It feels surreal, only yesterday we were awoken, ready to leave this place and our brother forever, now here we stand in preparation for our reunion celebration. I suppose that life can be strange like that
The house is cluttered with people, their everywhere, stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers amongst those decorating the mansion; frankly I'm getting quite claustrophobic. Now I stand in a room with my siblings as we begin to be pampered, a woman comes over to me with a roll of gold fabric and I shake my head, moving over to the screen to try on the new gown laid out for me, the forth one this morning, it is lovely, a deep red with dusted diamonds and a cloud like skirt. I frown at my refection and shake my head, coming to show the others "I just feel very… exposed"
"Yes, well compared to the fashions of today you seem downright catholic. That is such a nice color on you Verity" Rebekah smiles at me over her shoulder
Feeling left out Kol smirks "Rebekah? Tell me how handsome I am."
"Ah Kol, you know I can`t be compelled." She replies with a bittersweet smile
Finn grins as the door opens, I can already see the squabble about to start "You went after Elena? What is wrong with you?!"
I shake my head as Kol intervenes and turn to the mirror once more, Elijah coming to my side "hum, you do look exquisite sister… however…"
He picks up a roll of red lace and raps a strand around my arm, calling over the seamstress "yes, it needs sleeves, three quarter off the shoulder and some diamond detail in the ruffles. Thank you"
The woman takes the roll of lace as my brother lovingly takes my shoulders "now, it's perfect"
"Enough! Niklaus...come." my mother's voice interrupts the background bickering
I turn to them as Klaus and Ester leave the room "Kol, why must you aggravate him?"
With that cocky smile he shrugs "he makes it far too easy"
I simply shake my head as Rebekah stands "never mind them, Verity how about you and I tour the town, I have a few invitations to hand out and we can stop for a bit of lunch, some shopping, a real girl's day"
At her hopeful face I smile "that sounds delightful sister, just allow me to change"
An hour later we stand in a little boutique and I twirl in the mirror, swallowing hard "Beka, I don't think this really to my taste"
"Nonsense you look fabulous" she says moving my hands that keep crossing to cover my chest
I look down and shake my head at the bright pink tube dress "Rebekah I can't wear this, I've had undergarments with more layers than this!"
With her hands on her hips she sighs to me "Verity trust me, you little sister is never wrong. All the boys in town will be in you palm"
I look her in the eye "I don't think it's my palm they'll be after. Beka I can't, this isn't me, if I must dress as a modern woman at least let me have my say in it"
Throwing her head back in frustration she gasps "fine, if you have to then go on… I think I'll get that dress if you're so ungrateful"
Taking a step to her I take her hands in my own "sister, this is the dress of a striver, and you are far too beautiful to strive this far"
She graces me with a small smile then asks "even in purple?"
We laugh as I move away to the racks to find something more me, in this modern age.
A few hours later we emerge from the last of the stores with bag filled hands, I had left the family home in some of Rebekah's things, but now leave in something I feel far more at ease with, a pale pink off shoulder jumper with white pearl beads, ripped jeans and ballerina shoes, much better than to tarty dress my sister chose.
Once we arrive at the place we are to dine, the Grill, we rest in a booth, relief sighs from me "oh my, I'm famished"
Waving me off and handing me a menu the blonde before me shrugs "you'll be fine once you have something to eat. I recommend the beacon cheese burger"
I look over the menu but when I glance up I see my sister looking across the room and turn to find a boy cleaning tables "well I see why you wanted to come here, what's his name?"
I see the smile rises to her cheeks as she answers "Matt, and I'm going to invite him to the ball, why don't you go and place our order, I'll have a coke"
We both stand and I walk over casually, turning back to see my sister my breath catches in my throat "my god…"
Because there at the table Rebekah was scowling at was a face I had once known so well "Tatia?"
I watch as my sister speaks to the two girls as realization sets in, the doppelganger, I shake my head and turn back to the bar with a timid smile "two bacon cheeseburgers and two cokes please"
Handing over the money I glance over my shoulder at the doppelganger, Ellen was it? A shiver runs up my spine as I collect my change and drinks. Walking back over to the booth where Rebekah already is "sister… what is your grievance with the doppelganger and her friend?"
Sipping her drink she glares over to the pair "Caroline I don't really mind, but Elena… she daggered me, in the back to I might add; Coward!"
I nod in understanding, looking back to them before smiling "so, tell me more about this Matthew then!"
When we later return home to prefer for the night to come I walk into the study, only for it to become silent at my presence, mother and Finn both looking at me for a moment before she smiles "Verity, darling what can I do for you?"
Taking a step inside I state "I was hoping I could speak to you"
Seeming to take the hint Finn nods "well I shall leave you ladies to your business"
As he leaves the room I can't help but notice their exchange of glance, but as the doors close she smiles "so, Verity, what seems to be the matter?"
