regency au } { of returning home and surprise visits

[hereditare]

Jonathan: [he's going home. He's FINALLY going home. It's a mixed bag of emotions because he misses his family so much, but at the same time he fears that they will reject him when they see what he has become. Amelia has helped him get his invisibility under control, and he has gone two weeks without accidently setting something on fire or sprouting a tail.

This, of course leads him to another emotion in being nervous if he'll be able to keep control outside of Hale Manor. It's easier to be non-human in a place filled with non-humans, and he doesn't believe anyone in his village will understand that part of him. Of course, he wasn't aware of this side of reality until he was taken, so maybe he will see things differently now.

He sits up with the carriage driver, directing him to the lesser traveled roads in a lightly wooden area, and soon stone and wood homes are in the distance, curls of smoke rising from air holes in the roofs. He leans over to look into the carriage] We're almost there.

Parrish: [he's been dozing during the ride, but he sits up and looks out the window. He doesn't recognize the place. He'll gently wake Laura if she decided to doze with him]

Laura: [no, she's awake, but she reaches over to give his hand a small squeeze, looking over the land as they make their way closer] How'd you sleep?

Parrish: Good. A bit bumpy, but good. You get any sleep?

Laura: [she shrugs] I was enjoying the countryside. It's been a while since I've left the manor.

Parrish: Well, now that your siblings are older and their kids are mostly grown, we should do this more often.

Laura: That would be lovely, wouldn't it?

Parrish: Yes. Perhaps we could visit the summer castle when your uncle isn't there.

Laura: It would be nice to have it all to ourselves.

Parrish: Then when we return, I shall write him to suggest it.

Laura: Wonderful. [leans back to sit closer] We never really did too much traveling before the children. At least not together.

Parrish: No, we traveled separately to meet each other.

Laura: It might be nice to do it now, since the children are grown. We can start giving Amelia and Gabe practice with running the manor.

Parrish: And if Derek's there, they will be fine.

Laura: Thomas isn't old enough for tourney yet. We have a few years.

Parrish: Then we shall put them to good use.

Jonathan: [and the carriage gets to the edge of the farming village. Since a real, fancy carriage is a rare sight, people turn to stare. Jonathan is looking at the faces, looking for one in particular]

Jaclyn: [as much as it is a sight, she's of the opinion that if you've seen one you've seen them all, and she has wares to sell. And the distracted patrons are making things worse. She reaches forward and taps her hand against the wooden plank in front of her at the market.] Are you buying or not, love?

Jonathan: [and when he hears her voice, thanks now to his improved hearing, his head snaps towards the market. Without waiting for permission, he climbs down from the driver's bench and takes off] Mother?!

Jaclyn: [she doesn't recognize the voice right away. Jonathan's voice was higher when he was taken, and it's not the voice of any of her other children. She doesn't think the person is talking to her, so she just continues to do business with her newly redirected customer]

Parrish: [and he will slide out, then hold his hand for Laura to take and climb out of the carriage herself. He's not paying attention as a few of the older villagers whisper to each other]

Jonathan: [he reaches his mother's stall, not really breathing hard but still flushed. He knows better to interrupt her when she is trying to make a sale, but it's been years and he thinks he can be impatient] Mother?

Laura: [takes his hand and easily steps down to join]

Jaclyn: [and with that, her temper frays] Child, I don't know who you're speaking to but I assure you - [at least until she turns and actually looks at him, and she stops and blinks] - who are you?

Jonathan: [she gets his smile, a bit worried and afraid she forgot who he was, but still so happy to be home] It's me. Jonathan.

Jaclyn: [see the problem with losing both a brother and a son and living in a town terrorized by dread doctors is that she's not sure she can trust that so she shakes her head] My son's dead. One of them at least. [she only had the two of her six children. the rest are daughters one of which already in the process of being married off]

Jonathan: I'm not dead. I was rescued. [he points to where Parrish and Laura stand] Lord Parrish and Lady Hale gave me shelter after I was freed.

Jaclyn: Oh, I'm sure. That's a mighty clever story for you to come in and murder us all in our sleep. [that happened once. those kinds of traumas are hard to forget]

Laura: [listening from a distance and rests her hand on Parrish's arm] He may need help.

Parrish: I think you're right. [and he will take Laura's arm and walk through the market to Jonathan's side as the boy flinches, looking like a hurt puppy] Good day, m'lady.

Jaclyn: [looks up at him and given that she has no memory of her brother, the look is impassive and unyielding] You're this Lord Parrish, I take it?

Parrish: I am, and this is Lady Laura Hale of Norway, my wife. Your son speaks the truth, and while I understand your hesitation, as he's told us how your village has been terrorized by the dread doctors, they have been defeated.

Villagers: [whisper. Some about the doctors, some about Parrish's time in tourney or his epic love story with Laura, and a few of the oldest villagers remarking how he looks like Jaclyn's father]

Jaclyn: Forgive me if I don't take you at your word, my lord. [as dry as she can get it without being outright disrespect] If you know all of this about my land, you must understand that that is a very hard promise to trust.

Parrish: You are smart to do so. However, let me provide you proof. [and with that, he will reach to his hip and pull out the cane sword. It features heavily in myth as the sword of death, housed in the sheath of a petrified birch tree.] If I'm not mistaken, your legends call this the sword of death.

Jonathan: [biting his lip, a bad habit since childhood, trying not to let himself start disappearing]

Laura: [comes over and rests a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. even if he can't go home, he'll have a place with them.]

Jaclyn: [flinches away from it, as does some of the crowd around her.] And who says you are not one of them?

Parrish: Beyond the fact I was one who helped destroy them, I also was held prisoner by them for many years, taken from my home when I was young and experimented on by them. When I was able to escape, I hid myself in fake nobility to survive off the kindness of others at tourney, leading me to meet my lady wife. That is why I took Jonathan in when my nephew found him trapped on an island about a day's ride north from here.

Jaclyn: [it's easier, in some ways, to believe this stranger (17). She's already grieved her son, and opening up that door feels too painful to consider] And how do you know that he is not some kind of face-stealer?

Parrish: [looks down at Jonathan] If he only wears the face of your son, he won't know memories the two of you share. Perhaps ask him something only he would know?

Jaclyn: [nope. not opening that door. not here. she glances around the crowd around her, all the eyes on her, and she shakes her head before starting to gather her wares] If he is who he claims to be he should be able to find his way home. [and with that she's going to take what's left and walk away]

Parrish: [nods] Jonathan, lead the way.

Jonathan: I'd never forget my way home. My sisters and I always needed to rush back and feed the animals before mother got back from the market so that we could help cook. [and he will wave his arm, leading the couple easily to the edge of the village, then points at a disheveled farm down a small hill.] There. [no hesitation, no doubt, just pride]

Parrish: [he stares at the farm, his steps faltering as images came to his mind of two children - a boy and girl - running down the hill hand in hand. He could hear the echoes of their laughter, then shakes his head clear] Should we call the carriage to take us, my love?

Laura: [shakes her head] Let's walk. [it will give Jaclyn time to collect herself and decide what she's going to do.] They can meet us there later.

Jonathan: [and he will lead the way, never veering from his path. However, he stops just out of hearing distance]

Parrish: What's wrong?

Jonathan: I realize I've been gone a long time. I may not recognize my younger siblings.

Laura: They may not recognize you either. I think it'll put you both on the same foot.

Jonathan: Maybe I should wait, though, until my mother reaches home before we go the rest of the way. If she still doubts me, she may not be comfortable with me talking to them.

Laura: [nods] We've had a long journey. Perhaps we should find somewhere for a quick meal, and arrange for lodging for tonight.

Parrish: How long does it take for your mother to return home after the markets?

Jonathan: Not long, unless she goes to help father in the fields so they can walk home together.

Laura: We should give them time to decide how they want to approach this. I'm sure your father will have opinions about this too.

Jonathan: [he takes a moment, then nods slowly] I've been gone five years. Another hour or two will not hurt. [even if he was just so close]

Laura: I'm sorry. But given what the town has been through, I don't blame her for being suspicious.

Parrish: Everything will be here when we return. [he squeezes Jonathan's shoulder] Why don't you show us to the local inn?

Jonathan: [he looks at the house a moment longer, then turns] Yeah, it's this way. [and he'll lead them back to town and the inn]

Jaclyn: [and while they're doing that, Jaclyn arrives at home and shouts up into the rafters for the current oldest child] Grace! If a stranger comes down the walk, I want to hear about it.

Grace: [tends to spend a lot of her time near the attic window, working on her more tactile chores like sewing. she shouts back in return] Yes, mother!

Parrish: [and as they are getting settled into their room, he pulls out his journal and flips open to the pages he marked were he talks about a sister. The images of the children running around a market, down a hill to a farmhouse were making the back of his head itch]

Laura: [moves over to him, and rests a hand on his shoulder] Everything alright?

Parrish: I don't know. [he looks up at her] While we were walking through town, I felt like I was hallucinating.

Laura: Like a memory?

Parrish: Maybe? It was of two kids running around the markets laughing, and then when we reached the farmhouse, they were chasing each other down the hill.

Laura: Maybe we could ask Jonathan how long his family has lived here.

Parrish: We could. The house does have some age to it from what I could see. [he flips a page] Did his mother look to be my age, though? She looks older than me.

Laura: You, my love, are consistently reborn every time you die. And from what I can tell, she's probably been working her entire life. That kind of toll wears on a person.

Parrish: True on both points. And it's not as if she would recognize me after the amount of times I went into Malivore.

Laura: From what Hope has said, there is a spell for that, if she wanted to remember.

Parrish: Good thing they aren't that far from here if we need her. [he just glares at the page, wanting answers] Too bad there isn't a spell to give me back my memories.

Laura: Maybe there is. Maybe that should be the first step.

Parrish: Wish I had thought about that before we left the manor. [gives her a small sigh]

Laura: Hindsight is funny that way. But we have time. There isn't a rush.

Parrish: You say that, but you've always known who you were. I still don't... not this part.

Laura: [takes a deep breath as she shifts to sit next to him] I've always known who you are. I told you this once and I'm not sure if you remember - [because he died shortly after she said it] - but I didn't call attention to your lying to me about who you were because the things that mattered were true. Those things aren't going to change even if you do remember those things that you've lost. So we have time. We will find it.

Parrish: [and he leans into her] Okay.

Laura: [smiles as she leans in to kiss his cheek] Let's focus on Jonathan for now. Honestly, if this is how she's reacting to her son who's only been gone for five years, I'm not sure how she will accept a brother who's been gone for more than thirty.

Parrish: If that is her. She could be a cousin.

Laura: She could. We'll find out.

Jonathan: [and at that point he knocks on the door] Do you still want to get something to eat?

Laura: Yes. Let's eat.

