Chapter 9 – Plans Can Change

Elena woke happier than she had in days and she was not going to let herself worry about the reasons why. She was excited for the dinner tonight and with James there it would be like they were all truly a family. She got dressed slowly, lost in her thoughts, and wishing she knew how to speed up time.

As she entered the dining room she noticed her brother was slowly eating a piece of bread, his head resting in the palm of his hand. She let out a small giggle before joining him at the table, "You look young and refreshed this morning."

James managed to glare at her before letting out a groan, "Don't ever let me drink that much again."

Elena laughed as she grabbed a piece of bread from the plate on the table, "That is something for you to discuss with your friends, or your intended." James shook his head at her before returning to his light breakfast, and she added, "Elijah invited us over for dinner this evening."

James raised his eyebrows but didn't look up from his breakfast, "I guess it is a good thing I hadn't made plans for this evening."

Elena smiled at her brother before grabbing a knife to spread some jam on her bread before one of the maids brought out a plate with eggs and some bacon, "Thank you Jenny."

"You're welcome Miss Elena." The young girl responded before disappearing back into the kitchen.

"Are you giving Elijah a chance then Elena?" James asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Yes, I am." Elena responded confidently.

James gave her a small smile, "I know I was barely awake last night on the porch but I meant what I said to him. If he hurts you he will regret it."

"I love you James." Elena responded, thankful that there was someone in her life that cared so much for her.

James nodded, he was never one to take such open declarations of emotion so well. A knock on the front door echoed through the house breaking the sibling moment.

Elena looked toward the front to the house, "Who do you think would calling at this hour? It is barely mid-morning."

James shrugged as took a final bite of his breakfast.

Jenny returned to the dining room, a letter in her hand, she took a look at James and his stuffed face before handing the letter to Elena, "This just arrived for the two of you m'lady."

"Thank you." Elena told her as she took the letter, her father's familiar handwriting staring at her. She did not want to open the envelope, she knew if a letter was arriving at this time of day it could only mean bad news.

James held out his hand, "I'll open it."

Elena shook her head, and broke the seal. The letter was short but it was clear and Elena read it aloud for her brother, "My dearest children. I am sorry to say that your grandfather's health is worsening more with each passing hour. The physicians do not think he was much time left. You should come at once to say your goodbyes. Love, Your Father."

James sighed and nodded his head, "I'll go have the hands get the carriage ready. Why don't you start packing. We will stop by the Mikaelson's on the way to inform them we will have to miss dinner."

Elena could do nothing but look at the paper and nod. She wasn't sure she was ready to lose someone else in her life, even if she was not as close to her grandfather as she sometimes wished she was.

"Are you nervous about your afternoon with Stefan?" Caroline asked, moving her knight to take one of her sister's pawns.

Rebekah shrugged as she kept her eyes on the board, "No, it is just for tea."

Caroline smirked, "But do you want it to be just tea?"

Rebekah carefully moved her bishop before answering, "I have enjoyed his company so far. Hopefully this new encounter will give me a clear idea for going forward."

"I certainly hope so, you deserve some happiness. You have not been serious with a man since…." Caroline mentioned as she watched her sister watch the board.

"Please don't mention him. He betrayed us and now he is dead, there is no reason to bring up his painful memory." Rebekah cut her off and looked from Caroline to the board with a pointed look.

"Alright, back to Stefan then." Caroline responded and moved her queen, "What are your intentions?"

"Shouldn't that be my line to Stefan?" Kol asked as he waltzed into room and sat on the long couch that was nearby the two women.

Caroline looked over to her brother-in-law, "You tend to scare off the nice young men Bekah tries to court, you can stay out of this engagement."

Kol held up his hands in surrender and leaned back without saying another word.

"I have not decided those intentions yet, ask me later." Rebekah replied with a smirk of her own and she moved her knight to take one of Caroline's bishops. She was sure she was going to beat Caroline for the first time in nearly two centuries.

Kol sighed from his place on the couch, not interested in his sisters' conversation and asked, "Can you please tell me about this Elena girl?"

Caroline raised her eyebrows while she took another of Rebekah's pawns. Rebekah responded to her brother, "I could have sworn Elijah mentioned you weren't going to interfere."

"I'm not, but that doesn't mean I can't be curious. Tell me about her." Kol replied and swung his legs so he was sitting facing them.

"She is very kind, warm, understanding, and I believe stronger than she thinks. There is light about her, an innocence. She makes Elijah happy." Caroline told him as she moved a rook, "Are you okay with all of that?"

