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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 3 months

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Thranduil and Josie Pt. 169- Gypsy Origins Part 2 of 3

Summary: Hypnotized under Haldir's mind manipulation, Josselyn continues her many truths of troublesome, but relevant past.

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, sexual content, smoking, drinking

Chapter characters: Haldir, Josselyn(Delphine), Harker, Jemma, Bellamey, Toones, Carl, Narcisse, Catherine, Julian, Caroline, Cassandra, Legolas, Tauriel, Zeddicus

Chapter word count: 7,386

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Josselyn was becoming very agitated in her hypnotic state after she spoke of witnessing Harker's big bad wolf persona and Haldir knew he had to tread carefully on how hard he pushed her traumatic memories out under his spell of truth, for too much stress could cause her to forget everything, even who she was. Even so, it was more important to him to keep you and Leeanduil safe and that meant finding out everything she knew about Harker, Sarah and Caroline, so he held her hand to pass his calming effects through her as he asked her to slowly continue. Her pale lips quivered for a moment at his unexpected touch and as the elf's magic kicked in, she softly exhaled and began again.

"Harker...he's telling me we are packing up and leaving for the castle in Dorwinion to set up his carnival for a weekend summer solstice celebration. We should be at a base camp outside the borders come first light. I am happy I get to go but...I remember Thomas' words about this castle. About the reigning warlock lord being of both darkness and light. Was he dark like Harker? What will I do there? He does not mention Ravenna and he seems calm, considering what I did to him. The gash on his hand has healed. Is he still angry about that? I feel unsettled as I remember last year's solstice when he killed my father and took me and my mother as his property. I wish I would have stuck that silver dagger in his heart. He certainly does not like silver.

All but two small trailers are being loaded and locked up. Two guards and two servants remain to guard the children in the underground caverns. We are moving now. I am chained in his trailer and forced to listen to him defile my mother all night...but strangely, she sounds like she is enjoying it. I am covering my ears. I am helpless. I am scared he will take me too, but he does not.

It is a blue sky morning. We are arriving at a clearing. I can see the towers of a castle peaking over the trees through the blacked out windows that can only be seen out of.

Harker's men are heading out on the morning hunt for food while his carnies set up the camp. Three of them are summoned and are coming inside. They scare me. My mother once called them freaks. That word is not permitted by Harker. He says if you laugh at them, you laugh at him. She doesn't call them that anymore.

Harker is bringing me out to the living quarters and is holding me close against him with a smile. Something is different about him. He...he's nicer to me and is telling them of the day's plans. He is looking at them from left to right as he speaks their names.

Mr. Bellamey, Mr. Toones, Mr. Carl. I'm sure you remember young Josselyn here?

They are silent and staring at me. They're not smiling. They don't like me. I think they are all jealous of me. Especially Carl. I..I think he is really a woman. He has breasts.

She will be assisting with the evening's celebration and you all will show her the ropes.

Carl is speaking. He's pouty and not happy.

That makes me mad. She is not our family. She's a plain Jane little girl.

Harker sits down and smiles.

Oh but she is family now and she is far from ordinary. She is a magical being in the making like you all were and soon to be a witch like me and she will be welcomed by you just as I have welcomed her.

I...I am shaking. My knees buckle and I drop on them. I tell him I don't understand.

You will my child, all in due time. You have taken in Ravenna's power. It is your to keep.

M...M..Master...keep? I...I did not, do not want it. It was an accident. I didn't know what I was doing. I had no control over it. I am old enough to understand that nothing from Ravenna is given freely. She was so angry. She wanted me dead.

He is leaning forward and placing his hand on my shoulder.

Dear one. You are safe now. She is not going to hurt you. She and I have come to an understanding about what happened.

I am crying.

I..I don't want to be like her...like you. You killed my father. You kill children. You gave me to Ravenna. I would be dead right now if I were younger and why are you being so nice? I..I hurt you. I cut you with that dagger. This...this makes no sense.