Jonathan: [and they can go down to the tavern that is a part of the inn and there will be food, but both men aren't eating much due to their nerves]

Laura: [that's okay, she'll be patient and carry the conversation]

Jaclyn: [in the mean time, she'll be waiting for her husband to come home, because she needs to tell him. she should probably go to the fields and finds him because odds are the doppelganger could have gone their first, but she also can't bring herself to move because what if it comes here for the children. because it can't be her son. none of them are ever returned, not truly]

Salazar: [and he returns home, dirty and sweaty, the scythe over his shoulder getting hung up by the front door] Hello lovelies, I'm home.

Jaclyn: [glances over his shoulder to make sure none of the children are following and pulls him into the kitchen] There was a boy in the market claiming to be Jonathan today.

Salazar: Jonathan? How can that be?

Jaclyn: The lord he was with claimed that they were defeated and Jonathan was freed. [she couldn't show doubts in front of the may-not-be-her-son, but she can with her husband] He's the right age. Has the right face. But ... we've seen how this has gone before.

Salazar: I know. [he takes her hands and holds them] Those woods have taken so much from you, love. Perhaps it's time it gave some back to this place.

Jaclyn: But how can we be sure it's really him? What if it's just another monster?

Salazar: Then we will test him. I still have the salt and ash mixture my mother gave us after the last time a monster came, and the silver knife. And if he is a monster, my scythe is within reach.

Jaclyn: I told him to find his own way home. We'll see if he actually comes.

Salazar: [nods] And what will we do if it is him?

Jaclyn: [laughs, but there's an edge to it] Perhaps the fancy lord and lady who returned him will have extra money for the extra mouth. [life has been hard in this village and she doesn't know what else to say. she can't swing quite into happiness yet]

Salazar: Did the Lord and Lady share their names?

Jaclyn: The lady was Hale. The lord was Parrish, I think. The market was in a tizzy, though it's hard to tell with what.

Salazar: Parrish. I've heard that name. [he sits and thinks] It's been a long time, before we married when I still squired with Sir Alex. He came out of nowhere and won tournament after tournament in the joust. I believe a Lord Argent outed him as a commoner, but the Duke of Norway knighted him so he wouldn't face death. He and Argent fought over Lady Hale's hand in marriage. [chuckles] I think he's the knight in the children's stories about the Knight of Flowers.

Jaclyn: Is that supposed to lend them credibility?

Salazar: The Hales are one of the most respected families in the north. They don't travel south often, and sure don't come to farming villages like this. If it is them, it would make me believe that our son has returned.

Jaclyn: How would they know?

Salazar: The only way they'd know of our village would be from someone who has lived here.

Jaclyn: [she just lets herself stew in silence for a moment, and whatever retort she has is swallowed by Grace's voice from above]

Grace: There's three people coming up the walk!

Jonathan: [there are, and he's leading the three of them. He debated on bringing home a slice of the pie that his mother loved at the tavern, but he didn't want to push too much with this. So he has his hands in his pockets, nervous as they head for the house]

Salazar: I assume this will be them?

Jaclyn: Can't think of who else it would be.

Salazar: I'll go get the ash jar. [and he will open the door to the root cellar and head down]

Jonathan: [feels eyes on him and looks up to see the young lady in the window and gives a small wave] We've been noticed.

Parrish: She noticed us awhile back. Is she familiar to you?

Jonathan: She looks like my younger sister Grace. But older.

Grace: [leans forward when he waves, pressing her face to the glass. it's unclear if she truly recognizes him or not, but she frowns as she tries to make sense of it]

Jaclyn: [comes to the door and opens it, looking over the three of them] Looks like you found your way.

Jonathan: Yeah, we got here earlier but I remembered you sometimes help father before coming home, so we went and got rooms at the inn to give you time to get here and settle back in.

Jaclyn: How generous of you. So this is the part where I'm supposed to ask you questions?

Jonathan: Yeah..... I mean yes. Please.

Parrish: Might we take this inside? [putting a hand on Jonathan's shoulder] Though if you don't wish us to enter your home, we understand.

Jaclyn: [glances over her shoulder for her husband to see if he's ready]

Salazar: [and he returns with the jar in his hand, and he nods slowly, taking position near his scythe]

Jaclyn: [steps back and nods] By all means.

Jonathan: [and they move in, and Sal has a handful of the ash and salt. He waits until Jonathan is in the doorway and tosses it at him. Jonathan coughs, sneezes, and then looks at his Father] What was that for?

Salazar: Making sure you aren't here to tempt another into the woods.

Laura: [her nose twitches as she steps back, trying to avoid it getting near her, as while chimeras wouldn't react, werewolves would and she's not here to make things worse]

Jaclyn: [notices that, but assumes she's just looking to avoid getting any ash on her fancy clothes] So does that mean it's him? [more to her husband than Jonathan]

Salazar: [and he walks forward, holding out the silver knife] One last test.

Parrish: Is this--

Jonathan: [nope, he'll just grab the knife, examining it and the cross etched into the handle.] No, if this helps prove I'm telling the truth, I'll do it. [he doesn't cut, but instead just pricks his finger on the tip--he's not going to do something that he will visually heal from. Still, no effect and he holds the knife back out, his pursed lips and furrowed brows a younger imitation of his father]

Jaclyn: [still doesn't know how to trust it, eyeing the boy and the knife and her husband, waiting for him to say whether or not it's true]

Salazar: [he'll take the knife back, then puts it and the jar on the mantle. He reaches his hand out, holding the side of the young man's neck as tears form in his eyes] Jonathan. My son. [and yes, he'll be pulling Jonathan in for a tight hug, which Jonathan returns, his own eyes tearing up]

Jaclyn: [there's something akin to relief, then grief, then guilt, that flickers over her face in rotation, not really sure what to say or do]

Jonathan: [when Sal releases him, he turns to his mother and takes a step closer.] I'm so sorry I got too close to the woods, Mother.

Jaclyn: [shakes her head] You foolish boy. Do you know what you put us through?

Jonathan: [shakes his head] I just hope you can forgive me for it one day.

Jaclyn: [deep breath] So what now?

Parrish: Well, it seems you're already familiar with the supernatural threats that the Dread Doctors created.

Salazar: [nods] My mother was a healer and came up with protections against the monsters. My wife lost her brother to those monsters, and then when Jonathan was taken, I realized she knew more than healing spells and learned from her.

Parrish: [at the mention of the brother being taken, he turns to look at Laura, swallowing hard]

Laura: [takes his hand gently] It seems you learned well. My own emissary would suggest building your doorways with the same wood - it will give you some extra protection.

Parrish: But we can assure you that the Dread doctors are no more. We destroyed them, along with the labs we've discovered so far.

Jonathan: [inches over more to his mom, wanting so much to hug her, but letting her set the pace]

Jaclyn: [is not sure she's ready for that, but she will reach out and gently put a hand on his arm, just to test his solidity] I'm sure the rest of the village will be glad to hear it.

Jonathan: [he'll take it]

Parrish: You may wonder why we've taken care of Jonathan and brought him home, and how we came to believe his story. I, too, was once taken from my family by the doctors. It took me years to escape from them, and with the help of another captive, but it allowed me to know the truth of what he told me.

Jaclyn: [and now she fully turns and looks at him for the first time (13) and between time and malivore, she doesn't remember enough to place him as anyone important to her] How fortunate he found you then.

Salazar: Can you explain to us then what they really did to all those who were stolen?

Parrish: I can, but it is not something to ask about lightly, and it will change the way you see the world.

Laura: [glances to Jonathan, because it's his story to tell]

Jonathan: [exchanges a look with Parrish, because it's both of theirs, and nods]

Parrish: The dread doctors were scientists obsessed with monsters--that part of your legend is true. They wanted to understand and control them, and in the end build a superior creature that they could then transfer the consciousness of a long-dead monster called La Bete into the creature. They took young men and women on the cusp of adulthood as our biology is in constant flux during those years. I was taken in my teens, and Jonathan told me he was similarly taken.

Jaclyn: So they truly were building monsters.

Jonathan: They were, using real monsters to try and turn us into them.

Parrish: They had various levels of success, but almost all of the test subjects succame to the poison used as part of it.

Jaclyn: [looks between the two of them] But you didn't?

Parrish: I only know of six people who didn't to the poison, five of whom still live to this day, living ordinary lives. But we were all touched by their torture and their experiments in different ways.

Jaclyn: [nods slowly] I'm sorry you went through that, then. And it sounds like it's a good thing these men are truly dead.

Jonathan: [he looks between his parents, then makes a decision and takes off his jacket] I don't want there to be a secret between us about this, so let me show you what was done to me.

Salazar: Are you sure you want us to know, son?

Jonathan: I do. I want to stay here, if you'll still have me, so you should know. And if you don't want me to stay...

Parrish: ... He will be welcome to return to Hale manor, and you both will be welcome any time to visit. [looks to Laura for confirmation]

Laura: [nods because of course]

Jaclyn: [looks slightly uncomfortable with this but she waits to see because in her mind, honestly better to know]

Jonathan: [he unbuttons his sleeves and rolls them up. From his wrist to elbow on the soft inside of his arms are stripes of monster skins - 6 per arm - fully healed.] They don't hurt, and I don't even know what creatures most of them are from.

Laura: We've been helping him with learning to control the abilities that come with them, as they emerge.

Jaclyn: You are an expert on these things then?

Laura: My family has been part of this world for a long time.

Salazar: [he goes to inspect the stripes, gently running his fingers along them, feeling the changes in texture] What kind of abilities are we talking about?

Jonathan: [sheepishly] When I'm scared, I can turn invisible. That's really the only one I'm good at.

Jaclyn: Is there a way to find out the rest, since you're an expert? [that question is directed at Laura]

Laura: Perhaps. But the Dread Doctors had access to a wealth of creatures, some of who have been lost to time. If something went into this pit, it would erase memories of that thing from the world.

Parrish: Which is what happened to me. When things went in, they weren't supposed to come back. They threw me in when I wasn't cooperating, or so I'm told. I don't remember much from that time, so it's been told to me by a fellow captive. But they threw me in multiple times, and it took all my memories from my life before the pit--so much that I don't even know where I come from.

Jaclyn: So he may have powers that he doesn't understand or can't control and you might not even remember where it came from because there was a magic monster pit that stole memories. [she just wants to make sure she's following]

Parrish: [nods] Yes.

Salazar: [he looks at Parrish, then back at Jonathan and Jaclyn. He notices something (16) and wonders aloud] I remember you from your tourney days, so you can't have been there at the same time as Jonathan.

Parrish: No, sir. It was near twenty five years ago, I believe. [chuckles] Long before Jonathan was even born.

Jaclyn: [there's a moment, when he looks a certain way, perhaps something in his profile as he turns towards her husband and it's a sudden flash of deja vu (20). She has no context for it, or understanding of what it means, but she stumbles suddenly backwards, hand bracing against the counter. Then she shakes her head and turns towards the back] I need some fresh air.