Kol rolled his eyes, "Why does everyone assume that just because my love life sucks that I want everyone to join in my misery?"

"Because that has been your attitude on the subject our entire lives." Rebekah reminded him before she moved her bishop to take Caroline's pawn.

"That is not true I have never attempted to do anything to Care and Nik's relationship." Kol rebuffed crossing his arms defensively as he leaned back.

Caroline let out a laugh as she studied her next move, "Please! You hit on me every chance you got after my wedding to Nik."

Kol tried to bite back a smile before he said, "What did you expect? You are a beautiful woman." He then let out a laugh, "We all know I did it more to irritate Nik than anything else."

Caroline rolled her eyes, a smile on her face as she moved her queen, "Check mate."

Rebekah looked from Kol to the board in one quick motion and quickly studied the board. She frowned and with a huff said, "Damn, I could have sworn I had you that time."

"Better luck next time little sister, try getting her tossed like you did that one time in Vienna." Kol commented from his couch and smiled as he caught the bishop right before it went into his eye. He turned it over in his hand and looked to Caroline, "Why do we put up with such violent behavior?"

"I'll show you violent behavior." Rebekah threatened as she made to get up but Caroline stalled her.

"We have company coming over later. Can we not destroy the house before we do?" Caroline asked, looking first at Rebekah before glancing to Kol.

Kol held up his hands, "I surrender, but only because Care asked nicely."

"Fine." Rebekah answered through tight lips as she sat back down her glare never leaving her brother.

"One day Caroline won't here to protect you little brother." Klaus commented as he walked into the room, slipping a riding jacket on as he did.

"Your wife is something special Nik but I think I can handle Bekah all on my own." Kol replied winking at his little sister.

"I know where Nik hid the daggers, don't be so sure you can 'handle me'." Rebekah mocked and added in a wink of her own.

Kol's eyes went large at the threat and he looked at his brother, "I thought you had those destroyed?"

Nik sighed, "I can't find a witch powerful enough to do so, I have tried." He then looked at Rebekah and narrowed his eyes, "You can't possibly know where I hid them."

Rebekah smirked, and leaned back in her chair, "I know all your hiding spots Nik."

Caroline starting laughing and the other's in the room all turned to look at her.

Klaus smiled and asked, "What is so funny love?"

"I just missed us all being together like this, true family love." She answered, smiling at all of them briefly before she fell into another fit of laughs.

It was contagious and the others followed suit, and that was the scene Elijah walked in on. He looked at his laughing siblings, confusion crossing his features but he couldn't help the smile he felt come to his face at how happy all of them seemed, "I hope whatever has all of you in hysterics was not at my expense."

Klaus was the first to get control and answer his older brother, "Of course not Elijah. We were laughing about how threatening each other with bodily harm is the sign we are a happy family."

"I already knew that rather disturbing fact about our family." Elijah replied with a chuckle of his own, "But what brought on the laughter about it?"

Kol still laughing slightly gently threw the bishop to his elder brother and answered, "Rebekah threw it at my eye."

Elijah looked from the chess piece to his sister and raised his eyebrow, "This was the best thing on the table you could think of to throw?"

"It was the most readily available." Rebekah informed him, her hand playing with a pawn as she did so, "Next time I find something more deadly."

Klaus shook his head and nudged Kol's shoulder, causing the younger man to look away from the devious blonde, "Are you coming with Caroline and I to the caves?"

"Of course, I love the caves and it gives me a chance to tell Caroline all about what a horrible child you were." Kol informed his brother as he got to his feet, and then looked at his other siblings, "Are you two going to come as well?"

"Stefan is coming by later I don't want to miss him." Rebekah responded giving her brother a look that dared him to make a comment.

Kol choose to ignore his sister's glare and looked to Elijah, "And you dearest brother?"

Elijah had to fight not to roll his eyes, but replied nonetheless, "The mayor and some of the council members want to talk to me about town business, I will be busy most of the day."

"Being responsible is such a chore." Kol commented shaking his head with mock pain.

"Which is why you have never been responsible a day in your life." Rebekah responded, her eyes full of laughter.

It was Kol's turn to glare and he movement as if he was going to lunge at her.

"Come on let's go before Kol and Rebekah really get into a fight." Caroline suggested as she got up from her seat and stood next to her husband, "I was being serious earlier when I said I didn't want the house destroyed before our dinner tonight."

