A/N: I do own The Vampire Diaries
The next morning, Ryssa woke to find that she was again alone in the bedroom and she groaned when she remembered what she'd agreed to the night before. If she was to go to a tea party, then she would need a proper outfit because she hadn't thought to bring one. She dragged herself into the bathroom and pulled on a pair of jeans, a white sweater and her boots. Tossing the phone into her pocket, she left her hair loose and made her way downstairs.
"'Lijah?" she called curiously.
"Kitchen," she heard him reply.
Following the voice, she stifled a yawn and smiled a little at the sight of him leaning on the bar, coffee cup in hand while he read the paper. He wore a cobalt blue shirt, black suit jacket and black slacks, his hair falling over his forehead and into his eyes, expression composed. Idly she wondered if he'd ever worn anything other than suits, yet the image of him in jeans seemed ludicrous to her.
"Have you always worn suits?" she asked as she poured herself some coffee in the red mug she'd picked out the day before. She could feel his eyes on her as she moved about the kitchen and smiled at him when she joined him at the bar, the coffee warming her hands. Mmm, caffeine.
"I have, I find them more comfortable than anything the later generations have created," he replied as he returned her smile. She giggled and leaned forward for a kiss, smiling happily when he gave it.
"A thousand years, that's a lot of suits."
"Mm," he grunted and looked her over carefully. It seemed that the spells she'd performed had left no lasting damage, for which he was grateful. He didn't like seeing her push her body and mind so far, it concerned him because of his previous dealings with witches. He'd seen many try to attempt less complicated procedures only to fail by dying. Some would push their magic so hard that they lost their minds or ended up in a vegetative state. He did not wish this for Ryssa, and the fact that she was so dependent and confident in her abilities put him on edge. He would keep his word about protecting her from harm, even if it meant from herself.
"And where are you off to this morning?" the vampire inquired as she placed her mug into the dishwasher.
"Well, since I agreed to this tea party thing, I have to find something more suitable. I'd rather not show up in jeans."
"I see. Since that is the case, I would prefer it if you met me at the Lockwood's when you've finished."
"Deal," she circled the bar and took the mug from his hands to set it down on the counter and he turned slightly to face her. Ryssa leaned forward and kissed him lightly, smoothing his hair back and humming with satisfaction when he pressed her against him firmly with one hand on her back. "I'll see you there," she whispered and pecked him on the lips. She was addicted to his mouth, the way it gave barely there smiles and felt when it touched hers. She stepped out of his embrace and grabbed her jacket from where he'd draped it over the couch before bringing her to bed.
"Take my card," he answered and reached into his inner jacket pocket to remove a small wallet. He held out the piece of plastic between two fingers and she rolled her eyes with a put upon sigh before she took it to humor him.
With a last wave, she left the house and headed into town to see if there was a clothing store. She thought she remembered Bonnie mentioning one that one time but she'd been only half listening so it was possible that she'd misheard. She got lucky when she noticed a little boutique and pulled into a spot, slipping the card he'd given her into her pocket as she exited her car and locked it.
After a few minutes of browsing she came upon a dress with a low neckline, spaghetti straps and in almost the same color as Elijah's shirt had been. Sold, she searched around until she found a pair of black peep toe heels and gold dangle earrings. She purchased them and politely asked the woman if she could use the dressing room to change into them, explaining that she was running behind for the historical society's tea party. The owner of the store was in her late fifty's and waved her off and she thanked her before going to change and adjusting her makeup.
Now ready, she started toward the Lockwood's, and once there she looked around for Elijah. She saw Jenna first and started toward her.
"Hey Jenna, I didn't know you'd be here," she said to the other woman.
"Unfortunately I am, I hate these things though," she answered and Ryssa laughed and glanced around, searching for the vampire. "Are you looking for Elijah?"
"Yeah," she blushed a little and tried to relax. She couldn't shake the bad feeling that something was going to happen and tried to ignore it. "He told me to meet him here once I was done in town. I didn't expect to be attending a tea party so I wasn't really dressed right."
