Pairing: Mary/Oliver (F/m) flyswatter mild (off screen)
Sunday, January 7, 2011
Louisiana Bayou
True to his word, Ollie didn't try to run off again that night or the next. Deep down, he knew there was no point. There was one night a month when werewolves could get the jump on a vamp. That wasn't enough in Ollie's book. He had heard rumors that there was a witch who could make rings that would allow a wolf to turn at anytime. A thing like that would cost money or blood. The Crescents had already shed too much blood and Oliver didn't have a penny to his name.
The boys spent the days trapping, fishing, and hunting. You could make a living in the Bayou if you knew how and they did, they had to. Mary showed Hayley how to harvest and dry moss that they sold to a factory for stuffing. She showed her how she gardened and then "put up" the vegetables by canning them. It was hard work, but wolves were strong and resilient. Hayley started to help the boys skin animals and cure the furs. They could be a worth a lot of money if done right.
Although Mary and Hayley had gotten off to a bad start, they got along fine now. Mary liked the spirit in the girl. She wouldn't admit it, but Hayley reminded her of herself when she was young. Mary was happy to teach her anything about the Bayou or being a wolf, but clammed up when it came to more details about Hayley's parents. Hayley was expecting Marcel to fill her in, so she didn't push too hard. She also was a little afraid of Mary if she overstepped. Jackson had promised Hayley that his grandmother wouldn't lay a hand on her and Mary never threatened to, but Mary just had an air of quiet authority that made one mind your step.
Josh had been hanging around the Bayou. He stuck out like a sore thumb in his city clothes and expensive shoes. The gel in his hair attracted gnats and he seemed to sweat through his shirts, even when no one else was hot. He asked Mary if he could take Aiden into town. Mary had said no as it could be dangerous for a wolf to be caught in the wrong area of New Orleans. Wolves were not welcomed in the Quarter or the cauldron. Josh tried to explain that Marcel had ended that and freed up the areas, but Mary was doubtful. She claimed she would believe it if she heard it from Marcel himself.
"Josh, it's been a couple of days, is Marcel coming?" Hayley finally asked. She knew Josh was here for Aiden, but she was running out of patience.
"Hayley, I can ask him again, but he's really busy as the the King of New Orleans. He's constantly in meetings and trying to settle issues between the factions, especially with the witches," Josh complained.
"Maybe we could go into town with you and see him ourselves?" Hayley suggested.
Aiden chimed in, "Hayley, Mary doesn't want us going there. She saw that wolves have been cut down in the street. Josh is a new vampire, she's not sure he could protect us. No offense, Joshua." Aiden smiled.
Josh returned the smile, "Now taken. I've never been much of a fighter. I'm more the type to get beaten up, so Mary may have a point."
Ollie who was priming traps as they walked on a path spoke up.
"Hey, did y'all ever hear of a magic ring that when spelled can make a wolf bite lethal all month?" Ollie asked, glancing at Josh.
"I can ask Davina. I think I've heard her talk about black kyanite, but it's extremely rare. You guys know that Davina was a Harvest witch and is one of the most powerful witches, like ever. And I'm not just bragging because she's my friend," Josh said picking at some weeds as they stopped.
"That pretty little thing with the mean eyes? I mean she's hot stuff, but lordy, I wouldn't mess with her," Oliver swore.
"Don't. Because her boyfriend is Kol Mikaelson, the Original, and he would literally kill anyone who basically looks at her wrong. I mean, they aren't really even supposed to be going out," Josh rambled.
Hayley and Jackson held hands as they walked. They stopped and kissed. Oliver made barfing noises.
"Get a room, y'all. Little Tommy don't need to see you making love out here in the path. Right, Aiden?" Ollie quipped. Tommy was oblivious as he was checking all the traps to see if they caught anything this morning.
Aiden smirked, "Oliver, you do realize what sex is, right? Because that ain't it!" Tommy and Josh laughed.
"Just because I ain't done it, don't mean I don't know. Smart ass. Tommy, get up there and check those traps by the water," Oliver said.
Oliver waited until Tommy was out of sight.
"Josh, look, we need those rings. Tell Davina, I'll do whatever she needs to get them. Guys, this isn't about revenge on the siphon who killed Modeste, but it's about us protecting ourselves. And Josh, not just from vamps, but from witches. You said yourself, they cause trouble," Ollie concurred.