It does not need to make sense. You will do as you are told. You are one of us now. It cannot be reversed. Now...the guards will be coming back with a big fat juicy elk to feast on. Oh how I do love the flesh of an elk. My boys here will show you how to prepare one and when we are all finished, we will head to the castle to set up the funfair that you will be a part of.

Y..y..y..you want...ME to..to...I...I can't! It's an animal....I feel sick.

He's leaning forward again. There is a brown leather string wrapped around his hand and it has a white crystal hanging from it. He's holding it up and speaking words I do not understand. I can't free my eyes. It is forcing me to do as he is commanding. I...I don't want to do it!!!"

Haldir had to momentarily stop her. He was disgusted. Somewhat at himself, for he was doing the same thing to her by forcing her to do what she did not want to do, but more so over the fact that he knew this verbosely needed story was only going to get worse and that Josselyn would be very resentful of him when it was over.

"You do not have to do it. I need you to move forward to the arrival at the castle. Continue from there."

"I am walking with Harker and my mother on the biggest lawn I have ever seen. It is on the bay of the black sea. I feel awkward and nervous. Harker gave me a beautiful red dress to wear. My mother is wearing her usual gypsy attire but she...is very different. She does not seem fearful anymore, but proud to be at Harker's side.

I see people, children, games and tents of many colors everywhere. There are boat rides on the inlet river. I smell such delicious food. I hear music, laughter and a....a tiger's roar I think?? I see it. There's an awful woman poking him with a stick through the bars of his cage. She's teaching a small child to do it!!! I cannot watch. A man reprimands her and scoops up the blonde boy. I cannot see the man's face. He carries a sword on his hip. I hear him. He's stern but calm to not scare the child. He tells her that is not something to teach a child, let alone her 3 year old son, for it is dangerous and idiotic, nor should she ever do it to an animal. He says she should know better and she is heartless and cruel. He hands the child to a woman servant and tells her to take Francis to see the horses. He leaves and is heading this way. She call his name, Stephane, and stops him. They argue. I can now see his face.

He's so beautiful. He dresses nothing like Harker except for the leather. He is kingly and ageless. The woman leaves and he's now coming to greet us. There's an aroma of peppermint. I...feel warm and giddy...my...my stomach feels strange when he speaks. Like butterflies are in it. I don't know why. His eyes. They are so blue.

Ahhh...Harker. You have arrived. And who are these two gorgeous creatures on your arm?

He is ogling my mother. All men do. She is beautiful and her attire is and always was very revealing of her breasts and stomach.

Lord Narcisse. What a glorious day yes? To have such eye candy at my side. This is Josselyn and Jemma. They will be assisting in tonight's festivities and Jemma, my newly acquired wife, will entertain us in the after dark jamboree. Jemma. Give Stephane a glimpse of your...talents.

Wife?? I feel sick. My heart is racing and I am speechless as she lifts her skirt and happily flaunts her body to Narcisse in front of everyone. What has Harker done to her?? I see a diamond ring on her finger. It is not the one my father gave her.

My my. Well now Harker. Eye candy indeed. I must say am very impressed with your choice of a bride and I am highly looking forward to some carousing this night in celebration of your union, although I can see I am going to receive an earful over this delightful display.

Narcisse is looking over at Catherine. She is glaring at him. She picks up a stick and storms off.

Harker is greatly amused.

Trouble in paradise with the ever so annoying Catherine?

Far from paradise and annoying to say the least. Wretched unbearable woman seems more fitting.

The two men are laughing.

Narcisse. I notice you have more security than you normally do at the funfairs. Has something happened for such a need that I need to be aware of for the safety of my own people?

I...well. I do not want to alarm anyone, but there have been reports relayed to me of children going missing in close proximity of here and with the many children I house here, one can never be too careful.

Ahhh, yes. I see. Such a shame. Who would do such a thing?

The warlock lord, he does not seem of darkness like Thomas had told me, just unhappy which does not make him evil, but it could be an act like Harker's is. I... I don't like this. I despise Harker. I want to scream out loud that it's Harker! I don't think Lord Narcisse knows what he does. He would certainly never have dealings with Harker if he knew because he seems to genuinely love children.