Finally she spotted him and excused herself, walking over to join him and he turned his head, recognizing her scent. She saw the way his dark eyes traveled over her body and tried to slow her heartbeat which began to race. "Like?" she thought at him and he lifted the corner of his mouth in approval.
"Ah, Carol I don't believe you've met Ryssa Jackson," he said to the woman who'd been talking to him when she reached his side, "She's a very dear friend of mine. Ryssa, this is Carol Lockwood, the owner of this lovely home."
Ryssa smiled and shook Carol's hand politely and gave Elijah an arch look. Dear friend? Then again, they never had labeled their relationship. "Hello Carol, your home is very beautiful. I wonder…Did you use a decorator? Elijah bought a house here in Mystic Falls and it's in dire need of personality," she said sweetly and almost smirked at the look he gave her.
"I did, I'll have to pass on the number before you leave," Carol replied, oblivious to the way the Original and witch were regarding each other. She did notice the way Elijah placed one hand on Ryssa's back and watched her out of the corner of his eye before Carol was aware that Damon had arrived.
"You're a vision, little Ryssa," Elijah whispered in Ryssa's ear and kissed the lobe.
"Damon," Carol greeted the young man and they kissed on the cheek.
"Carol."
"What a surprise, I wasn't expecting you." Carol turned back to the Original who'd leaned in to whisper something in the witch's ear. "Elijah, I'd like you to meet Damon Salvatore. His is one of the founding families of our small town."
"Such a pleasure to meet you," Damon said and held his hand out to the Original, meeting him stare for stare.
"Pleasure is all mine," Elijah answered and they shook hands. "I believe you know Ryssa Jackson already?"
"Oh, we go way back," Damon drawled and winked at the witch. "Can I speak with you for a moment, Ryssa, if you don't mind?"
"Uh sure," she smiled at Elijah and Damon placed a hand on her elbow to lead her into another room away from the vampire. "Yes?" she questioned him once they were alone and he looked over her shoulder before turning to her.
"Whatever you and Elijah are planning with this deal with Elena, call it off."
She cocked her head to the side and gave him the same mockingly amused smile she'd used when he'd tried to start over at the Boarding House. "I'm not sure I understand what you're referring to, Damon."
Ryssa gasped as he had her pressed against the wall a second later, his hand gripping her raised wrist, eyes sparkling dangerously. "I don't know what game he's playing and you won't say, so consider the truce off," he informed her coolly and she jerked her hand back.
"Agreed," she let her tone match his in irritation and attempted to magically shove him back a step. When nothing happened she glared at him for having the nerve to smirk, as if he knew what she'd tried to do. "What did you do to my powers, Damon?"
"Me? I didn't do anything. That would be the other Salvatore." He lifted his hand to trail his fingers through the strand of hair that covered her eyes, feeling the soft texture. "Stefan compelled you not to hurt either of us, so lo and behold, you're powerless."
Damon jerked his head around behind him at the sound of a throat clearing and Ryssa's eyes darted in the same direction to see Elijah standing there. He was resting one hand on the top of the couch, the other tucked into his pants pocket, eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Am I interrupting something?"
Damon looked back at Ryssa and raised his eyebrows then stepped back to release her from the wall, smiling easily. "Just having a friendly little chat," he answered Elijah. He watched Ryssa toss him a glare and go to the Original's side.
"Damon." Elijah led Ryssa out of the room with one hand on the small of her back, tensing with anger as she flinched slightly before relaxing. They walked back into the main room then past it until he found a mostly abandoned one. Ryssa let out a breath as he shut the door behind them and studied her with his solemn expression. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Elijah," she answered but didn't face him so he wandered slowly over to her. He circled to face her and she was reminded of how he had circled Trevor like the predator he was. He reached out a hand to lift her chin with firm fingers and examined her expressive blue-green eyes. "Stefan compelled me," she told him quietly and his jaw tightened.
"I heard," he commented then moved closer. "You are no longer under Stefan's compulsion."
Her mind blank, she blinked her eyes twice before looking at him in confusion. "What did you do?"
"I removed the compulsion on you," he answered and rubbed his thumb over the sharp line of her jaw. "Since I am older and an Original, I have the power to remove another vampire's compulsion. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to have a chat with the elder Salvatore."
