"Good Morning, Eloise."
Ella swung around, nearly dropping her coffee she was balancing as she tried to swing her quilted yellow and blue flowered teacher bag over her shoulder.
"Elijah!" Ella heaved, struggling to hang on to her coffee and succeeding, just barely.
"I'm sorry if I startled you."
"Where did you come from?" she asked, trying to adjust her stance so she didn't lose hold on her bag, lunch, extra papers and most importantly, her coffee.
"Here," he reached for her coffee, "Your hold on this is precarious at best. Tell me, are you always this scattered?"
She laughed, "First thing in the morning? Yes, usually." She put her bag on the ground to slip her lunch in it and the extra papers.
"Here, do allow me to take your bag for you. I can walk you to work and you can properly caffeinate yourself to face your day."
"Thanks," Eloise traded her bag for the coffee.
He looked at her then, not trying to hide his grin, "What are you wearing?"
"Oh God," Ella groaned and the sight of the ever proper Elijah seeing her teacher gear for today. "Well, it's pajama day," she explained, a twinge creeping up on her features. "These are my favorite days because I don't have to think much about my outfit."
She was wearing a Gryffindor t-shirt and black sweatpants, blue sneakers. Her hair was in two braids with a maroon sequined headband on it.
"Indeed, but do tell me," His eyebrow raised then and she knew he was teasing her, "Is this reflective of your typical nighttime attire?"
She blushed and then laughed. "Guilty, I'm afraid, but it's not like I have anybody to impress, do I?"
He laughed at her then, not just a chuckle like normal, but a full out laugh. "Eloise."
She took a sip of her coffee, "But regardless, it isn't as if I can wear something inappropriate to work even if I had those things in my dresser."
"No indeed," He reached to grab her braid, "This..."
"I thought it was fun for today," Ella said, shrugging, "No?"
He laughed again, "It suits you, oddly, Eloise. The whole attire."
"Thanks..." she paused and gave him the side eye, "I think."
He grinned at her, his eyes filled with amusement. "What is Gryffindor?"
"Harry Potter" Ella titled her head. "Tell me you have heard of it."
"Ah," Elijah nodded. "I've heard of it. Not my normally reading preference though."
"I'm a bit of a nerd about it, truth be told. Sometimes, I wish magic was real. It's crazy, isn't it?"
"No, I don't think so."
Ella took another sip of coffee, "What are you doing up so early?"
"I was wondering if you were free this afternoon...after work, of course."
"I should be."
"I have a function to go to and I was hoping you would accompany me. It's the opening of a new history museum and many important city officials will be there. My brother is out of town on urgent business and I do feel strongly that someone should represent the Mikaelsons and our new presence in the city."
"Well, I would have to go home and change first."
"Yes, of course. It would require a dress, I'm afraid."
"Of course, I have plenty, just not opera fancy, but I have a dress that would work for this."
"Good, how much time do you need after work?"
"Um," She thought about the last time she shaved and then frowned. "I may need to shower first."
He looked amused again, knowing precisely what she was thinking on, "I think we can give you that time and maybe be fashionably late."
"Okay, then." She paused. "Thanks for asking me."
He nodded. "I'll pick you up at 5."
"Sounds great. You know you could have just texted me."
"I could have," Elijah draped her bag back over her shoulder, taking care not to knock her coffee, "But I'm glad I didn't. It would have been such a shame to miss your charming attire today."
She laughed, "Goodbye, Elijah."
"Have a good day, Eloise."
She turned around, "Do you always look this way first thing in the morning?"
He gave her a look that Eloise could only characterize as devastatingly charming, before turning to take his leave.
"Eloise Trahan," Marcel extended his hand to her. "I have heard nothing but good things about you."
"Eloise," Elijah cleared his throat, "Marcel Gerard."
Eloise blushed as she gripped his hand, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Gerard."
"Likewise, but please, its Marcel," he reached for a glass of champagne to hand to her. "Eloise Trahan. Teacher of the Year for the entre great city of New Orleans."
Elijah glanced at Eloise, "You never said anything."
"I didn't think it to be a big deal." She rubbed her hand absently around her dress, fidgeting with it. She was wearing a navy blue boatneck midi dress. Her hair was swept up in a messy artistic bun, with a delicate metal flowered headband. She had looked for her heels in her closet, but at the thought of the blisters that would ensure, she opted for her sparkly flats instead. She looked elegant, but unassumingly so. But Elijah could tell the attention was embarrassing her.