Parrish: [concerned look, but nods]

Salazar: Of, course, my love. [he will check on her in a bit]

Jonathan: [worried, but steps back and quietly rolls his sleeves back down and then puts his jacket back on] I hope I don't scare her.

Salazar: It's not you... it's just a lot things at once for her to handle. She will be okay.

Laura: Perhaps Jonathan should spend the night tonight with us at the inn. Give you time to process all of this information.

Salazar: That may be best. [he squeezes Jonathan's shoulder] Just give her time. [looks at Parrish as well] And patience.

Laura: Always best with these things. We are at the one at the top of the hill, should you be of need.

Salazar: Thank you. [looks at his son] If you wish, you can come help me with the fields tomorrow. I could use the help.

Jonathan: Of course, Father.

Laura: Have a good evening. [and with that she will take the boys and head back in the direction of the inn]

Jonathan: [and he's quiet, hands in his pockets as he leaves to walk back to the inn]

Parrish: That went better than expected.

Salazar: [when they are gone, he goes to find his wife] They've gone back to the inn, love. How are you doing?

Jaclyn: Fine. [she's not fine, but what else is she going to say] It was just ... a lot of information.

Salazar: I know. [and he will pull her into his arms carefully] If I hadn't grown up the way I had, I wouldn't have believed any of that.

Jaclyn: If I hadn't lived here I probably wouldn't have believed it either. [she leans back into him] It may be him, but I don't know if I want him here with the children if he could be dangerous to them.

Salazar: As it is, I don't know if the village would even accept him if he stayed. They are a superstitious lot, after all.

Jaclyn: [nods] Not sure I could bear to send him away either.

Salazar: Well, the Hales seem to offer him shelter, but Norway is too far to go.

Jaclyn: Then what would you suggest?

Salazar: [thinks] We could always move closer to him.

Jaclyn: And do what? [they are farmers, what will they do without land to farm? And part of her doesn't want to give up the land her family has worked for generations] This farm is all we have left.

Salazar: They're nobles... we could ask for land to farm there and start fresh, somewhere our children may have a future outside of this village.

Jaclyn: [given what she thinks she might have remembered she shakes her head] We can't ask that of them.

Salazar: I don't see why not, but would you suggest?

Jaclyn: I don't know. But that man ... there's something about him I don't trust.

Salazar: Did you notice how similar he and Jonathan were in the face?

Jaclyn: No. I noticed other things.

Salazar: Like what?

Jaclyn: There was something familiar about him. Pieces that I couldn't quite remember. And before you say that they just told us about a very convenient memory pit, it doesn't mean that it was a memory of something lost. It could have been memories meant to warn.

Salazar: Hmm. I can look in my mother's 'cookbook' and see if there's something we can do to make memories stronger to help you?

Jaclyn: Perhaps. Either way, I don't want to give up my family's farm until we're sure about them.

Salazar: If you don't want to, we won't. Maybe there are other ways we can keep him close without moving.

Jaclyn: It's all too much to think about now.

Salazar: Then let's not. We still need to have something to eat before bed. Are the children all home?

Jaclyn: All the ones who are supposed to be. [Juliet is married now and Jonathan ... well.]

Salazar: Then let's be with them. I think we still have some bread, apples, and cheese in the cellar.

Jaclyn: [nods as they go to head back into the house to have dinner with the family]

Jonathan: [and the next day, after breakfast, Jonathan slips out and heads home. He stops at the market to pick out a few of his mother's flowers, and then heads to the farmhouse. He's not dressed as fancy as the previous day, not wanting to flaunt the generosity that the Hales have given to him. Plus, he did want to go into the fields to see his father after. He stands at the front door, though, taking a deep breath before knocking]

Grace: [pulls open the door as she's still cleaning up from breakfast. she's much taller than the last time Jonathan saw her, though she is the next sibling after him, and her eyes widen before she calls over her shoulder] Mother! It's ... the boy from yesterday.

Jaclyn: [pokes her head out of the kitchen and notices it's just him, alone, before she nods] Let him in, Grace. Then go do your lessons.

Jonathan: [he smiles, seeing her. She's gotten so big. But he doesn't say anything as he enters, then picks one of the flowers from the bunch and holds it out to Grace] Thank you.

Grace: [she doesn't quite recognize him, and she hadn't been eavesdropping, so mostly her eyes go wide as she assumes that this is ... something else. Juliet's husband used to bring her flowers when he was courting her. She manages an awkward] Thank ... you? [and then flees for her room]

Jonathan: [he watches her, then heads into the kitchen where his mother was] I hope it's okay, coming to see you on my own. I can leave though, if you want...

Jaclyn: No, it's fine. Have you eaten?

Jonathan: Not really. I mean, I don't eat a lot still.

Jaclyn: Oh. [that doesn't sound healthy] Well. Sit then.

Jonathan: [which he does, but not before holding out the flowers to her] I hope these are still your favorite.

Jaclyn: They're lovely. [she won't confirm more than that, but she does take them] Thank you.

Jonathan: [and he sits, his eyes looking around. There's something off from how he remembered it and bit his lip as he tried to figure it out]

Jaclyn: [will finish cleaning the breakfast dishes, not sure what to say] How long is your lord and lady going to stay?

Jonathan: They weren't planning to stay more than a few days. They just didn't want me to do this alone in case you didn't believe me.

Jaclyn: Mmm. [keeps washing] They seem nice.

Jonathan: They are, though this is really the most time I've spent with them directly. [his fingers trace over scratches in the table] I'm still trying to get used to being around a lot of people, and Hale manor is big with a LOT of people. It's easy for me to hide when I get overwhelmed.

Jaclyn: Less of that here. Space, I mean. Still lots of people.

Jonathan: I know, but it's familiar space. [he thinks about the people] Grace got big.

Jaclyn: So did you.

Jonathan: [there's a blush on his cheeks] Not a lot.

Jaclyn: You were what? Ten when you were taken? Now you're essentially a young man.

Jonathan: [rubs his neck] I was fifteen, at least that's what I thought. I had a hard time telling the days after awhile.

Jaclyn: [she shrugs] It's been a long time, is all I mean.

Jonathan: I know. It feels like things changed around me while I stood still. [he looks at the side window] Like, I know something's different in here, but I can't figure out what.

Jaclyn: Mary painted the windowsills. [if he looks closely, he'll see little flower designs around the edges of the windows] Your father likes to indulge her.

Jonathan: [he gets up and goes over to it, smiling at the design] This is cute. How is she?

Jaclyn: Fine. She took your sister getting married hard. She didn't understand that it meant Juliet would be living somewhere else.

Jonathan: Juliet's married? [he turns to look at her with wide eyes, then sighs] No, she would be. I missed it. [he heads back to the table] I missed a lot of things.

Jaclyn: To a blacksmith's apprentice a few towns over. She's probably the one of all of them most likely to recognize you.

Jonathan: She probably doesn't need to know I'm here. She's got a life of her own, after all.

Jaclyn: Doesn't mean she never comes home. If you're intending to stay you'll likely see her.

Jonathan: I do want to stay. [bites his lip again] Do you want me to?

Jaclyn: I have concerns, about the parts of yourself that you can't control. I won't lose any more of my children to this.

Jonathan: I understand. I don't want to hurt anyone either.

Jaclyn: And your father has some concerns about how the rest of the town will fare.

Jonathan: Oh. [looks back at the table] I had thought being here at the farm would allow this to just stay a family secret.

Jaclyn: We hire farm hands from town. The children have friends.

Jonathan: [sighs] So I guess I need to leave.

Jaclyn: I'm sorry. It's not what we want but it may be best for now.

Jonathan: [ nods] Maybe then it's best that I don't tell my siblings that I'm alive.

Jaclyn: [a pause as she weighs that] It's up to you. But Grace is quite good with her letters, and she's teaching the children.

Jonathan: [thinks] Letters would be nice. I've been working on mine when I have time. It could give me practice. [he thinks] How far is Orleans from here?

Jaclyn: Day's ride or so. Why?

Jonathan: Lady Hale's nephew is marrying the Lady Mikaelson. They are the ones who led the party that rescued me. They are about my age, and said that I could come stay with them while learning control as well. It's much closer than Norway.

Jaclyn: I think your father would like that very much.

Jonathan: [nods] And you?

Jaclyn: I think I would prefer it over that Lord.

Jonathan: [and his face brightens a bit at that] Okay. I'll see if Lord Parrish and Lady Hale will take me there when we leave here to see if that offer still stands.

Jaclyn: Good.

Jonathan: Maybe you could write Juliet so I could write her as well?

Jaclyn: [nods] I'll let her know.

Jonathan: [and he licks his lips. It's not a shunning, but it's also not a homecoming he expected. He feels a bit sad, and as he looks at his hands he sees them starting to become transparent and whispers to himeself] Shit! don't disappear don't disappear don'tdisappeardon'tdisappear....

Jaclyn: [turns to face him and starts as she his hands start to disappear. She doesn't know what to do because even though she was warned she doesn't know how to react]

Jonathan: [he's trying to remember what Amelia's been teaching him and takes shuddering deep breaths] Stay visible don't disappear stay visible don't disappear... [and as his breaths get more solid, so do his hands until they are back to normal]

Jaclyn: Does that ... happen often?

Jonathan: No. [and he shakes his fully visible hands out] Only when I'm getting upset or anxious does it happen on its own.

Jaclyn: Oh. I'm sorry.

Jonathan: [rubs the back of his neck] I remember Father telling me how a person has a flight or fight response to things. Mine is definitely flight.

Jaclyn: [nods] At least it keeps you safe? Can't hurt you if it can't find you.

Jonathan: [rubs at his eyes] True. [another deep breath] I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.

Jaclyn: It wasn't ... I just didn't know how to help.

Jonathan: That's ok. Most people don't. We just kind of make it up until we find something that works.

Jaclyn: Must be frustrating.

Jonathan: It can be, especially when a new ability shows up.

Jaclyn: [nods] I'm sure you'll figure it out. You were always a smart one.

Jonathan: [he smiles a bit at that] Thanks. [he takes a look behind him to the hallway where the stairs are] Would it be too soon to let Grace know?

Jaclyn: Up to you. [he's almost a man now, and she's stated her concerns. he has to make his own choices]

Jonathan: If she's going to be helping write letters to me, she should know who I really am. I don't have to tell her about the abilities though. Just who I am to her.

Jaclyn: [she nods and goes back to working in the kitchen. she said her peace on it, and she assumes he'll go and find her]

Jonathan: [he will, taking his time walking through the house and looking at little family treasures on shelves, a doorway with marks of the childrens' heights. He finds his own last one and leans against the frame, puts his fingers where the top of his head is, and compares it to the mark from five years prior. He has grown, but not as tall as his father. He digs his nail into the wood, not realizing that it's sharpening into a tiny claw, to mark where his height is.]

Grace: [she rounds the corner to head outside and now the weirdo suitor is ....] What are you doing?