The tiger is roaring again. Lord Narcisse is suddenly angry.

If you all will excuse me for now. I must tend to Blaze. His bellows have Catherine's name in them. Oh...before I forget. Harker, your brother is here with his also annoying woman. Jemma...Josselyn.

He bows to us and leaves. My stomach drops. Did he mean Ravenna and the evil goblin King are here?

I cannot hold my panic in any longer. I ask Harker if Ravenna is here with Jareth. He is laughing. He says no. They would never come here. He and Narcisse are enemies. He tells me he has another brother who is Lord Narcisse's good friend. I'm secretly hoping he is nice like him. Surely he must be?"

Haldir's stance greatly stiffens with the mention of Julian and Caroline, for now he felt he was much closer to learning about Lola and Sarah.

"Tell me of the brother and woman. Did you meet them this night?"

"Yes...I..I smell something sweet like...honey and a hint of lilacs? It is overpowering the scent of grilled food. I hear a woman's voice behind us. She has an accent. Irish maybe? I turn to see a very stunning woman with porcelain skin. Her hair is long and fiery red with bangs. Her attire is Celtic much like my mother's and somewhat provocative. I sense darkness in her demeanor. Mostly in her eyes with the way she is looking upon me and my mother.

Well now. Harker, what do we have here? They're a bit old for your needs.

Now Caroline, what business would that be of yours? I am surprised to even see you here with my brother since Stephane is not your favorite person. Where is Julian?

Where do you think? I sometimes wonder if he should have married Stephane instead with the way he's always up his arse.

She's smiling and walks up to me, touching my cheek.

My my sweet child. You're quite young and....how interesting. I sense some magic in you. Are you a good witch or a bad witch Dorothy?

Oh...I...I...am no witch ma'am. I am just a...

She is laughing and places her finger over my lips to silence me.

Oh indeed you are and a good one apparently with all the politeness, but that can always change. Do call me Caroline and you..are?

J...Josselyn.

What a pretty name. You're going to be quite powerful someday. A gypsy witch like me. I have always wanted to have a daughter like that. Harker, what do you say you give this one to me? She would make a great travel companion. I tend to get lonely when Julian does not want to go with me on my funfairs.

Why would I ever give such a prize to you?? She is no use to you, for she is not of your blood and you have nothing to offer me, for I want I want, you will not give.

And what use is she to you? You have another new toy I see, so you have no need for her...OR for my body. Let me have the girl or I could always let it slip to Julian and Stephane about your dirty little secret. If they were to know, they will surely kill you. Do you think I do not know of your dealings with Ravenna? Nothing gets past my sixth sense. It is your way of making it up to Jareth for what you did to him. I'll never understand what Jareth sees in that wretched cheating witch. I mean, she slept with Jasper, who is his FATHER, your father and Julian's father and instead of ridding of her, he rids of him and all his men and at the approval of your own mother! One twisted little Brady Bunch indeed.

Harker is laughing and I am holding back my tears.

And YOU, Caroline, of all people are not twisted with your blackmail and your willingness to keep such a secret just to get what you want? And what would you do if Julian were to be unfaithful to you sweet Caroline? We both know you would not be so sweet then.

Jules would never be that stupid and he happens to love me, something you know nothing of.

Because it is forbidden by our mother after our father's infidelity which is why she is quite displeased with Julian's love of you and then there's the little fact that he stole Ashmole from her. Oh yes, and let us not forget that he is the good son, the 7th son that was supposed to be the darkest and most powerful of us all. And he is rather stupid yes, for trying to convert Jareth to the light and for resurrecting him using that book. Look where that got him. Jareth has become the most powerful and now more wicked than ever. Now, enough talk of things we have already known for some time. As far as the girl, she is what one might refer to as a plea bargain. Oh, and I believe I've already mentioned...she...is...mine.