He stepped closer to her and put a soothing hand on her arm.
"Your reputation precedes you, my dear."
"Seemingly so," Ella said, smiling at him and trying to ignore the spark that were igniting from her heart at the mere touch of Elijah's hand on her arm.
"I was unaware that you were so interested in educational causes, Marcellus," Elijah said, dryly.
"I make it my business to know what is happening in all elements of the quarter," Marcel said, easily. "Eloise Trahan. Ella is what she prefers to be called. 2nd grade teacher extraordinaire. A staple at St. Anne's...well, before everything that happened."
"Be careful, Marcellus, or Eloise might think you to be a stalker."
"I make it my business to know all important players in this city."
Eloise took a large sip of her drink, "I doubt that I, of all people, would constitute as an important player in the city."
"You have an enormous amount of influence over your students and their families, you are respected and adored," Marcel said, easily, "I think that would make you a very important player." He paused, taking another sip, "How do you know this guy, Ella?"
"We met a few weeks back," Ella said, "Elijah saved the day with an umbrella."
"Elijah is very good at saving the day," Marcel said, dryly.
"How do you two know each other?"
"The Mikaelsons and I go way back," Marcel said, his grin wide. "Wouldn't you say, Elijah?"
"Indeed," Elijah drained his glass. "Eloise, dear, would you please excuse us? I need to have a private word with my friend."
"Sure," Ella smiled at him, "I actually see someone I know. I'll go chat with them and then look around. I'm really interested in the jazz exhibit."
"Are you a jazz lover then?" Marcel asked.
"Of course," Ella said, "You can't be a resident of New Orleans and not love jazz. I love all kinds of music. It was nice to meet you, Marcel."
"You as well." He extended his hand and she put hers in his. Marcel kissed her hand, gallantly, causing Elijah's jaw to twitch, the only sign, he was irritated, "I do hope we should meet again very soon."
"I hope so as well," Ella said, softly.
"I'll find you," Elijah said, with a nod.
"Take your time," Ella responded.
He gripped Marcel's arm and practically dragged him to an abandoned alcove. "What are you doing here?"
"This is my quarter," Marcel said, "What are you doing here?"
"I did think," Elijah straightened Marcel's tie that had become crooked when Elijah manhandled him, "The Mikaelsons should be represented at such an important event. Don't you agree?"
"I don't see the need," Marcel said, shrugging, "But I am not threatened by you. You can attend all the events you wish, but it won't change who is in charge of the city."
Elijah patted both of Marcel's arms, "That's so good of you to think that, Marcellus."
"Tell me, old friend," Marcel crossed his arms, "Does Ella Trahan know who you are?"
"That, my dear old friend," Elijah stepped even closer to him, "Is none of your business. You would do well to leave her alone."
"Hum, right," Marcel said, with a grin, "But you should know...Ella is not the type to well, look friendly, on all of this. She is as straight laced as they come. And Klaus would have her for supper. Literally, I think."
"I did not ask you for your opinion on the matter," Elijah said, "I do hope you understand if I am not interested in taking advice from a man who...well, pined after my sister for over a century and a half. As for Niklaus, you would be surprised."
"Say what you may, I have worked very hard to keep the locals like Ella safe. And now your lot comes to town and..."
"Eloise is quite safe with me. I assure you."
"Make sure she is," Marcel said. "And when she finds out the truth about what lies beneath her view of the city?"
Elijah cleared his throat, "She isn't as one-dimensional as you see her. But women rarely are. If you think that, then perhaps, that has been your problem with women all along."
"I suppose time will tell then," Marcel said as sideswiping Elijah, "Now if you will excuse me, I have people to talk to." He patted his chest, "Looking sharp, Elijah."
He left without a look back.
With a hefty sigh, Elijah straightened his jacket before going off to find Eloise.
A week later:
The day had been long and trying. The kids were unusually active and Austin, who had lost his sister earlier in the year, was poking at all her buttons, trying to get her to lose her temper with him. She knew he was grieving, but his behavior was getting worse, not better.
