The day passed in relative bliss as we were left to our own devices. We finished exchanging gifts after our lovemaking in front of the fire and I was pleased to see Damon enjoying the latest electronic gadget I'd found for him. He seemed the epitome of contentment as he lounged on the sofa and played various shooting games while I read a new book.
He had insisted I rest my head in his lap while he played and I had a feeling he was hoping I'd fall asleep. Our nights had been horrible since our separation and he knew the nightmares did not visit when he was with me. Things like that made me wonder why it took us so long to truly come together.
Dinner passed in silence as we watched the clock inch closer to the moment he would leave. With the decision to marry on New Year's Eve, we knew our time would be taken up by various plans and activities. Rumors already abounded over the dress I would wear and the mechanics of the feast which was being prepared.
Damon was contemplative after dinner as he took my hand in his. His finger brushed over my ring constantly as he thought deeply. He leaned against me and kissed my forehead before tugging the old-fashioned bell to call Carol to the room. Once she arrived he directed her to find Alaric and to bring him to us.
"No regrets?" he asked once the door clicked shut once more. I smiled up and him and nodded in the negative. He smiled slowly and kissed me, our eyes linking for one moment before drifting shut.
"Well I hear celebrations are in order," Ric boomed as he entered my room without a knock. He looked amused at Damon's display of affection and clapped jokingly when we separated. I could feel the blush on my cheeks but Damon seemed unaffected. He moved us to the sofa and motioned for Ric to sit in the arm chair across from us.
"There will be some changes Ric," Damon said softly yet firmly. "Big changes."
"Yes I heard about the accepted proposal," Ric began.
"Yes that but other changes," Damon interrupted. "Tomorrow I will summon the Lords and we will discuss something of the utmost importance."
"Well?" Ric prodded. "What is this change?"
"As of midnight I am revoking my protection over my brother," Damon replied. Ric's mouth dropped open in surprise and I was struck by the oddity of the picture. "At midnight my protection will shift to Elena until we are married."
"After that Damon?" Ric stuttered. "Will your protection go back to Stefan?"
"No," Damon answered. His fingers linked with mine, gathering strength to finally let his brother go and deal with his own problems. I reached up and caressed his cheek gently before he scooped that hand to his lips. "Elena is more important to me and it seems time for Stefan to grow up."
"Well I can't say I'm displeased," Ric said thoughtfully. "Do you wish for a grace period?"
"After our wedding we plan on reaching out to Stefan," I replied. "Damon wants to see if Stefan can be redeemed at all and if so then we would like the opportunity to try."
"You would forgive him after...?" Ric asked surprised.
"No," I answered truthfully. "I don't think I can ever forgive Stefan for that night but Damon deserves a chance at having his brother. If Stefan cannot be redeemed then I will never welcome him into our home. "
"You would think of Damon before yourself," Ric mumbled. "Very well then. I give the two of you my blessing and I'll put the word out about the meeting. A word Damon?"
Damon nodded and followed Ric towards the hallway. I heard their muffled voices as I remained on the sofa, staring at the two hours of time together. It would be six days before he would be allowed to join me in bed again and I was not happy about it. I knew I would not sleep for six days because of it.
The door clicked shut and Damon approached me cautiously. He slid down in front of me and wrapped his arms around me. Surprised, I wrapped my arms around his neck as he pressed his face against my stomach. My fingers threaded through his hair gently as he sighed quietly.
"Ric asked me to reconsider seeing Stefan," Damon said. "He believes Stefan is too far gone and should be left to the Hunters."
"Maybe," I replied. "It's up to you Damon."
"I don't know if I can leave him to the Hunters Elena," he said. "They are brutal and he's still my brother."
"Is he Damon?" I prodded. "Or does he wear Stefan's face? Perhaps your brother was lost when he died."
"I...I don't want to talk about it anymore," he said. "I'd like us to go to bed."
"Two hours isn't enough," I replied. "Perhaps we should watch a movie?"
"Ric gave me permission to stay," he said. "With the engagement official, they feel it's all right to stay together since we're suffering apart."
"Really?!" I asked excitedly. "Well then let's go to bed!"
In his arms, I felt safe. In his arms, nothing could seem to touch me. The nightmares were chased away and my thoughts were restful. The murmuring soothed every silent question while his quiet breathing relaxed every ache in my heart. We were unaware of the evil lurking and plotting against us. We were unaware of what was coming and how we would be tested. For that one night we slept in peace.