Rebekah could admit she was actually a little nervous about having Stefan come over, the house was empty of her family only the servants remained and they were all experts at keeping to themselves. This would be the first chance that she had to be really alone with Stefan. Moving on from the life she had had in New Orleans, the love she thought she had finally found, was more difficult than she thought it would be. The sound of approaching hooves interrupted her thoughts and walked toward the door, straightening out her dress as she went. Rebekah paused, it was not a single horse but a carriage, she hurried her steps and opened the door.

The carriage pulled to a stop, before the driver could get down from his seat the door opened and Elena stepped out. She nervously played with her dress as she started walking, she looked up at gave the blonde a small smile, "Rebekah."

"Elena, what are you doing here? Dinner isn't for hours yet." Rebekah asked as she walked down the steps to meet Elena halfway, worry flooding her features as she did.

"Is Elijah here?" Elena asked, hoping she didn't sound as sad as she felt.

"No he had some business is town." Rebekah told her, and put her hand on the woman's shoulder, "What is wrong?"

Elena took a deep breath, "We received a letter from my father this morning, my grandfather's health has taken a turn for the worse. James and I are going to join them in Richmond, we should be…"

"I understand. You need to be with your family. I'll tell Elijah, he will understand too." The blonde assured her and pulled her into a hug, "If you need anything from us don't be afraid to ask, we are here for you."

"Thank you. I'll send word as soon as I'm able to keep you informed." Elena replied as she pulled away from the embrace.

"You have our condolences Elena." Rebekah told her and gave her a sad smile, "Travel safely."

"I will. Thank you again Rebekah." Elena told the blonde as the vampire escorted her the few steps back to her carriage. James was waiting for her at the door.

"My condolences for your family, James." Rebekah told the young man as he helped his sister into the carriage.

"Thank you Miss Rebekah." James said and he attempted a smile but it failed so he simply nodded at her, "I apologize for having to miss dinner this evening, I was looking forward to getting to know all of you better."

"There will be time once you get back." Rebekah assured him and gave him a small smile.

James climbed up after his sister and closed the door behind him. Rebekah took a few steps back and Elena appeared in the window, "I'll send word soon."

"Just take care of your family Elena, we will be here when you come back." Rebekah smiled at her friend and waved her off as the carriage began its movement.

Rebekah watched the carriage disappear and though she felt sympathy for Elena she couldn't put herself in the same mindset. She had never met either set of her grandparents and her own parents she resented for many reasons. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of hooves coming down the long drive. Rebekah put on a smile on her face and decided to not worry about Elena for now, instead she would just focus on Stefan and where a relationship with him could lead.

Caroline got her horse with a flourish, she was excited to finally get to see the land she had heard so much about during her life with the Mikaelson family. She continued to smile as Klaus took the reins of her horse and tied it to the branch that his was already secured to.

"Are you ready for a trip into the past Care?" Kol asked with a smirk as he came to stand next to her.

"You know I am." She said with a smile and turned into Klaus as he took her hand in his, "So, tell me about these caves?"

Klaus smiled and pulled her close, "As I've told you, the caves were mostly used as a form of protection against the werewolves. Every full moon the village would come down here and the witches would seal the entrances so the wolves could not follow us."

Caroline pulled away slight so they could fit through the entrance to the caves, Kol leading the way.

"It was exciting when we were children but as we aged we started to see it more as an annoyance." Kol commented, "I especially got bored with the idea and was more than capable of protecting myself."

Caroline could tell that Klaus was rolling his eyes even though she wasn't looking at him, "And why were you so much more capable than the others?"

"Kol and Rebekah were following in our mother's footsteps and were trained in witchcraft." Klaus explained and then continued with his original tale, "Rebekah and I began exploring the caves for fun. We came across a secluded cavern within the major cave system and decided to make it our own, that is where we are taking you now."

"It was a great escape for you from Father." Kol pointed out as he led them around a bend, "A great escape for all of us really."

"I'm glad you had somewhere to go." Caroline responded and gripped her husband's hand tighter, "Was it strange having to spend an entire night every month down here?"

"The worst part was that when we were young children part of the cave was shared with a lumber man, he grunted like an attacking bear when he slept." Klaus informed his wife, getting a small laugh from her, "Kept us all up for the entire night."

"The only thing I feel I can thank Father for is scarring that man enough into picking another part of the cave to sleep in." Kol commented on the story, and then paused to look behind at his family, "Though it might have been a four year old angry Rebekah that truly scared the man away."

Klaus laughed at that, "It was probably a combination of both."

"And here we are." Kol said as they stopped in front of an opening just large enough for a single person to fit through. He smirked at them before going into the opening, only to immediately stop, "What the hell?"

Klaus and Caroline looked at him with confusion. Klaus took a few steps closer to his brother, "What do you mean?"