She got out of the shower and threw her hair up into a ponytail, not bothering to dry it, instead opting for a warm sweater to take the chill out of her going out with her hair still wet. She needed to see Father Kieran. She had heard that he was back and he would know what to do and how to handle these things. Or at least fortify her to face tomorrow, when all she wanted to do was quit. Some days, she was so discouraged. She was patient, but she had her limits. She twisted her beaded bracelet before heading out into the night.
But nothing could prepare her for the turn her day would take...
...from awful, to downright horrendous.
Eloise tried not to panic.
She had snuck into the back of a meeting at St. Anne's, thinking she could just chat with Father Kieran later. But clearly, this was no ordinary meeting.
And what she saw was horrifying, mind boggling so. She slid down the side of the confessional so she was hidden from view, but she witnessed what happened.
Spells. Witches. Vampires.
Elijah's face and fangs. His cold demeanor. He was controlling, yet still oddly witty. The Elijah she knew morphed into something dark, sinister...
Elijah threatening and then killing a witch. In cold blood. Harshly and swiftly. Without any hesitation or remorse.
She pressed her hand against her head as she buried her head in her knees as she tried to block out the images in her mind. She was cold, unusually so, the navy blue cowl neck fluffy sweater and blue jeans, doing nothing to take the chill out of the air.
She had come to St. Anne's tonight on a mission to help one of her students. But instead of finding comfort, solace and wisdom, she found chaos and darkness.
And the truth about what lied in the dark of the city.
It was overwhelming and devastating.
She was vaguely aware of the meeting scattering and unaware that she had started muttering to herself, trying to put the pieces of tonight together, of the known with the unknown of life in this city, trying to desperately sort it out in her mind...
She was unaware that Elijah was arguing with Father O'Connell but it had suddenly grown quiet.
Elijah held up his hand to Father O'Connell. He had stiffened again, his eyes narrowing in concentrating. Then he let out a long breath and his expression wavered from assured and indifferent to almost remorseful.
"Eloise," his deep voice echoed through the church, "Do come out now so we can discuss all of this rationally." He adjusted his tie, absently, waiting.
Eloise remained frozen in her place behind the confessional.
"Ella is here," Kieran was horrified. "Did she see all of this?"
Elijah shook his hand in the priest's direction, holding his finger up to silence him. She crawled into the confessional, crouching down beside the bench in the confined space.
"Eloise, you cannot hide from me. I know you are here. I can hear your mutterings. You talk to yourself when you are agitated. And I smell your scent. You must have just showered. Your shampoo...mint, is it?"
"You are going to scare her," Kieran said.
"I doubt any more than she already is," Elijah retorted and then said, louder, "Eloise, my dear, come out and we will discuss this as the adults we are. You know me. I will not harm you. But you must be confused and frightened. I wish to help you sort through this. I will help you with this. You have my word."
"Ella knows you," Kieran murmured under his breath as he stepped forward, "Do not tell me that somehow she got twisted up with your lot. Leave her alone. She has nothing to do with this."
"If she was witness to what happened tonight, then she has everything to do with this," Elijah turned his head towards the priest, impatiently. "You may go now."
"If you are thinking I am leaving that sweet girl alone with the likes of you..." Kieran practically growled.
"I do not believe," Elijah turned on him and reached for him by the collar, lifting him up, "that was a request. Do not presume to try me today. You see how that ended for the witches today. I will not hesitate to do what is necessary by any means necessary."
"You will not hurt her."
"Is that your concern?" He put the priest down and patted his chest, "I just said I will not."
"You cannot compel her to forget," Kieran said, almost regretfully. "She had a run in with one of your kind in college. Sean brought her here. And she has been on vervain ever since."
"She knows about vampires."
"Yes and no. Marcel compelled her to forget. But she has taken seriously the precautions that I have taught her. Sean insisted and I agreed."
"Do not worry, Father," Elijah straightened the priest's collar. "I happen to be more than qualified to answer any of her questions or concerns. Original status and all that. Now, off you go."
Kieran looked stormy for another moment, but knew Elijah was persistent and he sensed his mood would not be swayed.
"Eloise," Elijah's voice was loud enough for her to hear, but oddly controlled. "I will come in and get you if you do not come out. As I told Father Kieran it has been a trying day and I cannot account for my lack of patience if you do not at least attempt to meet me half way."
Elijah stepped into the middle of the sanctuary and then side-swept the pews to where the confessional box was. He slowly slid open the door and reached an arm in, but paused. He switched tactics and slid the door open further and then crawled in with her.