Is that so? Hmmm. I thought I smelled Ravenna all over this child. Somehow she has taken some of her magic, which cannot be undone and now she wants something in return for it. Am I getting warm about this plea bargain?? Do tell. It would seem though, that you really should make one with me and do it quickly. Julian is just over there and he has seen us.

Caroline is waving to a man in the far distance who is perched upon a swing set, talking and laughing with children. Harker is nervous and clutches his crystal.

I will not give her to you. I can only allow her to go with you, BUT, when the time comes, I will reclaim her and what she owes. Will that suffice for your silence?

As frightened as I am, I am also relieved. Anything is better than remaining with Harker and this woman seems nice, even in her conniving ways and I was right about Julian. Harker confirmed he was of light...but...I..I do not want to leave my mother. I am trying not to cry as I tell them so, but I fail.

But I...I...my mother...Mama, I..I don't want to leave you alone or even at all.

She is laughing. She does not even seem to care. She is cruel like Harker.

Ew. Do not call me that! Children should be seen and not heard, remember? And I will not be alone. I have my new love Harker to keep me company in every way. You will only put a damper on our fun with your whining.

Caroline steps beside me and holds my hand. I..I smell chamomile, like sweet apples laced with red clover flowers. I hear a man's angelic voice behind us, a British accent.

Do not listen dear child. A mother does not always know best.

His hair is long, golden and tied back. His attire is all black and made of satin. His eyes are kind and match the blue of the sky and they are locked into my mothers. He is clearly displeased with her.

Hello Harker. I wish I could say it is a pleasure. This?... is my new sister-in-law that I knew nothing of? Howww promiscuous....and fitting of your lewd and lascivious taste.

Now Jules. Are you playing pot and kettle? Your choice in women seems quite indistinguishable from what I can see. How about we play a different game instead? Jemma, will you do the honors for my insolent brother? Heads, I take your wife and mine to bed this night as you watch. Tails, you do and I watch.

She is doing it again. Revealing herself. She pulls down her vest and pulls a silver coin out of her bra, then waves it around at him in a teasing manner.

Caroline is fuming. She swipes it from her hand, calls her a gypsy whore and throws it at her chest. My mother laughs and goes back to Harker's side. Julian picks up the coin and looks at it. He is amused.

A two headed coin. Never trust a warlock that owns a pair of magic money bosoms. Cheating will still never give you access to my wife, as if anything ever would. You wouldn't want to end up like Jareth did, would you? For the book is lost to bring you back. And Jemma darling, your gilet is rather small. Borrowing your daughter's attire?

Harker is smirking but I can see he is intimidated. Julian surely seems very powerful like Harker described. He is so confident and far from subtle. He is making my stomach flutter, even more so than Lord Narcisse does.

Judging by your silence, it would seem we have an understanding and the situation with the girl is now resolved. Welcome young Josselyn. You will be a great aid in our gallivanting travels. Caroline can use the extra hand with her trinket trades and sales and you will blend in well, as it seems you are already accustomed to the gypsy ways. She can teach you many things that you will need to learn with your newfound magic.

H..how did...you know my name?

I know many things young one, if they are not hidden from my... sight. Harker, just why is it that you are even in possession of these two ladies? They are highly out of your league of extraordinary gentlemen, if that is what one would even call them as they are far from gentle. Bellamey is a mime dressed as a clown and rips chickens heads off with his mouth to drink their blood. Toones is a back alley card shark that has been banned from all the gambling establishments, for under his attire, he conceals a sickly third arm and small hand protruding from his chest that he cheats with. Carl is not even a man but has tits and a cunt under the hat, suit, tie and 80's blue eyeshadow. The list of freaks is too long to continue. A world of wonders indeed or maybe a clockwork orange would be more suffice? It is understandable as to why Stephane saves your shows for the late night phobophile folk like yourself. It is certainly no place for a young girl to be shaped by.