Jonathan: Just trying to remember things. See how things have changed. [he looks over at her] You don't by chance remember me at all, do you?

Grace: [shakes her head] No.

Jonathan: It's okay. I've been gone awhile now. I'm your brother, Jonathan.

Grace: [reels back a bit] You passed all of father's tests?

Jonathan: I wouldn't be standing here if I hadn't.

Grace: I don't know. I've heard rumors of monsters with mind powers.

Jonathan: I'm not a monster. I'm still me. I was rescued from them.

Grace: By the lord and lady you came with yesterday?

Jonathan: By members of their family. They were looking for a monster and found me instead.

Grace: How fortunate.

Jonathan: Not really. Fortunate would be them finding me a few years earlier.

Grace: Better than you actually being dead.

Jonathan: That is true. [he shoves his hands into his pockets] But I am free, and hoping to find a place back here as much as everyone is comfortable with.

Grace: [nods slowly] I don't think Isabelle really remembers you. She was too young. Not sure if that makes it better or worse.

Jonathan: Well, I'm hoping to be living about a day's ride from here, so I can come back and visit often and get to know everyone again.

Grace: [nods] Mother's always been prickly. I'm sure she's pleased to hear that.

Jonathan: I take it when I was kidnapped, it was bad here.

Grace: Nearly killed her. Not that she'd ever say it.

Jonathan: [he looks back towards the kitchen] I'm just glad they're dead now. No more kids will disappear because of them.

Grace: [nods slowly] Maybe things will get better here too, and people will stop being so worried about monsters.

Jonathan: The source of the monsters is also gone. But honestly, I've been more afraid of people than of creatures. Monsters are easy to read their intentions. People aren't, and they can hurt you in more ways than one.

Grace: Maybe. But some hurts you can heal from. You can't heal if you're dead.

Jonathan: No, you can't. That's true.

Grace: Still, glad they found you then.

Jonathan: Me too. And I'm really glad I was able to find my way home.

Grace: Good.

Jonathan: You've really grown up. I thought you were Juliet when I first saw you.

Grace: [makes a face] I thought you were a suitor with that bit with the flowers.

Jonathan: Oh? Sorry. [bites his lip to keep from laughing]

Grace: Don't make fun of me, I thought you were dead.

Jonathan: I'm not making fun of you! I'm just amused that's all.

Grace: Mmmhmm. [a beat as she crosses her arms in front of her] So where are you going?

Jonathan: Orleans. I figure I can start my life fresh there, but still be close enough to come home and visit.

Grace: [nods] It's seems like a fun place, from what I've heard.

Jonathan: The people I met there are nice. Intense, but nice.

Grace: Nice is the important part.

Jonathan: The leader of the group that rescued me was the Lady of Mikaelson Manor herself. So I'm hopeful she will let me stay and either work for her, or perhaps join her knights.

Grace: Then it sounds like it will be a good place for you.

Jonathan: And eventually you can come visit me.

Grace: That would be nice. We never get to go anywhere.

Jonathan: Hopefully we can change that.

Grace: Maybe. It'd be nice to do more fun things.

Jonathan: You don't get to have fun?

Grace: Some, but ... people are scared a lot of the time.

Jonathan: Well, hopefully now that the dread doctors are dead and the pit the monsters came from is gone, people can allow themselves not to live in fear any longer.

Grace: It will take time. Because we can't exactly go and tell them that without them thinking we're in on it.

Jonathan: Yeah, that's probably true. [rubbing the back of his neck]

Grace: [she shrugs] They're not important. They'll figure it out eventually.

Jonathan: And hopefully in the meantime, I can figure out a place in the family again. I know it won't be the same, but I missed everyone.

Grace: We'll see. I know with Mother at least it will take time.

Jonathan: Yeah, but she's worth giving her that time. I've learned how to be patient.

Grace: [nods] I just think it's hard. When you've spent all that time grieving for something that hurt you so deeply. And then that was never true. I'm sure she's angry at herself for giving up too.

Jonathan: I hope not. There's nothing she could have done. They had multiple labs and they took me to the one on an island way north of here. No one would have been able to find me from here. But I'll give her all the time she needs, and let her tell me what she is and isn't comfortable with. I'm just happy to see her and hear her voice again. [his fingers start to twitch a bit, but he doesn't fade away] I'd almost forgotten it.

Grace: [nods] Have you seen any of the younger ones yet?

Jonathan: [shakes his head] I'm not sure if they'll even remember me.

Grace: Probably not. But they'll have to get used to you anyway.

Jonathan: True. And mother said you're good at writing letters, so even if I'm not here, I can write to everyone.

Grace: [brightens and nods] I am. The local teacher says it's useless to teach me, but Juliet's husband taught me while he was courting her.

Jonathan: It is never useless to learn. You tell me what you want to learn about, and I'll send you books to read on it.

Grace: [now that is an interesting bribe] All of it. Everything.

Jonathan: [laughs, but it's not at her, but just enjoying the happiness she is showing] I don't think I can find a cart big enough to deliver you an entire library at once. Find a topic you want to start with, and we'll go from there.

Grace: [sighs] Fine. [she wants to know enough to run circles around the teacher, but she can narrow it down for now] I'll make a list.

Jonathan: That should work. [and he looks at the stairs] Are the others here, or at school or with father in the fields?

Grace: Isabelle's napping. Mary went out with her friend and they're probably catching frogs somewhere. Peter is at school though.

Jonathan: Well, I promised Father I would visit him in the fields. I could come back after... leave mother some coin in case she needs to buy more of something if I can stay for dinner?

Grace: [shrugs] What about the lord and lady you came with?

Jonathan: I'll check in with them, but Lord Parrish didn't want to overwhelm Mother with their presence.

Grace: Ah. Mother didn't like him much. I heard her telling Father she didn't trust him.

Jonathan: Lord Parrish was also a prisoner of the dread doctors when he was a young man, and he was tortured greatly. He lost a lot, including any memory he had of his own family. So he may be a bit more intense in wanting to make sure I don't lose mine.

Grace: Maybe. I didn't hear the whole conversation.

Jonathan: I was a bit overwhelmed so I don't remember a lot of their conversation

Grace: No, it was after you left.

Jonathan: Oh, then I really wouldn't know. [blinks] Were you spying on us?

Grace: No. But noise carries.

Jonathan: Oh.

Grace: [she shrugs] I just knew that you upset Mother and I wanted to find out why.

Jonathan: I don't think there was ever a way my return wouldn't upset her.

Grace: Probably. But she'll adjust.

Jonathan: I know. [thinks] You know, Lord Parrish has a journal from when he first escaped the doctors that he jotted down things he thought were memories, and in it Lady Hale noticed he talked about a sister and the way he wrote had the same sentence structure that I had, and that how I talk is how she remembers him talking when they first met, so she believes that we're from the same region.

Grace: So?

Jonathan: Mother doesn't like him. But he's very persistent and may not leave her alone on this. Do we have any kind of journal or a family tree document I could look at to tell him an answer so that if its not true, he won't bother her anymore?

Grace: [considers briefly before] The family bible?

Jonathan: That may work. Where is it?

Grace: [glances past him to see if anyone is coming, before making their way across the second floor to their parents room] Be quiet about it.

Jonathan: Where does she keep it?

Grace: With the valuables. [she quietly eases open the bedroom door and makes her way inside. dropping down next to the bed, she finds the seam for the hidden panel under the floor and finds some of the few pieces of jewelry their mother owns, some spare coin, and a heavy, leather bound ornate bible]

Jonathan: [and he takes the bible and sits back, opening it carefully and turning to the front pages that list family members and their dates of birth and death. He starts at the earliest, working back until he sees his name with a death date] She's going to need to change that...

Grace: I'm sure she'll get around to it when she's had more than a day to process things. [she scans up a little higher, as this bible has been passed down with the farm itself, and she pauses before pointing to the space next to her mother's name] There was a twin.

Jonathan: I don't remember her telling us that. [he follows her finger up, then blinks and sits back] Shit.

Grace: What?

Jonathan: And until then, with the plethora of creatures in Orleans, I should be able to find others to help me figure out what else I am.

Laura: I'm sure between Hope and her aunt they'll be more than willing to help you get to the bottom of it.

Jonathan: So I guess we leave for Orleans tomorrow morning?

Laura: If that's what you want, we can.

Jonathan: I do. I want to give Mother and Lord Parrish this closure they need, and then I can give her space so she can adjust in her own time.

Laura: Alright. I'll make sure Lord Parrish knows when he returns.

Parrish: Let me know what? [returning with a few bundles wrapped in paper]

Laura: We're leaving tomorrow for Orleans.

Parrish: Your sister ask us to check in on Ben and Claudia?

Laura: No. We have some things to discuss with Hope and Jonathan thinks it would be best for now if he stayed with them there while his family adjusts to things.

Parrish: Oh. [to Jonathan] Well, Amelia will miss you, but it may give her reason to visit Orleans herself. If you think this is best for you, I'll support it.

Jonathan: Thank you, M'lord.

Laura: So. Anything else we need to settle before we leave?

Jonathan: No. I've told my family I would be gone for a few days.

Parrish: [he wants to talk to Jaclyn again, but takes a deep breath and shakes his head] Not at this moment.

Laura: [nods, because she knows that look on her husband's face, but she'll talk with him privately] Good. Then I would get some sleep. We have a long ride tomorrow.

Jonathan: I'll grab something to eat quickly, then do just that. [and he heads out]

Parrish: [when the door is closed] Why are we leaving so suddenly?

Laura: A few reasons. One, the family isn't comfortable with him staying quite yet, so he wants to give them some time to adjust, but not being as far away as the manor. Two, apparently he and his sister investigated the family bible and Jaclyn has a twin named Jordan.

Parrish: [blinks] She does? I need to talk to her then...

Laura: No. [she reaches for his hand gently and pulls him back to sit on the bed with her] He also said that she doesn't feel comfortable with you right now. He wants to see what Hope knows about reversing the damage Malivore did before he shares this with her.

Parrish: [sits, his eyes drifting a bit in thought] Oh.

Laura: [places a hand on his shoulder gently] She's been through a lot, and we've brought a lot of information to her doorstep. I think adding a long-lost presumed dead brother that she doesn't remember to the mix might do more harm than good right now.

Parrish: So even going to Orleans to get Hope's help, we're not going to do this until she's ready?

Laura: I think that's the only way we can do it. Which I know may not be what you want to hear but this is Jonathan's family. We don't want to push things and cause them to ostracize him further. He's already hurt that he can't be here with them right now.

Parrish: It could be my family too. [thinks] Maybe we can see if Hope's aunt can help me get my memories back first. And if she's not my sister, we don't need to do anything more.

Laura: I think that's a good plan. And I'm not trying to discourage you, I just think we need to tread carefully. She's likely feeling a bit fragile right now.