"I want to send a message… and I need magic to do so" I ask and she nods in understanding
Giving a heavy sigh she goes to the table and sits comfortably "come, write your message"
Grabbing the pen and paper I write down the note, folding it I hand it over to the witch, she holds it in her hands and begins the spell with an ancient tongue, the paper becomes magically scorched before it vanishes from sight. Smiling my mother says "and it is done, now my dear go get ready for this evening, it's a big night"
I feel a weight lift as I nod "yes, thank you mother"
I walk out of the room then, a smile firm on my face, however unbeknownst to me after I have left the woman alone she goes to the desk and opens the far draw, she pulls out a singed piece of paper and unfolds it to read
'Come Home, I'll be waiting'
She looks to the door before turning to throw my note onto the roaring fire "I'm sorry Verity"
I sit with the hairdresser, my curled chocolate locks are perfection with a diamond and ruby brooch pinning it to the far left side, matching my necklace and earrings, while I cough to death on the damned hairspray.
"Sister, my Elijah was right, much prettier with the lace" I turn to Finn and smile, standing to slip on my shoes
"Thank you Finn, you look quite dashing yourself" I walk over to him then, fixing his bow tie
"Guests are starting to arrive, mother wants everyone down stairs" I can't help but notice his sad tone
I look him in the eye and ask "Finn…is everything alright? You seem troubled"
"All is well Verity, you worry too much" I watch him walk away with a curious eye, something wasn't right here, Finn always was a terrible liar
Elijah rounds the corner then and offers his arm to me "you look stunning, shall we?"
I take his arm as we descend down the stairs, surrounded by my family, one of the servers rising to offer us Champagne that we take "Uh, if everyone could gather, please. Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."
I take my brothers arm and as pass off the Champagne as I dance with my brother, but I can't help notice my mother's absence "he'll be alright"
"Excuse me?" I ask my brother with a confused tone
He smiles as we spin and explains "I know you're worried about him, but he's a grown man. He will find his way back to you"
I small smile comes to my lips as I laugh "yes, but I'll still feel much better when he returns home"
I catch his reminiscent smile as he says "oh Verity, still as overprotective as ever"
I push off him with a laugh and carry on to my next partner, whose gaze never leaves the doppelganger and her companion, at his brooding expression I smile "you must be Stefan Salvatore, I'm Verity"
He looks at me for a moment, tearing his gaze from the other pair, he just nods, looks at me as if to asses me then the partners switch again and he is with the girl of his affections. The dance ends with me in Klaus's arms, he smiles at me "are you having a good time?"
I look him in the eye and shrug "after three-hundred years in a box I think I've gotten a little rusty"
I see a flicker of guilt cross his face before he smiles, gripping me around the waste and spinning me as he speaks "nonsense, you have the grace of an angel"
As the music I dies I look into his eyes and shake my head "same old Klaus, flattering and charming… I sometimes wonder what became of Niklaus; that nervous boy who was so playful and loving"
His head falls before turning firm "he grew up…"
Sighing in defeat I walk away, feeling his gaze follow me as I grab a glass of Champagne and head outside. I sit on the stone bench and sip at the soothing liquid "hey, your Rebekah's sister right?"
I turn and see a blonde boy, smiling I stand "Yes, Verity and you are Matthew"
Hand brushing his neck he shrugs "just Matt. So are you having fun?"
Shrugging I answer "it's alright I suppose, I've been to better"
"Oh yeah? I guess that's one of the perks of being hundreds of years old" he asks with raised brows and a smile
We take a seat on the bench as I smile "oh yes, the count's birthday ball in Venice, 1512 the princesses masquerade in 1356… the list is endless"
Looking at me impressed he nods "wow, you've really done a lot"
"Matthew, a wise man once told me that 'when your immortal the only thing you can to is live' what about you are you having fun?" I smile to him then as he nods
"Yeah, I'd be having a better time if Mrs. Lockwood would give me my date back" he laughs and I laugh with him, I liked this boy, he was genuine and sweet
"Matt?" we turn and stand then as Rebekah nears, she flashes a smile to the boy
Looking between them I smile "well I shall leave you be, Matthew take care of my sister now won't you?"
Smiling at me he nods and salutes "yes mam"
I give my sisters hand a light squeeze before leaving them to their business. Walking inside I see her, the girl who wears my old friends face coming from my mother's study and call out "Elena?"
She turns to me and I swallow hard, the resemblance is unnerving "can I help you?"
I smile to her and think back to all I have heard, a sorrowful smile breaks upon my face "we haven't been formally introduced; I'm Verity Mikaelson and I… well…"
She observes me with a curious gaze, a hint of fear in her eyes "I'm sorry, Elena"
Her brow frowns in confusion "what for?"
Swallowing my family's pride I take her hands, making the girl flinch back "my family has caused you so much pain, so much heartache and I'm sorry. We have lived so long we sometimes forget mortals are people, not pawns."