Ahh Jules, that's quite the painted portrait. Always the frank farceur that loves to mock me and my family, which is the only F word they are to be called. If you truly must know, it is exactly as you have just said. I'm simply growing bored of repetition and would like to bring something extra to my funfairs. A horse of a different color per se. Some gypsy crafts, magic performances and readings would highly impress my regulars and even knew attendees. But, I suppose I can make do with just the one, beings she is more... experienced. I can see we are done here. Enjoy your time away Josselyn, for time is short.

Harker and my mother are walking away. I am sobbing and calling to her but she won't even look back at me. I try to run to her but Julian pulls me in his arms and cradles me.

Hush now child. It is for the best that you come with us. Caroline, dear, it is time to go. You have some explaining to do once we depart.

They are saying their goodbyes to Lord Narcisse. He is confused as to why they are leaving so soon and... with me. He apologizes for being so distracted by Catherine and tries to persuade them to stay longer. Julian is telling him the same he said to me, that it is for the best if they go now and to keep his eye on Harker. Narcisse assures him that he always does and he will see him soon.

Julian is helping his people pack up the wagons and trailers. Caroline quietly tells me that she and I are the only ones who know the truth and it must stay that way because of the deal she made with Harker or he will come and take me back if his dealings with Ravenna are exposed.

Night has fallen and I am not sure where we are but I know it is far away from Dorwinion. I have cried over my mother the entire ride in the small bedroom I was given. The trailer stops and the door opens and closes. I..I hear Julian and Caroline arguing outside, but their voices are too soft to make out what they are saying. I look out the window with one eye. I see Julian. His back is to me. He is relieving himself by a tree. Caroline is drinking and smoking something. She's pacing. I can hear them better now. He is angry and wants to know what she is hiding from him.

Tell me Carrie darling, why do I smell the wicked Ravenna on that child?? Did you think I would not notice such a stench? Did you also think I would buy Harker's farce of a story? He has clearly conditioned Jemma into a jezebel, for Josselyn would not be so upset to leave her if her mother was evil and had never cared about her. What are you all hiding from me? What say you woman??

Oh Julian darling. I am hiding nothing. I could smell her too so I asked. I know nothing more than you except that Harker and Ravenna have some arrangement that he would not disclose. I was worried for the girl so I simply asked him to let us take her since she is a child.

And my wicked brother simply just let you take her? What kind of fool do you take me for? Harker does not just give away what he believes to be his. Now tell me the truth woman!

Now Caroline is angry. She glares and swears at him.

This is bullshit. Why can you not ever let anything go Julian? We have the girl and she is safe!

She walks away from him but he grabs her arm and yanks her against him.

Because when Harker is involved, it is never good, which you already know that and now you have involved us in his dirty dealings. Now tell me!

If I tell you, can I have some of this?

She is grabbing between his legs. I...I cannot watch...I should not watch...but I cannot stop myself. I am too curious.

Tell me and I will fuck you till dawn.

He is placing his hand over hers and helping her massage him.

Mmmm. Well, all I know is that the child has somehow stolen some of Ravenna's magic and she wants something back for it. A child...a child of her own. Jareth refuses to give her one after what she did with Jasper. Soooo...whenever Josselyn has a child, Harker is to give it to her. He did not tell me this. My intuition just knows it.

My chest is tightening. I cannot breathe. Never. Never will I have a child! I will not let a part of me die for that witch's wrinkles!

My thoughts are distracted by more of their words. Julian is telling Caroline she would be happier if she had a child of her own and he does not understand why she has not become pregnant with all of their love making. She tells him they just need to keep trying and to take her now. She says the summer solstice holds magic in it's long night and it may help because she feels she is ...ovulating? I do not know what that means.

He spins her around and lifts her dress. He pulls his pants down. My eyes!! I..I have never seen that part of a man before! His hips jerk against her and she cries out in...."

Haldir swiftly reroutes her story, for it was making him extremely uncomfortable considering Josselyn's memories were that of a 14 year old girl, not to mention, it brought back horrible memories for himself of what Caroline did to him at Lestat's.

"I would like you to end this memory. Continue your future travels with Julian and Caroline."