"At least sit upon the bench, that cannot be comfortable down there," Elijah said, his voice low as he sat on the bench and then reached down to easily pull her up and plop her on the bench next to him.
He looked at her for a few moments, studying her expression. "Are you unwilling to speak or unable?"
"I'm trying to process this, okay? Give me like two freakin minutes." She buried her head in her hands.
He pulled out his watch, "Very well. Two minutes and we shall talk, yes?"
"It was an estimate, Elijah..." Eloise groaned. "After what I just saw, you will have to forgive me the time, I might need to just wrap my head around...all of this."
Elijah put his watch away. "Very well. Take the time you need, but neither of us are leaving this place until we come to an understanding."
"What will you do if we cannot?" Eloise lifted her head, the tears flooding her vision, "Kill me? Kill me like you killed her?"
"Kill you?" Elijah looked at her, intently. "No, I will not kill you. I only kill when necessary."
"Hum, okay," Eloise tugged at the ends of her sweater and then crossed her arms hugging herself so the warm sweater rubbed against her, oddly comforting. "I just have a question."
"Just one?"
"Just one," Eloise turned her head towards him, forcing herself to look directly into his eyes, "Why me, Elijah?"
"I do not ascertain your meaning."
"I mean...is there something...what ulterior motives did you have in seeking me out?" she paused, "There has to be something given who you are."
"You doubt yourself so much that you don't think yourself capable of keeping my attention on your merits alone?"
"Yes."
"That is a shame," he told her.
"You didn't answer my question," Eloise pressed. "Is there something I have that you need to protect your family? Something I know without knowing I know it?"
"No, Eloise," Elijah said, his voice low and deep, "It is simple. I met you quite by accident that day. And I liked you. And I don't like often. So, I sought you out when perhaps I should have left you alone."
She twisted her ponytail. "Okay, so you are a vampire?"
"I thought you said, just one question..." Elijah drawled, his eyes on her, but his mouth twitched as if he was struggling not to smile. "And if you wish to inquire further of me, surely you can come up with a more thoughtful question than that. But yes, I am."
She glared at him.
"Come now," he chided her, lightly, "let us discuss this reasonably."
"There is nothing rational or reasonable about this!" Eloise exclaimed. "This is absurd. Completely, utterly absurd."
He looked at her evenly, but she sensed he was amused underneath it all. He was enjoying their interplay and she felt something deep in her gut, drawing her to him. After what she saw, it horrified her that she still liked him.
Oh, God, and he knew.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ella asked, aghast at it all.
"After what you just witnessed of my power, your attitude is just so..." he paused over the word, "absurdly cavalier."
"It must be the shock of it," Eloise retorted, twisting her ponytail around her finger, the wet of the ends, causing droplets to splatter on the confessional and on Elijah.
"Undoubtedly," Elijah retorted, dryly, reaching to wipe his forehead.
"Stop looking at me like I am some child!"
"My dear Eloise," Elijah said, tapping his fingers on his knee, impatiently, "Compared to me, you are a child. I am a thousand years your senior, and for most people...witch, vampire, werewolf, human, that usually garners some reasonable amount of respect..."
"Respect or fear?" Eloise demanded.
"Both." Elijah shot back, "Usually."
He paused, "Your feelings are hurt."
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Now, now," He raised a finger at her, "Don't curse at me." He looked into her eyes. "You witnessed me brutally kill a witch who betrayed my family and you are hurt because..."
"Stop!" Eloise slid out of the booth, but Elijah had suddenly appeared in front of her with a whoosh of air.
"Good Lord, what was that?" she asked, heaving.
He ignored her.
"Eloise," Elijah's voice was low and deep, "I just said I like you. That has not changed, though perhaps, at the moment, it should. Your attitude is...well...trying to say the least."
"My attitude?" She paused, "You just killed someone in cold blood."
"That person betrayed my family. The consequences are steep. The others will now know that."
"You are a vampire."
"I am."
"Vampires are real. And witches. And wer..."
"Werewolves, yes. All real."
She turned around and began to pace, "And Father Kieran knows."
"Yes. Of course."
"And Sean knew."
"Presumably."
"Good fuckin Lord."
Elijah crossed his arms, "For someone with a deep faith, you have no qualms cursing in church."