She looks from my hands gripping hers, to my face "um…it's alright, I understand"
I smile then and embrace the girl, for a moment forgetting she wouldn't expect it, she's not Tatia. Hesitantly she returns the hug before I pull away and smile "thank you Elena, I do hope we will be grate friends as your ancestor and I were"
Her eyes widen "you mean the original doppelganger?"
Nodding I answer "Tatia, yes. One day I will tell you all about her, but tonight is about the future, not the past."
"Elena…and Verity, making friends already are you sister?" I look to Elijah as he approaches us
At his smile and Elena's awkward stare I nod "I hope so, now if you'll excuse me I believe there is a party to attend"
I walk over to Rebekah and Matthew as mother climbs the stairs and pink Champagne is handed out "Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" we all declare while clinking our glasses and taking a long sip from the glass
The four glasses of bubbly seem to have hit me suddenly, a daze coming to my mind "my, I'm not used to all this alcohol, excuse me"
I walk away from the dizzying crowd and down to a quite hall catching my breath, I've never been much of a drinker, just then I hear voices from the adjoining room
"Wait a second. Did- did you do these?"
I walk closer to hear my brothers answer "Yeah, um... actually one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage, not that anyone would notice. Have you been?"
A girls voice answers in regret "I've never really been anywhere."
"I'll take you. Wherever you want Rome. Paris. Tokyo?" I shake my head then, my brother charming his way in again
I hear them both laugh, about to walk away when I hear "Oh wow. Must be really nice to just snap your fingers and get whatever you want. Is that why you collect hybrids? A little servant army to take you places and bring you things"
I can't fight the shocked smile at the young vampire's words "You're making assumptions."
I listen intently as this girl stands up to Klaus, something few have braved and fewer survived "Then why do you need Tyler? Stop controlling him. Give him his life back.
"You know, this has been a fun evening, but I think it's time for you to leave." He tries to dismiss the situation, this confuses me, why would he stand there and allow this child to speak to him in such a manor? He has killed many for much less
I now stand just out of sight at the entry way as I listen to her confront him, her tone soft but firm "I get it. Your father didn't love you, so you assume that no one else will either. And that's why you compel people or you sire them or you try to buy them off."
At the small clatter of diamond falling she carries on "But that's not how it works. You don't connect with people, because you don't even try to understand them."
As she storms from the room I look after her, such fire in one so young, I then turn to peer into the room, my heart softens at the sight before me, because there was the broken boy I once knew, his eyes drained of the cruelty that had grown over the cold centuries now filled with sorrow and rejection. I swallow hard at the words Caroline had spoken, this girl who seemed to understand him so easily and I find myself not looking at the monster I have come to despise, but the brother I had loved, I walk away with a hand over my quivering lips and gasp "oh Nik…"
Because for the first time in a thousand years, like Pandora's Box, I find myself with hope, hope that he can be saved, that I could get my brother back.
I find myself laughing brushing a stray tear from my cheek, regaining my composure I walk towards the staircase, only to see Kol fighting with a man, going over the edge of the balcony, the blonde boy gripping his hand in absolute pain "Matthew…"
I run to his side, taking his hand in my own "what happened?"
"Your nut-job brother crushed my hand" he growls with anger and pain
His eyes widen as my face shifts, my blade like fang cutting into my palm "here, this shall heal you"
He shakes his head "no, I don't want it…" then stands, cradling his arm and walking away
I find myself looking after him with a sour heart, but as I look beyond the boy and to the ground below I find my brothers unconscious form laid out on the ground. Anger fills me then as people start to leave, Finn picking up Kol to put in the safety of his room as I descend the stairs. So much for peace!
When Kol awakens he find himself in his room, rubbing at his sore neck "look who finally graced us with his presence"
He looks over to me then, seated in the chair in the far corner as he stands "what happened to the party?"
I shrug and glare "well after your little incident, it didn't seem appropriate"
His smirk climbs on his sly face "well at least the night ended on a bang"
Without warning I am across the room, my hand firm around his wheezing throat "Verity, wha…"
"You despicable, disgusting, little Cretan, Did you enjoy that display, was that entertaining to you?" I seethe in my brother's face
He grips my hand, trying to pull it away with a look of confusion "Verity, please…"
I tighten my grip so he can't disrespect me with his false apology "now, you listen to me. This is our home and you will treat it with some respect."
I let him go as he gasps for air, sliding down the wall "it's been a thousand years brother, time to grow up!"
I leave him then, I was angry, this is supposed to be our fresh start and nothing's changed… or so I had thought.
I return to bed that night watching the stars, falling to a slumber with one person in my mind, one I thought was coming back to me, unaware that my own mother was trying to kill us all
Meanwhile across town after Rebekah and Damon leave the local waterhole a lean man walks into the grill, taking a seat at the bar, his black hair untamed and stubble on his sunken cheeks, burning blue eyes filled with empty rage as his nibble fingers play with the black stone hanging from his neck.
Sipping at the scotch he ordered he groans as a figure comes behind him "Hello Drewden"