Parrish: I'm sure. I think Jonathan, for all he's trying to be strong, is also feeling that way.

Laura: [she nods] Which is why we need to be careful with our choices.

Parrish: But him staying in Orleans is a good idea. The diversity in the city can help him as he discovers himself.

Laura: [she nods] It was his idea, but I do think it would be a good fit.

Parrish: The Stilinski branch of the family, instead of going to take over the manor Stiles was originally the heir for will instead take over a small piece of France.

Laura: Don't count Joy and Alexander out yet. They might find very nice mates outside of France.

Parrish: One can hope.

Laura: I'm glad that Claudia is going to stay with Ben, though. As much as Hope's pack has been good for him, it's good to have someone familiar there.

Parrish: And Jonathan going there will be good for Jason since they are both trying to restart their lives and define who they are.

Laura: Seems like they all got lucky that way.

Parrish: It'll also be nice to see Landon again. We still have some trade secrets to share with each other.

Laura: I'm sure it will. And we will figure out things with Jaclyn. It just may take time.

Parrish: Patience has never been my strength.

Laura: I know. But if you want a good relationship with your potential sister, I would recommend trying.

Parrish: [sighs] I'm trying.

Laura: I know, my love. But you said it yourself - we probably shouldn't worry her before we know it's true.

Parrish: Just keep reminding me of that.

Laura: I will. [leans in to kiss him] Everything will happen when it needs to.

Parrish: [he kisses her back, then leans into her]

Laura: I've already sent word to Hope's mother to warn her that we may be coming. I figured regardless of what happened here, we would stop in and see Ben before we went home.

Parrish: Then I guess we need to rest before we leave tomorrow. I can go downstairs and get us something to eat in our room.

Laura: That would be lovely.

Parrish: [and he will go downstairs and get a small platter of slide meats, cheeses, and fruits for their dinner, along with a fresh loaf of bread]

Laura: [and she will make sure all their things are in order to be ready to leave tomorrow]

Jonathan: [and the next morning the head out for Orleans]

Hope: [and her mother will have sent word that Laura was arriving, so she will tell Ben and Claudia as much before making sure there are rooms ready worthy for a visiting alpha]

Ben: [and he will find her after making sure the kitchens knew his aunt and uncle's food preferences] Do we know why they're coming? Normally we get more notice.

Hope: Mother said that they were visiting Jonathan's family in Savoy and were intending to visit on their way home to Norway. She figured we should be more prepared for sooner rather than later.

Ben: Ah. I'm happy to hear Jonathan found his family. Savoy's not that far. We can keep an eye on him easily.

Hope: We'll see what they say when they arrive. According to my mother, she also had some questions about Malivore.

Ben: Should we get Landon then?

Hope: I won't know until I find out what exactly they need. If it's about a spell, then they won't need Landon at all.

Ben: True. Well, is there anything else you need me to do?

Hope: [shakes her head] Is there anything your aunt and uncle prefer? Food, comforts, anything of the like?

Ben: I already told the kitchen. My uncle tends to have simple tastes of just meat, fruits, bread and cheese. My aunt appreciates a nice warm meal. Both like rooms looking over nature.

Hope: Wonderful, we can give them Elijah's old room.

Ben: Wasn't my sister trying to move into that room?

Hope: No, Claudia is in one of the actual guest rooms, but most of them have more of a view of the city itself. Elijah's looks back over the woods.

Ben: Hm. Well, that room is best for my aunt.

Hope: Then that's where she will sleep.

Ben: I guess we'll also have to be on our best behavior

Hope: [glances over with a smirk] Unfortunately.

Ben: At least Jason doesn't live in the manor. Then we'd be in trouble.

Hope: We should have him come for dinner though, since Laura will be here.

Ben: Yes, that would be good. Maybe have a small feast for our closest friends?

Hope: Do you think she'd be interested in that?

Ben: They did help save the manor and Liam.

Hope: Maybe. I don't know how long they intend to stay, and I figured we could play it by ear. My friends aren't always the most ... polished. Which is something I appreciate about them, but given that your aunt hasn't met many of them I'm not sure if I want either group to go in unprepared. I've never hosted another alpha before.

Ben: Alright. Then start small and we can go from there. [and he will lean close and give her a quick kiss] You're going to do fine.

Hope: [sighs as she relaxes] I know it's just Laura to you, but I still want to set the tone of how we treat our allies. There's already been enough of how we treat our enemies.

Ben: Think about how she treated you the very first time you visited. That tends to be how she greets all her guests.

Hope: [she nods] It feels like forever ago. So much has changed.

Ben: Most of it good.

Hope: [smiles] A lot of it good.

Ben: And the best is yet to come.

Hope: You know she's going to have questions about the wedding.

Ben: I know. I still have questions about the wedding. [grins]

Hope: [she laughs] And what are your questions, exactly?

Ben: Why can't we just run off an elope? [pulls her closer to him]

Hope: Because this is more than just a marriage, it's an alliance. According to my aunt it needs to be given the proper pomp and circumstance.

Ben: [pouts] But we can elope before it, and then still have the ceremony after.

Hope: And what happens if we get caught?

Ben: It's not like my parents are going to cancel the alliance. My mom isn't comfortable with big celebrations with lots of people. Their wedding was a small, private affair.

Hope: [she feels that way when they're about her, Ben, not in general] And as nice as eloping sounds, I need people to take me seriously, and see that I understand what I've been given. Because it's not just me being a future alpha, it's also me being the head of this manor. We can't give them any reason to cast suspicion.

Ben: [he presses his forehead to hers and gives his best puppy eyes with a little whine]

Hope: It won't be as long a wait as you think. I think my mother intends to send invitations this week.

Ben: [huffs] Okay, I'll wait. I just want to be with you, in more ways than one. [gender = horney male]

Hope: You aren't the only one. But patience will be rewarded. [and with that she will pull back and go back to getting the rooms ready]

Ben: [sigh] I'll go check on the meal then. [and off he'll go]

Laura: [and sometime in the middle of the afternoon their guests will arrive at the Abattoir, and Hope will meet Laura and Parrish at the door] Lady Mikaelson.

Hope: Lord and Lady Hale. Welcome.

Parrish: It's a pleasure to visit. Sorry it was such short notice.

Jonathan: [and he's just trailing behind, taking in the manor]

Hope: Not at all. [the servants come to gather their things, and Hope gestures for all of them to follow] I can show you to your rooms.

Jonathan: [yup, still enthralled]

Parrish: Thank you. How have you been?

Hope: Well. Things have been rather quiet. [she glances past them to Jonathan] We weren't sure whether or not to expect you, Jonathan. I have a room prepared just in case, but it's with the other guest rooms.

Jonathan: That's... okay? [he's not sure how to act in her home so he's been staying quiet]

Hope: I only say as much as Ben says that the lord and lady prefer to face nature, so that room is on a different side of the house.

Parrish: [leans to Laura] Looks like Ben's finding his place in the manor.

Jonathan: I'm happy with wherever you put me. I don't want to be a bother.

Laura: As he should be, given everything.

Hope: Not at all. You're a guest. [and she will lead the way through the main rooms and up the stairs, stopping in front of what was formerly Elijah's door] This room is for the Lord and Lady, and I'll walk Jonathan down to the guest wing. We're having dinner prepared, and someone will come up to find you when you're ready, or I can arrange for tea in the parlor.

Parrish: We will probably rest and clean up from the road before dinner, so just let us know when we should come down.

Hope: [nods] We will. [to Jonathan] If you want to follow me, I'll show you the rest of the way.

Jonathan: Sure. [and he will follow, and after a moment] It turns out my family lives only a day's ride from here.

Hope: Really? Oh, that's fortunate.

Jonathan: It is... but my mother isn't handling my return well. Everyone says she just needs time, and I think distance will help too, but I don't want to go all the way back to Norway for that. It would make visiting and communication hard.

Hope: No, staying here makes sense. You're welcome for as long as you'd like to stay.

Jonathan: Thank you. I'd earn my keep, of course.

Hope: No need to figure that out right now. For now, you're a guest.

Jonathan: [nods, then falls silent for a bit]

Hope: My father spent some time away when I was younger. I didn't know him for most of my life. Sometimes it's hard to reconcile what things were before with who people are now.

Jonathan: I'm learning. I'm still trying to reconcile what I even am now. My one saving grace is that my grandmother was a druid witch, I think? So my father knows of the supernatural, and he showed mom at some point.

Hope: [nods] Maybe with everything that's changed, it shouldn't be about trying to be what you were then. Maybe the easier thing to do would be to start over.

Jonathan: Maybe.

Hope: It's also okay if you're angry about what you've lost. Sometimes it helps to give yourself room to grieve too.

Jonathan: That's the thing. I'm... I'm not angry. I know I should be, but I'm not. I lost my family for awhile, but I can get it back. I didn't really know who I was when I was kidnapped - I was still a kid, and being the oldest boy I was going to be the one who took over the farm. I didn't really think about much past learning what was needed to do.

Hope: Do you think you might want something different now?

Jonathan: [thinks] I don't know. I just know I'm not going to fit in back home, and as much as the Hales are welcoming, it feels overwhelming.

Hope: [nods with a small laugh] Yes, they are ... a lot. As much as I love them and appreciate what they did for me.

Jonathan: I enjoyed traveling with you after you rescued me. Listening to the comradery between you, seeing the friendship even among different stations in life... I liked that, and that's something I'd like to have in my life.

Hope: [smiles] Well, as I said, you're welcome to stay as long as you like.

Jonathan: And I appreciate it. After the Hales leave, I can go look for a job or something to learn.

Hope: If you do like farm work, I can speak with my stepfather. He overseas a number of farms on the outskirts of town.

Jonathan: It can be a start. Help me earn a living and send coin home to my family to help them.

Hope: I'm sure he will be here with my mother to see Lord and Lady Hale.

Jonathan: Then I should probably clean up so I don't look like I just came in offthe streets.

Hope: [gestures to the room as they arrive] Here we are. Feel free to ask any of the staff if you need anything.

Jonathan: It's still really awkward doing that, since I'm not from wealth. I usually am the servant

Hope: I understand. If nothing else, Claudia is in the room next to yours.

Jonathan: That's Ben's sister? [trying to remember since she didn't travel with them]

Hope: Yes, one of them. He has another sister, Joy who's the youngest and a brother named Alexander between the two sisters.

Jonathan: I'm the second oldest of seven. I got to talk to my sister Grace, who's right after me in the birth order. She's grown up so much.

Hope: It happens fast.

Jonathan: Yeah. I barely recognize any of them.

Hope: Hopefully you'll be able to spend more time with them now that you're free.

Jonathan: I'm going to write them while I'm here. My older sister is married and in a different town, so hopefully I can let her know I'm alive soon.

Hope: Good. I'm glad to hear it.

Jonathan: Well, I'll be okay right now. I think I may also take a nap before dinner. And again, thank you

Hope: Of course. I'll see you at dinner.