"It has been 3 years and trouble free. I am 17 now, almost 18 and I am happy. Caroline and Julian are good to me. Caroline has taught me so much. I have learned about tarot cards like my mother used to do. We make lots of crafts and jewelry out of crystals and sell them at our funfairs. I must have been to every corner of middle earth but we stayed far away Ravenna's realm. We have not seen her, Harker or my mother since the day we left Dorwinion. I miss her.

It is the summer solstice again. I'm excited because Julian says there will be a solar eclipse. I walk out of my bedroom when I notice the trailer stopping. I see Julian go outside but Caroline is sitting in the dark at the table, meditating with a crystal in each hand. She looks sad and anxious. I sit with her and ask her where we are. She tells me we are near Lake Town and will be having a camp party and that I should go get ready. She says I am plenty old enough now. The same age she was when we met. I ask her what is wrong. She says it's nothing I would understand and that she just wants to get drunk and forget everything for the night. I leave her alone and do as she asked me.

The forest party goes on late into the night. There's music and many inebriated people, all dancing around, including Julian and Caroline.

I'm sitting by myself around the fire, sipping Dorwinion wine. It is sweet and very strong. My hearing is strangely sensitive and keen. Even with all the noise, I can still hear close by conversations. I'm watching Caroline and Julian dance together. Sometimes I wish I was her. I wish I could dance with him like I have in my dreams.

People are coming to sit by the fire. They are very intoxicated and telling stories. Something about a formidable King of the Woodland realm and Silvan elves. An Elvenking they call him that rules Mirkwood not far from here. He carries twin swords and rides a great elk. I remember Thomas telling me of him. The way they speak of him scares me. I feel the hair on my neck raise when they say his name. King Thranduil. They see I am afraid and laugh at me. Julian is not pleased with them and intervenes. He explains and assures me that this King will be of no threat to us as long as we do not cross his borders. I feel better. Now he...he is asking me to dance!! My stomach flutters intensely. I tell him I would be honored, then smile and take his hand.

I feel drunk against his body but it is not from the wine. I am shaking.

Child, why do you tremble?

It upsets me that he still calls me a child.

I...I am not a child anymore. I am a woman now and I have a name. You were married to Caroline when she was my age.

He is laughing and smiling. My mistake. Old habit I suppose. Forgive me. Of course you are a woman...Josselyn.

I apologize for being rude. I ask him where Caroline is. He says she is entertaining with her tarot cards. We finish the dance and he sits with me by the fire. We talk and laugh for a very long time. He tells me he has a surprise for me when we leave tomorrow. He laughs and says he must go now and make sure Caroline has not fallen down a hole somewhere. He says she does not handle the liquid spirits very well. He strokes my cheek and leaves. I am alone again and bored. I go to watch the eclipse. Caroline said we have the power to look at it.

Some time has passed and so has the eclipse. I need to pee. I'm walking through the forest. I hear moaning. I see Julian and Caroline kissing against a tree. I hide so they do not think I am spying on them. I can hear them. He asks her why she changed her dress. She says she spilled wine all over herself. They are quiet. I peek around the tree and...they are...they are having sex. I cannot watch. I sneak away. It starts to rain really hard. I am happy so no one will see my tears. I wish it was me with Julian. I...I love him.

I run into the trailer and...I cannot believe my eyes!! I see Caroline!! She's smoking, drunk and...and wearing the dress she wore earlier, the one she just told Julian only minutes ago that she spilled wine on??

Joss? What's wrong dear? You look like you've seen a ghost.

I...I don't under...how...how did you get here so fast and...your dress...you were just wearing a different one because you told Julian you spilled wine on this one.

What ever do you mean? I have been wearing this dress all night and I have not seen Julian in awhile, so I have been in here waiting for him since I knew it was going to rain. I can always sense it.

But I...I just saw you with him...in the forest. I..I swear I did not mean to see. I..I just needed to go to the bathroom and...

See...what??? How much wine have you had?

You..you and he were...well...you...you know...what men and women....do....in the bedroom.