"There is a barrier, I can't go any further than this." Kol explained and rested his hand against the invisible wall, "Witches would be my guess."

"But why would they magically seal a cave?" Caroline asked, looked between the two men in front of her she could see that they were just as confused as she was.

"They must have put something in there that they don't want us to know about." Kol answered, he looked through the entrance the best he could, his eyes squinting, "Hand me the torch."

Klaus handed the torch to his little brother, curious as to what he was up to.

Kol slowly pushed the torch into the entrance, surprising the others when the flame went into the room, throwing shadows across the walls. Kol let out a little chuckle, "Witches put up an anti-vampire barrier, everything else can enter." He smiled at looked closer into the cavern, "Did you write a story on the walls?"

Klaus looked at his brother with confusion, "I only engraved our names, nothing else. What does the story say?"

"I can't make all of it out but I think that it is the story of how our mother turned us into vampires. Ayanna must have engraved it once we left for the new world, she was the only one that knew exactly what had happened." Kol explained and turned to look at them, "Trust witches to never let things stay in the past."

Caroline moved closer to the entrance, "Give me the torch, I still want to see the cave even if I can't go in."

Kol smiled and sidestepped her while handing off the torch.

Klaus watched his wife while he asked his brother, "Do you think this is something we should be concerned about?"

"I'm not sure, it would be best if we could actually see all the walls but we only got the one torch." Kol supplied and they both gave their attention to Caroline when she asked, "What language is this written in?"

"The words are old Norse but the pictures are a symbolism from the native people of this area." Kol informed her and took the torch back when she walked back over to them.

"Maybe we can ask Elena for help." Caroline mentioned as she took Klaus' hand, "She is human and therefore can pass through the barrier if Kol's theory is right. She could place torches in the cavern and that would eliminate all the shadows so we could see the walls better."

"I knew I there was a reason I love you. You are so intelligent." Klaus complimented her and gave her a kiss on the head.

"There are so many reasons." Caroline replied before adding and smiled up at him, "Is that the plan then?"

"How wonderful we just so happen to be seeing her tonight." Kol commented as they began their journey out of the caves, "Even though I have other reasons."

"Kol leave the girl be, she is making Elijah happy." Caroline warned, wishing she could compel him to behave.

"After what happened with the last doppelganer I am not taking any chances, but I promise I will not harm her." Kol insisted as he led the way out of the caves, he stopped suddenly and pointed the torch at his brother, "Do not think I need to daggered to behave, I will do it all on my own."

Klaus raised his eyebrows and smirked, "Rebekah's little threat got you thinking it without me having to say a word."

Damon was no hurry to return home, his Father would only look at him in disappointment without Stefan there to keep him civil but his little brother was busy having tea with the beautiful newcomer. Damon huffed as his horse trotted along the road, his attempt at flirting with Rebekah had yielded nothing but a few salacious smiles, his little brother had bested him, again. Elena had been the first to fall for the youngest Salvatore brother, though Damon was of the opinion that was because of the two were the same age. Rebekah just seemed to take an instant likely to his innocent little brother and that just irritated him. Damon straightened in his saddle as he saw a woman walking down the road in front of him, carefully to try not to startle her he called out, "Hello."

The woman stopped and turned around to look at him, a smile on her lips she said, "Hello Damon."

"Elena, what are doing walking down the road?" Damon asked as he jumped off his horse and came to stand beside her.

"I wanted to talk to you about a few things." She replied, her voice low and flirtatious as she continued to smile at him.

Damon smiled at her, "About what?"

She walked over and placed her hand on his cheek, "Well, first of all, I am not Elena."

Damon's eyes went wide and he attempted to pull away, but Katherine had a firm grip around his hand and their eyes locked.

Katherine's eyes dilated, "You will take me to your home, where you will introduce me as Katherine Pierce, a relative of the Gilberts. The Gilberts are not at home so you kindly offered your home to me until their return, do you understand Damon?"

"Yes, I understand." He answered and then with a kind smile added, "Please Katherine, let me show you to my home. I am sure you will feel comfortable there until the Gilberts return."

"Thank you so much for your kindness Damon." Katherine responded, feeling excellent that her plan to set up a stable place to stay had worked out. Now she just needed to find the right time to get a Mikaelson alone for her approach, but she was sure that her wolf hunting friend would be of some great assistance with that in the very near future.

AN: I am so sorry for the length it took to update this story. I have just been feeling uninspired when it comes to this. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Please review and let me know what you thought, reviews do help get me motivated to write faster. What would you like to see?

Have a great holiday season everyone :)