Jonathan: [and when she leaves, he'll clean up and go to unpack his meager belongings into a single drawer. Then he'll take a look at his view out the window and smile. He could get used to this place easily. Finally, he will just lay down and rest until he's summoned.]

Laura: [and once they're settled and freshened up some, she will go seek out her niece and nephew, in whichever order and with whoever you prefer]

Ben: [well, he'll be helping Hope with last minute touches, so he'll be more visible. In fact, he's currently bringing wine up from the cellar after getting bottles he knows his family buys.]

Laura: [rounds the corner when she spots him with a smile] Do you need a hand?

Ben: [sees her and smiles, putting down the crate] Normally I would be happy for it, but I think Hope would evicerate me if I asked another alpha to help me in preparing a dinner in your honor. [but he will go to hug his aunt]

Laura: [hugs him tightly in return] Nervous, is she?

Ben: A bit. She wants to make a good impression and also show you what she learned from you.

Laura: Well, I'll do my best to be a amiable guest. [she understands wanting the practice and Laura is an easy audience] How have things been going here?

Ben: Good. Really good. Knowing that some of these legendary evils are gone has helped alleviate tension in the city.

Laura: I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully that carries through to other places.

Ben: That's the goal. How are things at home?

Laura: They are well. I'm sure your uncle is very much enjoying being in charge of everything right now.

Ben: So you left Aunt Elena in charge. [grins] How are my parents?

Laura: They are well, though they miss you. If there's anything you'd like me to take back for them, I will.

Ben: I may do that. There is an artisan in the market that makes beautiful canes. I thought one was perfect for father. And of course mother would love some of the soaps and oils made from herbs in this region.

Laura: Good. And how's your sister?

Ben: Happy. She has us during the day while Jason works, and some nights he will come to see her. He'll actually be at dinner tonight, though may be a bit late.

Laura: Lovely. I haven't been able to spend much time with him, so I'm looking forward to it. I hear Hope's mother and stepfather will be here as well.

Ben: Yes, which only adds to her anxiousness, but when dinner is over I think she will relax. Oh, that reminds me, she wanted to know if you wished to have dinner with our friends that aided us with the dread doctors. She doesn't want to make you feel overwhelmed.

Laura: That's sweet of her, but I don't want to intimidate them either. Whatever is most comfortable for you all. If not, I'm sure I could meet them at the wedding, in a less pressure-filled setting.

Ben: [yep, there's the W word. Escape time] I'll let her know. I should get this into the kitchen before cook starts yelling.

Laura: Mmm-hmm. I'm going to find your sister. I'll see you at dinner.

Ben: She should be in the room next to where Jonathan is staying. See you at dinner. [and he's heading to the kitchen]

Laura: [and she goes off to chat with Claudia, which would mostly be me talking to myself so where shall we go next]

Jason: [and apparently when he arrives the kitchen staff put him to work with Ben preparing the hallway for their guests to walk down on the way to the dining hall (the Hale visit was last minute so some of the servants have the day off) with straightening carpets and fluffing flowers in vases. Unsurprisingly, he has a lot of experience in doing this and it cuts the work time in half. He then sneaks away to head up to Claudia and knock on the door]

Laura: [is still there, and sees Claudia's face as she hesitates. Laura raises an eyebrow and Claudia sighs]

Claudia: Who is it?

Jason: It's me. [and with a 4, he doesn't think that Laura would be in her room.]

Claudia: [silent pleading, but nope, Laura's going to get up from her seat and open the door with a smile]

Laura: Hello, Jason. Please, come in. We were just talking about you.

Jason: [his eyes twitch just a bit, the only hint that he's surprised before he bows. He looks much different than she last saw him, with his hair short but back to his natural color, a whisper of a beard growing on his face.] Lady Hale, I apologize for interrupting you. [he gives Claudia an apologetic look as he straightens and comes in]

Laura: Not at all. I was hoping to get some time with you while I was here. We weren't given much time to get acquainted when you were at the manor.

Claudia: [gives him one in return as she moves over to make room for him]

Jason: [he'll come in, but as long as one of the women are standing, he's standing] There was not a great deal of time then. But I am here at your service as needed.

Laura: [will sit so that he can sit] I'm not sure getting to know you better is a service, exactly.

Jason: [and he will sit next to Claudia, but he is stiff and formal.] True. But I am also no longer a Lord, so I'm still learning my new station and how to behave within it. [chuckles] In a way, I'm still getting to know myself better as well.

Laura: Should you continue to pursue my niece, you'll get at least some of that station back - so why don't we speak as equals rather than trying to navigate social graces?

Jason: [nods slowly] That would be preferred, thank you. [and he relaxes a bit, but he's still got his heightened alert because, you know, he's a suitor.] What would you like to know?

Laura: How have you been enjoying your time in Orleans?

Jason: It has been very welcoming. Since I'm just human, I don't get involved much in the fractions within the city. I work most days at the tavern, and while a few people recognize me from my former life, they afford me the luxury of anonomity.

Laura: Good. I've always heard good things about this city. Even when Hope's father was here and things were a bit more ... volatile, the people here always stood up for each other.

Jason: They do. It is a good place to make a home. [and he sneaks his hand over to link his pinkie with Claudia's] Perhaps one day my mother may wish to come here as well. How is she, by the way. Has she moved into Hale Manor yet?

Laura: She has not, which is likely for the best considering the recent demolition. [she can make light of it when her husband and Liam aren't here] I hear she went to visit some friends in Spain, and will be at the manor by summer.

Jason: [nods] Good. As long as she isn't alone. And speaking of, how is Liam?

Laura: He's managing. He and Malia took the children back to the summer castle with her father and Kate and they're ... recalibrating.

Jason: Please let him know if he needs anything, or wants someone to talk to about it, he is free to write me. I know what it's like to deal with trauma, especially due to being controlled by another.

Laura: I will. I think the more jarring aspect is not being a wolf any longer.

Jason: He's not longer a were?

Laura: No. Apparently what they did to save him from La Bete removed his wolf as well.

Jason: [nods] Then I can really relate. [takes Claudia's hand and squeezes it, keeping himself grounded.]

Laura: Claudia knows where to send the letter if you'd like to reach out to him yourself.

Claudia: [squeezes his hand in return, to be reassuring]

Jason: I will do that, thank you.

Laura: Good. I'm sure Liam will appreciate it.

Jason: [and they will lapse into silence a bit, since Jason is skilled at turning conversations around to avoid talking about himself, but he doesn't really do idle talk otherwise.]

Laura: [and she is parsing for a new topic when there's a knock on the door and a servant pokes their head in]

Servant: Dinner will be served in ten minutes, miss.

Laura: Thank you. [gets up with a nod] I should go finish getting ready then. I'll see you both at dinner.

Jason: [stands as well, out of habit] See you then. [and of course, the small bow. Some training goes too deep to change]

Laura: [nods and will leave the two of them alone to talk without her]

Claudia: [sighs] My apologies for that. I would have warned you if I knew you would be back so soon.

Jason: I've actually been back for about an hour but Ben pulled me into helping ready the main hall for dinner. [he'll approach and take her hands]

Claudia: [takes them back, gently pulling him closer] At least at dinner there will be more for her to focus on.

Jason: And if she focuses on me, I'll just bring up Ben's upcoming nuptials to take the focus off again.

Claudia: Oh, I think the wedding will be full focus since Hope's mother will also be here.

Jason: Poor Hope.

Claudia: Hence why she's been a bit stressed in getting things ready.

Jason: Hopefully they will be able to give us help when our time comes.

Claudia: I think ours will be a lot less pressure.

Jason: Yes. You aren't a firstborn and I'm no longer a lord... at least, per your aunt, until we marry that is.

Claudia: We also don't have the added supernatural pressure: an alliance of two old and powerful packs, plus the added weight of one of the more infamous supernatural families.

Jason: Nope. Just a nobody human marrying a beautiful Lady.

Claudia: Hence why we should let them get theirs out of the way first.

Jason: Yes, plus I have to admit, I'm enjoying the process of courting you. [grins]

Claudia: [her smile widens] I'm glad to hear it, because I am enjoying it as well.

Jason: However, I believe your aunt and uncle are staying in Lord Elijah's room.

Claudia: Oh, we do not want to test my aunt's nose while she's here. Or her hearing.

Jason: Exactly. Let's just hope we cleaned up well enough from last time. [he smiles, then leans in to kiss her] Hi.

Claudia: [smiles into the kiss] Hello. [then she pulls back with a sigh] We shouldn't be late. Not with all of the alphas that are present.

Jason: Of course, but we must take an evening stroll in the gardens after dessert.

Claudia: I think that would be lovely.

Jason: [offering his arm] Then let us go join everyone downstairs.

Claudia: [they do, and find a long table that is more full of people than it usually is. the mikaelson home is made with a mix of dinural and nocturnal folks, and they often are expected to dine on their own time, but with a visitor like Laura, the room is full of all the household members - Freya, Rebekah and Kol included, as well as some visitors, including Marcel, who is sitting on the opposite side of Laura from her husband, likely telling her embarrassing stories about being friends with her uncle when he was younger, as well as Hayley and Jackson. Hayley sits at one head of the table, as is her right as the local alpha, with Jackson on her right, and given that this is Hope's house, she takes the opposite head, leaving Ben to take the same spot as Jackson if he so chooses, and empty seats for Claudia, Jason and Jonathan.]

Ben: [of course he does. She needs his support in this and he's not abandoning her now]

Jonathan: [yup, it's a lot of people at once, and he's just doing his best to control his breathing so he doesn't go invisible]

Jason: [he knows most of the people in the room, mainly from the planning of his death and all, but there are a few he doesn't. What's nice is that he doesn't need to hide who he used to be, so he can let his more noble side show.]

Jackson: [he's just sitting back and watching in a mix of pride and amusement. He loves Hope like his own daughter, so seeing her coming into her own makes him happy.]

Parrish: [and he sticks to Laura's arm since he is in a household of female alphas and doesn't have to pretend that he has any real power in the room]

Hayley: [that and the Mikaelsons love a dinner party, so the table is laden with foods and chatter as all the members of the household get settled in.]

Claudia: [moves to take the seat next to Rebekah, so that Jason can have the spot between her and Hope at the end of the table, as well as the spot between Ben and Parrish for Jonathan so he doesn't have to feel boxed in by people he doesn't know. She does offer him a small smile as she sits though and tries to jump into the conversation the adults are having]

Marcel: Now, after all this excitement, I convinced Kate to let me escort her to the tournament feast. Just because she's waiting out the vampire blood clock doesn't mean we can't have fun at the same time. She undersold, however, just how much she rubbed people the wrong way at the time.

Laura: [amused] That does sound like Kate, yes. Were you dodging daggers the entire night?

Marcel: More like viper glares from your late aunt when Kate was sat at the same table as the rest of the Hale party.