Eloise looked shocked, then embarrassed. "I think God will allow me some grace, considering the circumstances."
"No doubt."
She slid into a bench. She bent over the pew in front of her, her shoulders slumped in defeat.
Elijah sighed and then slid in next to her.
"What are you thinking upon?"
"Cannot you not read my mind?"
"I could attempt to, but I will not."
"You are a thousand years old?"
"Yes."
"What's it like living for those many years?"
"Long."
She turned to him, "Why are you being so patient? You had no qualms killing ones who stand up to you and yet, now..."
"Eloise," Elijah let out a hefty sigh, "How many times must I tell you? I like you. And I make allowances for people I like."
"And if I, like that witch, threatened your family?"
"I'd kill you," Elijah shrugged, "But it is quite the moot point, is it not? You couldn't hurt a fly."
"That isn't the point!"
"Then what is?"
Eloise paused and then groaned, bumping her head against the pew in front of her, over and over again, "I don't know what the point is."
Elijah pulled out his watch again, "Maybe you should take those few minutes to compose your thoughts. Five, shall we say? Do you think that will suffice?"
"Elijah," Eloise kept bumping her head.
"Hush now," Elijah waved his hand. "Five minutes of silence. You will thank me later."
"I doubt that," Ella hugged herself, her head still down.
Elijah cleared his throat and Ella stopped talking.
She rubbed her forehead against the pew as Elijah sat next to her on the bench, not attempting to move away or closer to her, but simply waiting as he said he would. What she witnessed was horrifying...he was dangerous clearly...and yet, God help her, she wasn't afraid of him. Because when he said that he wouldn't hurt her, she knew it was true. And though just now, the interplay between them was different. He was more commanding than usual with her...and yet still, there was a kindness towards her. He was seeking to understand her. And that confused her more.
She twisted her bracelet which began to tingle. And then it was like suddenly, all the pieces came crashing together. Sean. The Witches. Olivia and all the other children who were just so different.
"Elijah?"
"It hasn't been five minutes," he murmured.
"Olivia is a witch."
He popped his pocket watch in his jacket, "No matter then." He turned towards her and then reached to move her by the knees so she turned towards him.
"Her sister is so I would presume that she is as well."
She tangled her hand through the ends of her ponytail. "What is going on between you and the witches?"
"The witches... " he thought for a moment, "My brother had a one night liaison with a werewolf named Hayley. She is pregnant with his child. The witches have taken an intolerable interest in this."
She thought for a moment, "This is why I don't have one night liaisons."
Elijah raised an eyebrow, "That is not the reason why, but that is a matter for a different night."
She blushed and he eyed her evenly, "I have had a thousand years to figure the workings of the female mind."
"I suppose that makes you the expert."
"More than you are in the reverse," Elijah said, evenly. "That's for certain."
"Moving on..." Ella titled her head, impatiently. "What's the big deal about the baby?"
"Vampires, do not have children, but my brother is what is called a hybrid. He is part wolf, so there was a loophole. And here we all are."
"Why are the witches so interested in the baby?"
"Why indeed?" Elijah asked.
"That's why you are fighting with them."
"The witches are already being suppressed in the quarter by the vampires. By Marcel to be precise. But it is a very complicated matter."
"Clearly." Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
Elijah's jaw twitched. "Eloise, my dear, I did ascertain early on in our acquaintance that you are spirited under your introverted exterior, but I did not quite realize how much so once you felt at ease to be so. And I cannot determine why tonight of all nights, you would suddenly feel free to be at ease with me."
"It's no more irrational than all of this," Ella waved her hand around the room.
"Don't mistake me, I appreciate your wit and your candor. Just perhaps...maybe a tad bit," he pinched his fingers together, "more controlled in it's execution."
Ella let out a frustrated groan and Elijah gave her a pointed look, tilting his head.
Ella took a breath, "Your family..."
"We once ran this city, but we had to flee...that's a rather sordid tale, but we are eager to reclaim our rightful place...well, my brother is, at least."
"And you?"
Elijah shrugged, "Marcel is getting too inflated with his own self worth for my liking."
"I see..." she paused, "And you wish to take him down a notch or two...because you are...what did you call yourself?"
"I'm an original...all the vampires that exist on this earth came from me or my siblings' sire lines."
"Which makes you powerful."
"Very."
"And how is a vampire sired?"
