Written In Blood

Chapter Five.

Five months had passed since the chat with Niklaus. He still seemed rather broody and always kept his distance from Elijah and Rayna as much as possible.But secretly, he had been plotting to leave the settlement to go and find out more about himself; which meant leaving for Scandinavia. He had decided that that day had come. He had his things already packed and was debating whether or not to just leave, or go and talk to his brother and Rayna first.
"Probably best to talk to them..." He mumbled to himself as he paced his tent. 

Elijah and Rayna were still in bed, enjoying the moment of peace before they went about their day."Brother! I need to speak with you both." Niklaus called through the door.
"Come in then, brother." Elijah replied as Rayna curled up to him further.
Niklaus entered the tent.
"Apologies for the intrusion, but this is urgent." The younger Original started.
"Well what is it, Niklaus?" Rayna pressed.
Niklaus hesitated, thinking of how to word his situation, but he concluded that he should just be blunt.
"I'm leaving. I'm going to go and find out more about myself and why our parents acted the way they did to me, especially after turning us." He said.
Elijah and Rayna were shocked, needless to say.
"What's made you decide this now?" Rayna asked, slightly wide-eyed as she sat up in bed, covering her night dress.
"I didn't particularly decide now, I just feel I need answers and I'm not going to get those playing happy families here. I need to find myself." He replied.
Elijah and Rayna looked between each other, but they both understood.
"Very well, brother." Elijah finally said.
Niklaus nodded, feeling awfully sure of himself.
He knew in his heart that it wasn't just because he wanted to find out who he was. Seeing Elijah and Rayna grow even closer as the months went on was breaking him slowly but surely.
"Right then..." He sighed, turning to leave. "I'll go and finish the rest of my packing."
Rayna took a deep breath. "When are you leaving?"
Niklaus stopped in his tracks. "I'll be leaving at sunrise tomorrow."
And with that, he left, leaving Elijah and Rayna still sat in bed, looking slightly confused at each other.
"Do you think that's the only reason he's leaving for?" Elijah asked.
"What do you mean?" Rayna raised her eyebrow.
Her beloved gave out a breathy chuckle.
"Come on. You've seen how he's been since I've been with you. He's barely been around. He always seems to be either sat in his tent doing God knows what or out hunting on his own." Elijah elaborated. "He's always been independent; you know that better than anyone, my love."
Rayna raised her eyebrow once more as she laid back down in the warm bed.
"Yes, but it's been particularly bad in recent months and I know you've noticed it too. Don't pretend with me, my dear. He's had his heart ripped out by us and that's why he's only just decided on this trip - to get away. I know he wants to find out who he is, but I'm not blind." Elijah sighed as Rayna curled into him again.
"I know... This trip will be good for him, I'm sure of it." 

By the time the sun rose over the horizon the next morning, Niklaus had his things packed and ready on a cart, attached to a horse.Elijah and Rayna were up and dressed, reluctantly awaiting his departure.
Rayna was the first to be bid farewell by her beloved's younger brother.
He walked up to her with a sad smile on his face."I'll miss you." Rayna said, not allowing her tears to spill.
"I'll miss you too, love." Niklaus whispered, pulling her in for a prolonged hug.
As he did, he placed his pursed lips on Rayna's hair, giving her a long, meaningful kiss.
Elijah stood next to the pair, waiting patiently as the two separated.
Niklaus then turned to him, still holding onto Rayna's hand, silently arguing with himself to let go."I'll see you both again." He said, smiling to the pair. "And I'll be a new man."
Elijah chuckled, quietly.
"Always and forever, brother." He said.
"Always and forever." Niklaus repeated, finally letting go of Rayna's soft hand to give his brother a loving hug.
And with that, the immortal couple watched on as the younger Original brother boarded his cart and rode away.
Rayna couldn't keep her tears in her eyes any longer.
As they trickled down her cheek, Elijah turned to her, giving her a sympathetic look.
"He'll be fine." He whispered.
"I know... But that won't stop me missing him. He's my best friend, Elijah." The Vampire sniffed.
"I know, my love." Elijah kissed her forehead as he pulled her in for a hug. 

The days, weeks and months dragged for the pair, Rayna especially. She waited impatiently for the days to get easier, but they never did. She felt as though a part of her was missing with Niklaus gone. Elijah wasted time, but she still thought of him and what life could've been like for the three of them, taking on the Americas and the world together – as the team they'd proved themselves to be over and over.