Ben: What was uncle Peter's first wife like?

Jason & Jonathan: [appreciate the seating placement, Hope. You're good at this.]

Parrish: Was she anything like Kate? [because Peter may have a type]

Laura: She was nothing like Kate. [Marcel nods, because they were quite different] She was the belle of the ball. Well loved in her social circles. Always perfectly mannered and the kind of women other men would call a credit to her sex.

Marcel: Unless, of course, she felt her territory was being threatened. Then she's very quick to defend it. At least, that was my experience at the table that night. Despite the fact that there was an alliance, she insisted Kate never call on him again for any reason.

Laura: Peter loved her very much, and she loved him - at least from what I remember. I was still young when she died.

Parrish: He still loved her, if that close call with the mate bond is any indicator.

Jason: ... Mate bond?

Claudia: I'll explain later. [because it's not proper talk for the table]

Freya: From what I remember of him, you wouldn't expect him to attract the diamond of the ton.

Laura: Losing your mate changes you. Before he was married, he was quite the charmer. In fact, he was the most eligible bachelor in most rooms.

Ben: Uncle Peter?

Laura: Mmm-hmm. The only woman he couldn't charm was Nadia Kirsanov. But, she stabbed him in the thigh with a fork, so I think she was determined to not be charmed, no matter what it took.

Jason: [snorts at that]

Ben: [laughs]

Laura: It all worked out in the end. After three generations of trying we finally managed to solidify our alliance with the Kirsanov pack.

Hayley: I can't say I'm familiar. But from the name I'm guessing Russian?

Laura: [nods] My mother had a long correspondence with the father of the current alpha, Victor. They tried to marry off Nadia and Peter, but clearly that didn't go well. There was talks of me and Nikolai before the Argent treaty, but Amelia and Nikolai's son Gabriel wound up being the match. Sometimes it's best if you don't force things where they won't work.

Jonathan: I met Gabriel while I was staying at the manor. He's huge, but nice.

Claudia: He takes after his father that way. Lord Kirsanov was the largest man I had ever seen when he and his family first came to the manor. Granted, I was much younger, but still, it's startling.

Ben: I remember he and Uncle Derek used to spar with each other in the knights' yard.

Laura: They did. If Nik hadn't been so far away, they probably would have run in similar circuits.

Parrish: Didn't you tell me they thought about marrying him to Lady Fiona?

Laura: They tried. Unfortunately for them, he got lost on the way, wound up in Scotland, and fell in love with Lady Marissa instead. Likely for the best, though. While waiting for him to arrive, Victor fell in love with Lady Fiona's sister instead.

Parrish: Not Nikolai, but Derek.

Laura: Oh. No. Because trying to nail Derek down in any formal kind of courting situation prior to Elena was near impossible.

Ben: Wait, the rumors were true?

Jason: What rumors?

Laura: My brother had a rather sordid reputation when he was younger. He was quite the rake.

Hayley: I certainly can't judge, given how things landed for me. [tosses a smile towards her daughter] Still the best "mistake" I ever made.

Hope: [smiles as well]

Ben: I thought the other knights just said that to hurt Patience.

Laura: Unfortunately, sometimes nothing hurts more than the truth.

Parrish: He's never hidden that from his own children. I guess your mother didn't want you to know, especially since he was in charge of the knights.

Claudia: [she shrugs] I suppose you never asked her about it. Or you're not around ladies who like to gossip.

Ben: After I met Hope, I didn't really want to find time with other ladies.

Claudia: I didn't have much of a choice.

Hayley: [laughs at the face Claudia makes] Girl after my own heart.

Jason: Don't worry, you probably saved yourself a lot of headaches. I've done enough time with lady gossip for all of us.

Laura: Fortunately for Derek, Elena is easily charmed by small children. [teasing, as she was also charmed by her husband-to-be] Unfortunately, they learned the hard way that society never forgets. But Patience found Sam, so all's well that ends well.

Ben: [turns to lean into Hope] We need to add the Winchesters to the list.

Hope: [eyebrows up] All of them?

Ben: His brother and father, probably.

Hope: [deep breath] I'll add them to the list.

Ben: I know, I'm sorry. [reaches over to squeeze her hand]

Laura: [smiles] Coordinating guest lists?

Hope: [nods slowly] We have ... a lot of people we apparently have to invite.

Laura: I think you could get away without inviting Dean and John. Might be best, considering the bride's side of the family.

Rebekah: British?

Laura: Hunters.

Rebekah: It would be unfortunate if one of the guests tried to stab myself or Kol during the ceremony.

Parrish: Lord Winchester's youngest is married to Derek's eldest.

Laura: I'm not saying we shouldn't invite Sam. But they're going to have enough people to invite as it is. There's no reason for them to invite in-laws that aren't their own.

Ben: If you think that's best. [shrugs at Hope]

Laura: I don't think they'll be offended, which is the larger worry with most people.

Hope: Your family is much larger than mine. My side of things will mostly be filled with friends, so it was hard to tell where to draw the line.

Laura: [turns to face them] At the end of the day, this is your wedding. You invite the people you want to be there.

Ben: [and they can all dissolve into wedding list talk about how far down the family tree they invite, especially on the Stilinski line since his father's cousins did know about him and see him as a small child.]

Laura: [in Laura's opinion? Stiles' uncle, yes, but not the cousin who tried to poison his father, but she's petty that way. she'll also encourage him to keep close, since the Hales are such a large family. Plus ones of a sort for his cousins - Andrew, Jason, etc - but no need to wander too far from that]

Ben: And Patience is the only one with tiny children, so we don't have to think about a nursery setup for the reception.

Laura: No, but there might be children. Unless you don't invite them.

Ben: [looks at Hope] How do you want to handle that?

Hope: [she shrugs] Most of my guests don't have children. We were planning an open feast in the Quarter for the reception, so I'm sure that other children would wander in.

Ben: So yes on children then. I'm good with that.

Hope: Alright. So at least that's some things settled.

Laura: If you reach out to Lady Lockwood, I'm sure she'll be happy to help with planning. Honestly, the fact that she was willing to be so involved in Derek and Elena's was a blessing.

Jason: Lady Caroline Lockwood is known for helping organize events in multiple countries.

Laura: That doesn't surprise me. She can be terrifying, but she gets the job done. And since Suzanne hasn't found an acceptable suitor yet, she's been itching for a wedding to plan, I'm sure.

Ben: [looks at Hope] We could always talk with her.

Hope: [nods] I'll take all the help I can get. If Aunt Rebekah doesn't object.

Rebekah: I can share.

Ben: I'll write to Lord and Lady Lockwood then and see if they will come visit.

Hayley: That would be lovely. [because here she and Tyler don't have the same fraught backstory that they did in canon] It'll give Hope lots of practice hosting.

Hope: [nods a bit because yes, that would also be some stress]

Parrish: Well, if I have to say, so far you're doing a wonderful job.

Hope: [smiles at that] Thank you. It helps that I already know you both well.

Parrish: True. Though the view from the room is a nice touch.

Hope: I can't take all the credit there. That was mostly Ben's idea.

Ben: [shrugs] Having an inside knowledge is helpful at times.

Jason: If Ben doesn't have knowledge of your guests, please feel free to ask me. I've met many dignitaries across Europe and would enjoy putting that knowledge to good use.

Hope: Have you spent any time in Mystic Falls?

Jason: No, but I have spent time with Lord Lockwood when I've been to tourney.

Hope: And what is your impression of him? [just out of curiosity]

Laura: [given that Tyler lived with the pack prior to his father's death, Laura is curious to how much Jason takes in when no one thinks his looking]

Jason: He's a proud man, a bit egotistical at times, but it's the remains of a rebellious streak that he had against the authority of his father. He is fiercely protective of those he loves, and of the safety and reputation of the city. He works too hard most days because he believes he has to prove something - always searching to be noticed and praised, but that isn't a conscious decision. He's fair and just, his leadership style definitely learned from the Hales. In private, he would be a kind and gentle man, doing anything to please those he considers family. He would not survive alone in the world, as he needs others both to help ground him as well as to live for. [takes a moment to think] If he was to visit, I'd find a room that would have views of knight's practice fields, though if Lady Lockwood was to accompany him, then you would want to find a room at the corner of the castle that could have the yard through one window and the gardens in the other. Meals would have the meat as the center of the meal with starches that are fragrant with herbs and crisp vegetables. Red wine or whiskey, and I don't see him as much of a dessert person, but he would be polite and have some if offered. [looks back up at Hope]

Hope: [looks from him to Laura]

Laura: [shrugs] Not bad. He also leaves out that he'll be gracious enough to understand that you're learning, and gently course correct you if needed. He's better at teaching than his usual persona would let on.

Parrish: Well I'm curious. What did you mean by being learned from the Hales?

Jason: [takes a deep breath, stealing a glance at Claudia before facing the Lord] Most established lords have distance from their people, and of them maybe half have been corrupted by greed and don't see the people as human beings, but as taxpayers. Justice is swift, strict, and unbending. People suffer, little mercy, and no care given to their families or to help rehabilitate the criminal, causing a cycle of criminality.

The Hales, however, are one of the few old families that have remained connected to their people. Justice is served based with the situation taken into consideration. Mercy is given, and many times that results in helping rehabilitate the person to contribute positively in the town.

Laura: We're not the only ones Tyler learned that from. The Lockwoods were complicated people, but Lady Elena can tell you how they always took care of their town. They even took in and sponsored both of the Gilbert siblings after their parents passed.

Jason: I'm sure if I had been to see the town, I'd see more of that. Lord Richard Lockwood did not have a good reputation at court. He cared of his city, and then himself.

Laura: That doesn't surprise me. Richard did not perform well, that is certain.

Claudia: Maybe they could bring Suzanne and Dylan as well? I'm sure they would love to get out of Mystic Falls and meet new people.

Ben: And they would know already know Talia, Clara, and Thomas.

Laura: Suzanne is going to be in your position too one day. She might appreciate the camaraderie.

Hope: [shrugs in return] The more the merrier?

Ben: And Suzanne know more than just Hales. For instance, when we were kids, we also spent time with Cameron Argent-Lahey.

Hope: Your pack is going to be a large portion of the guest list, isn't it?

Ben: Yes, but you already knew that I have a lot of cousins.

Hope: I did.

Laura: We've come a long way from where we were after the war. We've been very lucky in rebuilding our numbers.

Parrish: When I first arrived, there were only five in the Manor. We have about tripled that number in just over twenty years.

Hayley: It sounds as though the years have been kind.

Laura: I won't say that we haven't had our struggles, but we've overcome them together.

Parrish: Family is very important to us, which I know Lord and Lady Stilinski are happy knowing that it is also important to you as well, giving them comfort with both their eldests being here.

Hope: Family is always and forever. We have to look after each other, for no one else will.

Rebekah: [smiles, pleased] That we do.

Ben: [taking Hope's hand] And you've been a part of our family long before we started courting.