"Do you really wish to know?" he asked her, his eyes searching hers.
"Yes. You could tell me or I can google it when I get home, but maybe it is better to hear it from the primary source, right?"
Elijah cleared his throat. "The person has to drink blood from a vampire, die and then drink human blood to fully transition into a vampire."
"And vampires feed on humans to survive."
"Yes."
"You included?"
"I prefer to not feed directly from the source. It is easier for me to control my impulses that way. But yes, I need human blood."
"Have you ever wished to feed on me?"
His intake of breath was barely audible. "Of course, I wish to."
She bit her lip.
"But the crux of that matter is that though I wish to, I will not. Because I choose not to."
"And you can control it?"
"I have had a thousand years to learn to...if I choose to feed that way, there would be a reason for it, mainly to kill or because I was in need of it. Now granted, you must remember, I am not like the others. You would do well to be careful in the quarter."
"The thought of being fed on," Eloise shuddered, "Does it hurt?"
"From the screams, I'd imagine so. The kinder of us compel the person not be scared."
"Compel? What does that mean?"
"It is what it sounds like," Elijah said, "A vampire can control a human's actions and thoughts. If I tell the person not to be scared, they will not be scared, no matter what happens."
"How compassionate of you..." Eloise pursed her lips. "It sounds awful." She shuddered again, a fear taking hold of her, deep within her soul. "What do I have to do to protect myself from all of this?" she asked.
"Be a hermit, perhaps?"
"It's not funny."
"I never said it was," Elijah shot back, "Truth is, you cannot protect yourself. You have taken precautions, what you are already doing without knowing so, and that is the best you can do."
"So, I just wait from some crazy vampire to attack me and die?"
"Eloise," Elijah let out a long breath, "You could just as easily die of a car crash or a disease."
"In this city?"
He reached out to cover her hand which was still resting on the pew in front of her, "You cannot use this to fear living."
She closed her eyes, "Sean."
His hand remained on hers, "I'm not sure what happened to him. He could have been compelled or cursed. But I would think given that Sean was insistent on you having protections against vampires, that he would be on vervain as well...the herbs you drink in your tea every morning, that Father O'Connell told you to. Vervain enables it so I cannot compel you."
"Do you think his sister knows?"
"I think it is probably only a matter of time before she figures it out. Whether you wish to go down that road, it is up to you."
She let out a breath. "So, back to Olivia..."
"What about Olivia?" He moved his hand to rest next to hers on the pew.
"Where is her sister?"
"If I tell you, you will be too involved in this. And that is a danger for you. And I will not allow it to be so."
"Who would know?" Ella reached out to touch Elijah's arm, lightly. "She must be so scared if she ran away. Please."
"You need to know why she did..."
She nodded. "Fine, then tell me."
"It's a terrible tale."
"I may not be a thousand years old, Elijah, but I am a big girl. I'll be okay hearing it." She paused, "though if it is terribly awful, I may cry. Fair warning."
He gave her a smile then, unable to hold it back, "I suspect you might be prone to it."
"And that's okay. We can't all be desensitized to emotions."
"Vampirism actually makes your emotions more heightened, but perhaps that is a matter for a different day. React how you will, Eloise. I will not hold it against you."
She nodded and he leaned forward to put his hand on top of hers again.
"It's called the Harvest."
"Davina, I bought you a visitor." Elijah said, stepping aside.
Davina looked up from where she was studying the spell books on the bed.
"Hi Davina," Eloise said, quietly. "I'm..."
"Ms. Trahan," Davina let out a breath, "Is Olivia okay?" her face was anxious.
"She's sad, of course, she misses you. But she is Olivia. Beautiful and sweet as ever," Ella twisted the bracelet. She glanced at Elijah and then walked across the room and sat on the bed next to her. "She made me this. She said it would protect me, but..." she untied the bracelet, "I think you might want to have it...to remind you of your sister."
Eloise reached for Davina's wrist and tied it gently. "You know more than I do, of course, but I suspect there is some magic in it."
Davina's lip trembled as tears flooded her eyes. She leaned against Eloise and began to cry.
Eloise put her arms around the young girl. "I'm so very sorry all of this is going on," Ella said, quietly. "It's not right."
She looked over Davina's head which was on her shoulder to Elijah, her eyes locking with his.