She is silent and staring at me. The door opens. Julian walks in soaking wet. He is silent too and extremely stunned to see Caroline. Something is happening. They both seem to know, but I do not. Caroline is shaking and very angry. Her anger is making the trailer shake too. Julian tells her she is scaring me. It is true. I am scared. I have never seen her so enraged.

That BITCH!! Where is Cassie Julian??!!! I smell her all over you!!! How could you not know it was not me?????!!!!!! I smell of honey. She smells of cherries!!!

Julian seems disoriented and stumbles to the chaise longue.

But she did smell of honey.

You bewitched fool!!

Caroline storms out the door. I tend to Julian. I ask him what has happened. Who is Cassie? He whispers to me before he falls asleep.

One of Caroline's many sisters. Her twin.

I did not know she had any sisters, let alone a twin. She never spoke of them.

Julian is fast asleep. I caress his soft cheek. I...I kiss his supple lips and confess my love for him, then I go to look for Caroline. I am worried.

It is pouring and foggy. It is so dark, but my eyes can strangely see very well. I hear voices. Angry voices that sound like the same person. I...I see them in a clearing, but I stay hidden behind a tree. I have to blink many times, for if it were not for their clothes, I would not know which one is Caroline. They are identical.

You will pay for this Cassandra! He is MY husband!

I have already unfairly suffered by you because of your unjustified jealousy. But no more! It is your turn to suffer sister! You took from me and now I have taken from you.

Unjustified?? I am the 7th born daughter. I am the one who is supposed to have children, not you!

Oh but you are so wrong. I am the 7th born. Father told me the truth of how our places were mixed up right after mother gave birth. He figured it out recently because of my powers. I am a weaver like mother. The most powerful of witches. It is not my fault that I can conceive and you cannot! You terminated all of my pregnancies with your black magic! SIX of them! All girls! Goran left me because of you! He said an unbearing wife was useless to him! But a 7th daughter I will have and it will be by a 7th son! There is no magic that will undo it! It has been written in the eclipse of the solstice. You should know the consequences of using black magic Carrie. By the power of 3 times 3, so mote it be you baby stealing bitch!

Viktor is a liar!! YOU'RE a liar!! I should have just killed you. I will kill you now. You cannot have a child, especially Julian's child if you are dead!!!

Caroline sends a bolt of electricity at her sister. Cassandra is quick and smacks it away. She is hysterically laughing at Caroline.

Oh sister. Your power is no match for mine. You know nothing of my capabilities and quite frankly, neither did I until recently...and guess what Carrie darling? I've been practicing!

Cassandra raises her hands to the sky and she screams. It's deafening. Caroline and I both cover our ears and drop to our knees. The rain pierces down like nails. I have to now cover my head. There's lightning bolts. The wind rages and howls. It is hard to see but I can definitely see what's forming in the sky. It's a tornado!!!

I'm now clutching the tree to stay grounded as my legs are trying to be sucked into the air. Cassandra's hair and dress whips about, but she stands firm against the wind. Caroline has nothing but the earth to cling to. Lightning bolts pummel the ground around her. She's screaming. She gets up to run but the wind lifts her. She is thrown against a tree, face first. The same tree she threw Cassandra against. Cassandra begins to chant. I recognize the words. It is a nursery rhyme. The itsy bitsy spider. Any power I have is useless to fend her sister off but I must do something. I pull myself to the front of the tree where Cassandra can see me. I scream as loud as I can for her to leave Caroline alone. She hears me.

The very moment she whips her head in my direction, the storm stops. All is still and silent. Cassandra gasps and runs away when our eyes connect. I run to Caroline. She is dirty and bloody. I help her to her feet and we embrace.

She says I cannot tell Julian or anyone what I heard. She says I must help her with a future plan to take care of Cassie. Although I don't like what she did to Cassandra, I tell her I will help because I feel responsible for what happened because I told what I saw. She tells me only Cassie and Julian are to blame and that we have to leave now. The spiders will soon come from the dark forest of Mirkwood. There will be too many to fight off, even with magic.