Hope: And now you'll never be rid of me. [teasing]

Ben: I truly hope so.

Hope: [and with that they focus on dinner for a while, having idle small conversations. Laura and Hayley will retire to a study for drinks, leaving their husbands and assorted children to their own devices, which gives the children a chance to get some time to themselves if they so choose]

Jason: [and he will get to take Claudia on that walk in the gardens.]

Claudia: [and she will return to that thing she put a pin in at the dinner table] So ... about mate bonds.

Jason: Yes. I've heard that it is a tradition with werewolf marriages, but that's about it.

Claudia: It's hard to explain as I've never done it, but in the marriage act, the wolf will bite their partner and it will create a link between them. They'll be able to feel each other's feelings and sense when the other is in trouble. But it'd be with my wolf teeth, not my human ones, and it doesn't have to happen right away.

Jason: I'm assuming it hurts.

Claudia: Yes. At least I would assume. [as she said, she's never done it]

Jason: [and he nods, thinking quietly] And if we choose not to do this?

Claudia: From what I understand, at a certain point there may no longer be a choice. The urge to claim becomes stronger than the will of the person and ... [you get the picture] But we could certainly put it off for a while. I don't believe my parents completed theirs until after I was born.

Jason: It would just be something that I would need to know it is happening. I don't want to think of how I'd react if I'm hurt without warning.

Claudia: No, of course. I assumed we would discuss it when the time came, and as of now, I haven't been feeling the urge to. We have time.

Jason: Good. Because I don't ever want to hurt you like that.

Claudia: Neither do I. [reaches up to brush a hand against his cheek] I was going to bring it up when the time came, it's just uncomfortable to talk about.

Jason: That's fine. [leans into her hand, eyes closed and smiling] As long as you're not feeling it just yet.

Claudia: No, not yet. Probably not until we're married and start doing more than we are. But when I do, I'll tell you.

Jason: Thank you. [he will pull her a bit closer, then lean down and kiss her softly]

Claudia: [sighs softly as she kisses him back, winding her arms around his neck]

Jason: [yeah, this is where he wanted to be when he arrived at the grand home. He deepens the kiss, not in a rush but instead just linger in the warmth]

Claudia: [she will let him lead there, not pushing for anything further but enjoying all the closeness they might get while Laura is here]

Jason: [his hands will wrap around her waist loosely, smiling against her lips before he pulls back] Hello, m'lady.

Claudia: [hums softly] Hello yourself. I haven't figured out how long Laura is staying yet.

Jason: I could snoop around and find out.

Claudia: [shakes her head] Snooping around Laura is not a wise choice, because you will get caught.

Jason: I don't need to snoop around her. All the answers of the happenings in a manor are found in the kitchen.

Claudia: My aunt likes to cook.

Jason: [huffs]

Claudia: It's fine. I'm not sure I want to rush her either. She doesn't get to travel much outside of Norway.

Jason: So did I hear that Jonathan will be staying for awhile?

Claudia: [nods] Apparently his family is not far from here, but it might not be safe for him to stay there.

Jason: [nods] Well, staying here would be a benefit. He also has others he knows so it will help him acclimate easier.

Claudia: It would. It seems as though he's overdue for a life of his own.

Jason: Way overdue. And as one trying to restart a life here... it's a good place to do just that.

Claudia: I think so too. And with a lot of people his age like him.

Jason: Yes. [since they are still close, he leans his forehead against hers] And for the record, I like the life I'm making here too.

Claudia: Good. Because I don't care where our life is, so long as you're happy.

Jason: Same. [and he will kiss her again]

Claudia: [kisses him back, enjoying the quiet of the garden until Freya comes out for herbs for a spell of some kind and dramatically clears her throat to remind them that they are still in public]

Jason: [yup. pulling back, but moving Claudia closer and a bit behind him out of instinct] Evening Lady Mikaelson.

Freya: Evening, Mr. Walters. [she continues on her trip to the garden] Enjoying the night air?

Jason: Very much so. Your herbs give it a subtle scent to the air, adding in a serenity to the place.

Freya: I'm glad you think so. [she finishes her selections before turning back to the house] I woudn't linger too long. According to Hope, Lady Hale has favored a stroll in the garden with her husband in the past and she and Hayley were just finishing up their drinks. [she's not judging, she's just warning you]

Jason: [gives a half bow] I appreciate the warning. Thank you.

Freya: Of course. Have a good evening. [and with that she will head back inside and let them say their good nights]

Jason: [and he will turn to Claudia] I believe that it is best I leave you here for the evening.

Claudia: [sighs and nods] I will see you tomorrow?

Jason: Of course. Maybe you could come to the tavern?

Claudia: [nods] I'll see if I can get away.

Jason: If not, I'll find a way to see you. Perhaps use the same method your Lord uncle used to woo Lady Hale.

Claudia: I don't have much of a balcony.

Jason: I can be very creative

Claudia: Then I look forward to seeing your initiative.

Jason: Until then, goodnight, sweet Claudia. [and one more kiss, but a quick one]

Claudia: [returns the kiss and lets him go, before heading back into the house]

Jason: [and he'll disappear into the night shadows as he leaves the garden for the town]

Claudia: [and total innocent face at her aunt and uncle as she heads up to her room]

Parrish: [watches her go by in amusement, then leans in to whisper to Laura] You know, none of the children really know how to look innocent. They try too hard.

Laura: [shakes her head with a smirk] Let them think they're getting away with something. I'm sure you remember that having a secret can make things more exciting.

Parrish: Oh, I do. It hasn't been that long ago we still snuck around to protect the delicate sensibilities of your own uncle.

Laura: That was fun, wasn't it? [smiles as she leans into his arm]

Parrish: The hidden passages were always a fun way to escape. Especially when we moved the billet and pillows into that one alcove.

Laura: Mmmm. We haven't visited that alcove in a while. Maybe we should plan to do that when we return home.

Parrish: I will make sure to gather fresh linens for it.

Laura: Good. [tips her head to the side as they walk] Is it terrible that I'm enjoying how off kilter they are now that an adult is present?

Parrish: Not at all. This is how we get revenge for their antics as children.

Laura: Even if they're not our children?

Parrish: You're still their alpha. And I remember one Christmas where I was trying to give you an early morning gift and Ben ran into the room shouting that the sun was up.

Laura: [laughs] He was six.

Parrish: Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Laura: True enough. But it does seem like he's happy here.

Parrish: Yes, he does. They both do.

Laura: That's good. Cora will be glad to hear it.

Parrish: I think Jonathan will flourish here as well. There is enough supernatural diversity that he can discover who and what he is safely.

Laura: And it's close enough that he can start to rebuild ties with his family. [she pauses] I haven't spoken to Hope yet about restoring memories. I thought we would follow your lead on that one.

Parrish: Now that we're distanced from it... I don't know. His mother hasn't taken to his return well. If she is my sister, it might be too much at once for her to handle.

Laura: [nods] Do you want her to see if she can restore your memories, at least?

Parrish: [pauses, then nods] That would be good, yes.

Laura: Perhaps we can get some time with her tomorrow and find out what our options are.

Parrish: I'd like that.

Laura: Good. [takes a deep breath and takes in the garden] I wish it wasn't such a complication for me to travel.

Parrish: Then let us make it less complicated. We shall see how your brother fares with this trip, and you two create a schedule of who travels when.

Laura: That's not the complication. I'm sure Derek will manage fine. The complication is informing all the alphas at the locations we intend to travel to so that they don't think I'm coming to stage a coup.

Parrish: We plan our trips during the winter and send the letters then so they have ample time to prepare or respond.

Laura: [she nods] There's some places that are safer. We could probably spend time in Argent strongholds without much notice.

Parrish: And Cora made connections with the pack near Stiles' ancestral home.

Laura: That she did. But in that instance I'd like to avoid stepping on Olivia's toes.

Parrish: Didn't she just write to Stiles about training Zachariah over the winter?

Laura: Yes, but there is a difference between him coming to train and the lord and lady of the manor making an appearance. We should still give notice and I still don't trust them.

Parrish: We don't have to stay with them. Sir John has said we can always use their home. But yes, notice is wise, and we can frame it as giving him a ride home.

Laura: We will see when the time comes.

Parrish: Good. [leans in to kiss her] We will find time.

Laura: We will. Maybe in time we can cede the house responsibilities to Amelia and Gabriel. Give them practice with it.

Parrish: Amelia will need to decide then if she wants a second separate from Gabriel

Laura: Well they would be working together.

Parrish: True, but I'm not your second.

Laura: We don't know if Gabriel will be hers either. Not that there are many wolves to choose from in that respect.

Parrish: My money's on Malia. She's straightforward and honest, and has her father's ingenuity.

Laura: [nods] She could be a good choice. I thought Ben might have been a good match as well, before Hope.

Parrish: He would have, which is why I'm certain he will help Hope along in that regard. They're already relying on each other both for affection and strategy.

Laura: It's true. They've always been a good match.

Parrish: And our son doesn't want to have any hand in politics.

Laura: No, he wants to be an artist. [and it's not that she's disappointed and doesn't want to encourage him but she also worries about him]

Parrish: He's probably going to follow Miranda until he decides to form his own family.

Laura: I hope he finds it. Finds something that he feels gives him purpose.

Parrish: As do I. As long as he's happy, I'll be happy.

Laura: [nods] I'm glad that Miranda is looking out for him, though. She's always been in his corner.

Parrish: That she has. [and he falls silent as they keep walking]

Laura: [she will as well, enjoying the quiet. And as much as she knows the answer, she still wants to ask - the mate bond is not the same] How are you doing with all of this? There has been a lot of news lately. A lot of change.

Parrish: I honestly don't know. I'm excited for Hope and Ben. Happy for Jonathan finding his home and a home for him here. Frustrated that I can't get have what I want.

Laura: And what do you want? Truly. [because she thinks she knows, but she thinks in some ways he needs to say it out loud]

Parrish: [thinks] I want to fill in the blanks in my own memories of the past.

Laura: Then let's speak with Hope and Freya tomorrow. See what blanks we can fill in while we're here. That is something we can control.

Parrish: If it ends up being for the best that she is my sister and we never tell her, I'll be alright. I'll just make sure Jonathan is taken care of since he'd be my nephew.

Laura: Good. But for what it's worth, I don't think that will be forever. We can take Hope with us to see her and we can discuss it, when she's had more time to adjust.

Parrish: When it's the right time, we'll do it.

Laura: [deep sigh] Lovely as tonight is, tomorrow sounds like it might be a long day. We should get some rest.

Parrish: I agree. Luckily, our host made sure we have a wonderful place to sleep.

Laura: That she did. [smiles as she leans into his arm] Walk me to my door, good sir?

Parrish: It would be my greatest honor, my lady.

Laura: [she smiles and off they go to finish their evening in private]

Parrish: [nice vacation snuggles]