"I will leave you two to chat," Elijah said, quietly. He shut the door behind him and then leaned against the door.
Davina pulled away, "How are you involved with him?"
"I met him a few weeks back."
"He's dangerous."
"I know. Well, I know now. I kind of walked in on something downstairs. But don't worry about me. Elijah won't hurt me."
"How do you know? He's an original and he is just as dangerous as his brother, Klaus. They say he isn't, but I know he is."
"I suppose I don't know for sure he won't. But I think if he was going to hurt me, he would have done so when I was so mouthy with him downstairs and saw what I saw. I don't think he is used to people talking to him that way, but he let me."
"You must be careful," Davina said, her hands on Ella's. "Ms. Trahan, the city is not safe any longer. Now that they are in town."
"Call me Ella," Ella said, softly, "And the thing is, I doubt the city was very safe to begin with. If children are being sacrificed and vampires are ruling the town...I mean, what's an ordinary girl to do?"
"Stay away from the Mikaelsons."
She nodded and looked over at the paintings, "Did you draw these?"
Davina nodded, "Marcel has given me paper and paints. Something to distract me."
"They are very good," Ella slid off the bed, going over to study the paintings. "I love this one."
Davina smiled. "Thanks."
"Hey," Ella turned her head, "Do you want me to sneak you in some magazines? Chocolate? M&ms? A portable dvd player and some chickflicks? I mean, I sure it sounds stupid, but..."
Davina laughed, "I'd love it if you could. But you have to be careful. Elijah will want you to stay away and if Marcel finds you...he'll..."
"It's going to be fine." Ella said, firmly. "If you are worried, I can talk to Elijah about it."
"Do you really trust him?" Davina said, frowning.
"Do you?"
"I feel like I don't have a choice but to," Davina said, walking over to the coffin and flipping it open. "He was daggered in this box by his brother."
Ella's eyes were wide. "No way."
"You can't kill an original so it only put him to sleep. But when I pulled out the dagger and he woke, he didn't feed off me. And he needed to." Davina lifted up some parchments, "He is bring me spells to work on for him. But you see, I don't know if I should do these spells."
"There are so many different elements to what is going on...like all these pieces are on a chess board...and it's hard to figure out the motives behind the different moves," Ella said, honestly. "You are just going to have to use your judgement...given that you are a witch...on whether you think it is the right move...for you. To keep you safe."
"Elijah said he will. But I know he wants to be back in the Quarter. Or at least Klaus wants it."
"Before today...before I knew what he was...he and I...it's easy for me to be around Elijah. And I haven't found that with most guys. I don't know. It's stupid. He's probably been with a million girls in his long life."
Davina untwisted the bracelet from her wrist. "Listen," she went over to Ella and took her wrist, tying it back onto it, "You need this more than I do. I have my magic. Just take care of yourself and watch over my sister."
"Of course, I will. And I will be back, Davina. You need girl company. We can watch a movie or something."
Davina nodded and Eloise reached to give her a hug. "Hang in there. We are going to figure this all out. Somehow. Someway."
Elijah stepped in, "It's getting late, Eloise. I can accompany you home, if you'd like."
She nodded and released Davina, "Take care, okay?"
Davina nodded and Ella walked over to where Elijah was standing.
"Are you ready?"
She forced a smile as they walked out of the hall, shutting the door behind them and down the winding steps.
"Eloise?" Elijah said, holding a candle.
"What is it?"
"For the record, I have not been with a million women. That is an absurd and disturbing exaggeration and a stain upon my character."
Eloise stumbled over the next step and began to slip further down the stairs, Elijah moved quickly and grabbed her.
"Do watch your step, dearest," he said, lightly.
"Did you overhear all of it?" Eloise asked, reaching out to grip Elijah's arm because the sudden movement made her feel off balanced.
"Of course. What did you expect?" He titled his head. "As for the movie night, I suppose that can be arranged. But only if I accompany you. And find a way to keep Marcel occupied."
"Thank you."
"Of course," he frowned at her, over the candlelight. "When is the last time you ate?"
"Um, maybe 11. Why?"
"It's 9:00 now. You must be famished. No wonder you are so unsteady on your feet."
"That must be it."
He looked at her, his eyes reaching into hers. "Must be so. Come now," he put the candle in the holder on the side of the stairs and lifted her over his shoulder.