Everyone is packed up. It is the twilight hours before sunrise. Julian is still in a deep sleep. We cannot wake him. Caroline says he'll be fine. He is high on Belladonna. She jokes he should have been given a lethal dose. I am worried for him. Caroline blames him just as she does Cassandra. I am conflicted. I love them both but I don't want her to hurt him. After her comment and with what she has done to her own sister, I believe now that she would.

Caroline and I are heading to the trailer. I hear something and stop. A rustling sound in the forest. In the distance, I hear a woman singing. Caroline hears it too. It's that nursery rhyme again.

The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

Caroline shouts for everyone to go now!!

We don't make it inside. At least a dozen spiders as big as our trailers emerge from the trees. They barricade the path and surround us. I hide with Caroline under the trailer. The armed drivers protect the horses while the rest of our men fight to protect us and their own. Some of them are warlocks with powers. They have set some on fire.

The spiders become distracted. Someone...or something is here. What is that in the trees???!! They are attacking the spiders with bows and swords. I soon realize they are elves. 4 of them, but two stand out to me. A male with long light hair, a female with red. I have never seen one before. They are not much different from us, just their attire and ears. They move with such grace and agility. The light haired one is swinging down a spider's own line of silk. He lands on the spider and slides down a hill on top of it as if it were a sled. He pulls a knife from behind his back and kills it, then he has his bow ready to kill another before they even stop sliding.

In merely minutes, all the remaining spiders are dead. Two of the elves are speaking with our men. It does not appear any are injured. The other two of light and red hair are speaking to one another. I cannot understand their language.

Caroline crawls out to speak with them. I am still too scared and stay beneath the trailer. She seems to know who they are. She calls the redhead Tauriel and the blonde one Prince Legolas. Caroline thanks them and asks why they have come. She swears to them that we had not crossed their borders. Legolas speaks to her in English. His voice is deep. He tells her they were alerted by the unnatural storm. They had also heard the summoning of the spiders. It is too close to their borders and the spiders are already a nuisance to their realm. Caroline thanks them again for their help and mentions how his notorious father would not have. Legolas clarifies that he is not his father but that we must go now, for his father will not be so kind to our kind. He believes us perpetually nefarious without exception and will hold us responsible for the too near invasion. He informs that more spiders will come to claim their dead. He says they will stay and rid of them.

Legolas turns to walk away. He sees me!! He raises a curious brow at me. I'm shaking like a leaf. He smells of leaves. Minty ones. His eyes are like no other color. They remind me of moonstones. I nervously smile at him. He does not smile and walks away.

We are now on our way. I ask where we are going now. Caroline says we are going to a friend's cabin. It is far North of the Grey mountains on remote land and it will be a very long journey. Weeks, maybe longer with resting nights and frequent stops for the horses to eat, drink and rest. I have never been past the Northern mountains.

I have forgotten what day it is. All I can focus on is the tension and silence between Julian and Caroline. They have not slept in the same room. Caroline...she's changing. She's bitter and cold...even to me sometimes. She drinks and smokes a lot more. I used to hear her cry herself to sleep, but not anymore. It is like she has went numb. The way she looks at Julian now makes my skin crawl. I try to remain helpful but at the same time, stay out of her way. I do not want her as an enemy.

We have arrived at. It is dark and late. it is very remote like Caroline said. All I see is open land and miles of forestry. The cabin is glowing with candlelight from every window. The other travelers head near the forest to set up their camps and we go inside the cabin. The table is full of food and drink. The fireplace is lit for something that is cooking in a large black kettle. It smells like stew. That is not all I smell. I...I smell...old spice. It...it can't be. I spin around and look at Julian. He is smiling his big beautiful smile.

I found something for you. Surprise Josselyn.

I spin back around and see my grandfather magically standing at the table. He...he looks so different. His clothes are different. He wears a robe. He is so thin. He has cut his long hair to shoulder length. he reminds me of a wizard.

Grandfather?? How...wh...where have you been for the past 3 years?

He grins at me. Where else? Looking for you my child. Welcome home.

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