Elijah left the room, his steps quick but stopped when he felt her hand seize his arm and waited, his eyebrows raised, face impassive.
"Please don't, Elijah," she pleaded. "He isn't worth your time."
"That's where you are wrong," he extracted his arm to address her directly, "not only did he request your help and allow you to do a dangerous spell, he neglected to express any gratitude for it. Along with the fact that he staked me to a door, stole your necklace from you, and mistreated you on your stay with the Salvatore's by physically attacking you more than once. Today is just the latest transgression and I will not tolerate any more."
"You said you wouldn't go after him."
"I said no such thing. You requested he be left alive and he is also part of the terms of my deal with Elena, but I under no circumstances agreed not to harm him. He needs to be taught the appropriate way to treat a lady, and I intend to see that he never repeats his mistakes again."
"Then I'm coming with you," she decided. "Damon's arrogant; he'll say whatever he can just to annoy you. I love you Elijah, but vampires have the worst tempers." She held her ground as he scrutinized her with his onyx eyes and nodded once in consent. "Besides, he still has my necklace," she added as she followed him out of the room.
Elijah walked purposely over to where Damon stood holding open a door and entered the office of Carol's late husband with Ryssa and Damon behind him. Damon walked toward the windows and Elijah neared him, with Ryssa observing from the safety of the doorway, ready to step in if needed.
"What can I do for you, Damon?" Elijah asked.
"I was hoping we could have a word."
"Indeed, I find myself wanting one as well. Where is Elena?"
"Safe with Stefan," Damon answered as he faced Elijah. "Laying low because of that pesky wolf problem we have, you know how it is."
"I heard about that," he commented and ran his fingertips over the top of the couch cushions. "How is Rose-Marie?"
Ryssa watched as Damon's jaw tensed but it was gone again a moment later. "Which prompts me to ask exactly why you're at this little function?"
"Why I was invited of course," Elijah replied. "I couldn't very well refuse such an offer. Now, why don't you focus on ensuring to Elena's safety and leave the rest to me?" He smiled and started toward the door and Ryssa let out a relieved breath only to jump as Damon blurred over, placing himself behind Ryssa, a knife in one hand.
"Not good enough. What are you planning Elijah? Tell me, or the lovely Ryssa here gets an appendectomy."
Ryssa noted the subtle shift in Elijah's eyes as he seized Damon by the throat before Damon could follow through on the threat and felt him roughly push her out of the way as he blurred with Damon across the room. She looked up, chest heaving, to see that Elijah had Damon pinned to the wall with one hand, jaw taut. Damon tried to grab onto Elijah's throat but the Original simply took the younger vampire's wrist and twisted it until it snapped.
"You young vampires," Elijah said, voice silky in his anger, "so arrogant. How dare you attempt to challenge me? Ryssa is not a toy for your entertainment, nor the way to get on my good side."
"You can't kill me, its not part of the deal."
"Silence."
Ryssa pressed a hand to her mouth in shock as Elijah picked up a pencil from the desk and stabbed it into Damon's jugular and shoved him aside. Damon tore out the pencil and cupped his hand to the wound as Elijah took the handkerchief from his pocket.
"I'm an Original. Show a little respect," he said and offered the tissue to the younger vampire who snatched it from him, pressing it to his neck. "The moment keeping you alive is no longer necessary, you are dead, so you should do what I say. I believe you have something of my young friend's and she would like it back."
Damon gestured to his pocket with a jerky nod and Elijah withdrew Ryssa's necklace and leaned close. "Never make the mistake of touching what is mine again Damon, or I will not be so merciful. Keep Elena safe."
Elijah flashed a smile at the wounded vampire and held out a hand for Ryssa, "come dear, we're being poor guests."
Ryssa glanced at Damon who watched her and accepted Elijah's hand and let him lead her from the office.
"Ryssa!" Damon called and she turned to see him standing, blood covering his neck, "still think he's a stand up guy?"
Sending him a brief and unreadable look, she returned to Elijah's side for the remainder of the party, his hand resting on her back possessively.