"Elijah!" she protested but before she knew it, they were downstairs on the bottom step and he had her back on the ground.
"There we are," he steadied her, "We can't have you break your neck on the stairs, especially since I haven't fed you my blood yet."
She stilled and then he smirked at her.
"You have to admit it was funny."
She titled her head, "Hilarious." she paused, "Are you offering to help me find food?"
"Naturally," he said, a sparkle in his eyes, "Come, I know the perfect place in the quarter."
Ella watched as her wine glass was filled almost to the top with white wine.
She reached to take a long sip.
"Is it agreeable to you?"
She nodded, "I like it. You know I have tried different drinks. I just don't drink on the regular."
"I see."
"But after tonight, I might have to change my philosophy," Ella took another long sip, "By the way, I'm still not...okay with everything."
"I'm most certain you are not." Elijah said, "But as I said, peace is very tenuous right now in the quarter."
"And killing that witch bought peace?"
"No, peace is even more tenuous right now in the quarter," he took a sip of his wine as the waiter bought them their pasta. "But it had to be done."
"I mean...if the witches sacrificed three girls then..." Eloise winced, "Well, maybe..." she bit her lip.
"Are you trying to justify my actions morally?" Elijah titled his head.
"Yes."
Elijah took a bite and then wiped his mouth with his napkin. "While I appreciate the effort, perhaps, it would be best not to do so. Eat your pasta."
Eloise took a bite.
"Good?"
She nodded. "Delicious, thank you. I didn't realize how hungry I was."
"You should take better care of yourself." He looked at her over the candlelight, "What did you think of the book?" he asked, casually.
Ella's eyes widened, "Oh my. You knew F. Scott Fitzgerald." She put her fork down and leaned forward, excitedly.
"My brother more than I."
"The work..."
"Is an original journal that he kept and never published. Gave it to Niklaus for safe keeping."
"That's incredible." She took another long sip of wine and picked up her fork. "It was so different than Gatsby. But engaging. Powerful."
Elijah nodded, "I thought you would like it. What brought you to St. Anne's tonight?"
Ella sighed and then took another bite, "The children...they are being so trying. I thought perhaps Father Kieran could give me perspective or maybe a pep talk to fortify me for work tomorrow."
"Typical behavior or something in particular?"
"Austin...one of his sisters was a harvest girl. I mean, after what you told me tonight, no wonder he is psychologically altered. He is pushing every button and taking every ounce of patience not to yell at him. Which is awful."
"No," Elijah's eyes were warm, "I know I am not Father Kieran, but perhaps, I have some advise to offer, if you are willing to hear."
She nodded and ate another bite of her food.
"I had four younger siblings. Things were often rather difficult when we growing up. My father was..." Elijah paused, pondering his words, "well, not what a Father should be, especially for Niklaus. And when things became especially trying for him or Rebekah or Kol, I would find them a distraction...something to pour their attention into away from their problems."
"Did it help?"
"I think it did."
"So, I should come up with a project or something special for Austin?"
He nodded.
"That's a good idea," she smiled at him, "thank you, Elijah."
He nodded.
"You seem like an ideal big brother."
Elijah wiped his mouth, "It isn't easy, but that is a matter for a different day." He looked into her eyes, "I am sorry, Eloise, that you came to St. Anne's for solace and found such turmoil."
She looked into his eyes, "Thank you for your advice. And for letting me upstairs. For trusting me with the truth."
He nodded and then steered the conversation to safer topics.
They finished their meal, chatting easily again as they were apt to do when together. And when Elijah paid for the meal and accompanied her outside, he offered his arm.
"Elijah?" Ella took his arm.
"What is it?"
"How do I reconcile this Elijah with the one I saw earlier?"
He turned towards her, "I have been trying for centuries to reconcile the two.. I wouldn't expect you to be able to do so within a night."
She let out a breath. "Should I even try?" She paused and he turned to face her.
"That is completely up to you. I like you. But perhaps it would be better for us both, if you walk away from this."
"But as you said tonight, I'm already involved now that I know some of the truth...and how can I leave her? She is only a child. And she is struggling." She paused, "But between you and I...maybe I just need some time."
He nodded. "Take as long as you need."
But even as she said it, she knew it wouldn't be long before their paths crossed again. And then next time they did, she would be incredibly grateful for it.
A/N: Up next: trouble finds Ella and Ella meets Klaus