I am most grateful for and wish to pass my thanks to you both."
"We're here for them," Kelly states, nodding towards where she and Diana sit. "If you're here for the same reason, and can reassure us that you will not betray them, then we can all get along. Otherwise …" she trails off but Adalind doesn't think Henrietta needs a more vivid explanation.
"I understand and I offer my own words of assurance, that I too will do what I can to help, and keep safe, your charges and my fellow Hexenbiest."
"And you won't tell anyone, even those you may have been loyal to before?" Nick jumps in and Henrietta turns her gaze to him. He holds her stare and she straightens in response.
"I give you my word, on my magic and my essence, that I will be true and reliable to the safety, security and secrecy of the Hexenbiest mother and child in this room." A rush of power runs through the room, making Diana turn over as well as grab hold of Adalind. Nick too moves to hold her and Kelly stands up quickly, both of them at attention but she holds up her hand and allows her own magic to settle the room.
"Thank you," she says, keeping her eyes steady. The older woman smiles and sits back, eyed darting between her and where Nick still touches her.
"So, you won't tell Sean Renard that you've had contact with his daughter?" Nick checks as he shifts slightly away from her.
"I will keep my word, unless expressly told I can do otherwise. I understand your hesitation to involving more people in your endeavour to keep your daughter safe, but Sean has connections and knowledge that would be highly useful in these circumstances."
"He also would be extremely tempted to use her for his own gain. Power is an influence, you said so yourself, and Sean has always been swayed by it, sought to have it." She turns to Nick as she says her next words. "You remember all that he put us both through to get that key, and all for the power it would give him!"
"You had one of the seven keys?" Henrietta asks with a gleam in her eye and Adalind ducks her head down at her mistake.
"Had being the important word in that sentence," Kelly states. Henrietta sighs out in disappointment.
"I had heard rumours over the years, and you are right in your assessment that having one of those keys would give a person power over those that still seek it." She shakes her head. "Nevertheless, I believe your view of your former partner may hold more truth than I wish it to. Elizabeth was, and remains, a dear friend but Sean has always held ideas of grandeur. He has, after all, the blood of the royal family and is a Zauberbiest, both of which are highly attuned and attracted by power."
"So, we don't tell him?" Kelly asks but both she and Nick shake their heads.
"We have to tell him, he knows he has a child out there and from what I know is actively looking for them, and for Adalind. Leaving it to chance means we could get caught out, if we tell him then we can control the reveal, as well as what happens going forward." Nick explains. She can't help but pull a face even though she knows, and has agreed, that this is the best way forward.
"We just have to figure out the how," Kelly agrees and she and Nick are off, talking through various scenarios and making guesses about how Sean might react and how to keep everyone safe in each situation. Nick is the obvious choice to be the messenger, not only as he interacts with Sean daily, what with him being his boss, but is also able to have such a conversation in private without drawing too much attention. It also helps he's a Grimm, with some experience fighting said Zauberbiest, so can react appropriately if things get physical. Henrietta offers her assistance and presence when Sean is to be told, so she can impress on him the importance of secrecy and the occurrence of risk, as well as back Nick up if needed.
"I'd also like to bring a couple of my friends up to speed as well," Nick says hesitantly.
"The Blutbad and Fuchsbau," Kelly asks and Nick nods. "Why?"
"They can help, not just with me but also with the wider Wesen community; the Wesen council already has an awareness of a Wesen child who might break the code of honour. I don't know if they're talking about Diana but if they are, the more people we have that can help, and that we can trust, is only going to work in our favour." He looks to her and brushes his hand through her hair to clasp her shoulder lightly. "I won't do, or say anything, without your permission and agreement."
"If you trust them, then I can trust them," she says softly.
"I can vouch for them as well," Kelly speaks up. "They're good people."
"So, we have a tentative plan," Henrietta summarises and they all agree. "Nicholas and I will return to Portland and put our next steps into action. We will then concur with you as to how you want to proceed. I am guessing you have secure methods of communicating?" Adalind ducks her head down slightly as she feels Nick's gaze on her and Kelly laughs.
"Oh, it's very secure," she quips with a smile.
"Mama?" Diana's voice interrupts them and she turns to see blue eyes blinking blearily up at her.
"Oh, honey, how are you feeling?" She brushes some hair out of her eyes and shifts closer to her.
"Mama, cold," she whimpers and gives a violent body shudder. Adalind instantly wraps her daughter up in her arms, trying to keep the blanket locked around her to keep in the warmth.
"It may be a delayed reaction from the magical usage earlier," Henrietta suggests. "I can make up a healing elixir to help with the after effects."
"I'll help, as well as put some snacks together. We could all probably do with some food. You two keep her company and we'll bring it back to you."
The older women move out of the room and Nick shifts so Diana can sit between him and Adalind. Her daughter snuggles close to her side while wriggling her feet to rest under his thigh.
"Mama? Nick?"
"Yes honey?" Diana blinks up at them both before looking to Nick and her eyes turn pleading.
"Again?" She asks and Adalind feels confused for a moment but Nick just grins.
"You want me to read again?" He asks and gets a nod in reply. "Only for you, Diana." He leans down and then brings the book to rest on the little girl's lap so they can all see the pictures and Diana puts her doll right next to it. One hand stays there while his other arm rests behind Diana, along the back of the sofa and allows his fingers to just brush the ends of her hair.
Looking between them, her daughter in the middle of them, all crowded around a book and reading the story together, anyone else would think they were a family. Mother and father spending time with their daughter. What a lovely vision and it's something she missed out on when she was a child, now she's starting to want it, not just for her daughter but herself as well … a real family.
-G-
AN – I hope you liked it and thank you so much for reading!