"Hold your horses, Ollie. Doing this could have been repercussions, especially if it done behind Marcel and your elder's backs. The New Orleans quarter witches already despise Davina for the Harvest, if she did this, it could start a war," Josh cautioned.
Jackson stepped in, "But don't you see Josh, we're already at war. No one would know we had the rings unless they attacked us and we found back. We're sitting ducks out here except for one night a month. It ain't right."
Josh looked at Aiden's innocent, handsome face. They were right. Any vampire or witch could come here and slaughter these wolves and they would be defenseless.
"I'll talk to Davina, but you all would have to promise that you would only use the rings for protect. If you attack someone, it's not just my ass on the line, but Marcel's," Josh informed them.
Tommy found the trapped untouched and ran back to the group. Jack, Hayley, Ollie, and Tommy walked ahead. Aiden hung back with Josh.
"Josh, you're putting yourself in a lot of danger here. I know why you're doing it. Thank you. I don't care so much about myself, but I have to protect my brother," Aiden admitted.
"Hey, Aiden, you protect your brother and I will protect you," Josh said as they fell into each other's arms. The day was warm and the sun was bright, but Josh was filled with worry for his friend. He had to get Davina to make those rings.
"Can you stay the day?" Aiden asked hopefully.
"No, I have a work thing at Marcel's house. Actually, I better go home and shower and change. I think I smell like sweat," Josh grimaced.
"You smell fine, but you do have a dead gnat in your hair," Aiden admitted trying to pull it out.
Mikaelson Compound
French Quarter, New Orleans
Sunday, January 7, 2011
"Mommy, that's a pretty dress!" Davina gushed as she stepped into the courtyard of the compound. It was decorated in sparkling lights and garlands of flowers. All of the trees were lit up and decorated. The fountain was on and the area looked like a magical forest.
Rebekah looked splendid in a pale pink cocktail dress with matching platform pumps. Her hair was swept up and her make up was light.
"Not so bad yourself, luv!" Rebekah smiled looking at Davina in her tight mint colored bandage style dress. Marcel would probably think it was too revealing, but if you've got it, flaunt it, the saleslady had said.
"I know, I know! We bought them on sale!" Davina laughed.
"You are learning, Daughter. Now where is Josh? He's usually early for this type of thing," Rebekah complained looking at her watch.
"Oh, he was in the Bayou again, hanging around the wolves. Like have I lost my best friend? Plus, I don't understand why I'm not allowed to go with him. It's not like I can't fry anyone's brains who messes with me!" Davina growled.
"I think Dad is more worried about you getting bitten by a snake or getting malaria, to be honest. Ugh, it's so muddy there. I don't get what they see in that place. No air conditioning," Rebekah rambled.
"The caterers are here," Marcel yelled. They were having a brunch for all the factions, well, the humans, the witches, and the vampires.
Josh rushed in.
"Sorry I'm late, Boss. I had to go home and change," Josh gushed.
"Yeah, don't come to the brunch smelling like dog," Marcel joked.
Josh wondered, "Who is coming from the wolf faction?"
Marcel flushed, "Ah, I actually didn't invite them. To tell you the truth, Josh. They are a bit uncivilized and they always cause fist fights."
Josh was horrified, "But isn't that the point of the faction party to represent all the factions? That's really not right to not even give them a chance."
Marcel bristled, "Joshua, let me make this clear, young man. You are a vampire, not a wolf. Even if you have some schoolboy crush on a wolf, you can't let that can't your loyalties. You work for me. If you don't like the way I do things, well, too damn bad!"
Josh pointed out, "But you're always saying that we need unity and now you're cutting out the wolves!"
Marcel took a deep breath, "Sorry, man. I guess you're right. I should have invited them. I guess I've been cutting them out for so long, it's been a habit. I'll included them the next time, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks, Marcel. I didn't mean to overstep. I know you're the boss," Josh said quietly.
"Josh, I didn't mean to yell at you. I've just been under a lot of stress. I've had guys trying to track down those Gemini siphons and they have made no progress. Now, two of them are missing: Carter and Frances," Marcel admitted.
"Missing? As in gone?" Josh swallowed.
"If the Geminis have them, god knows what they are doing to them," Marcel winced.
"What can I do?" Josh inquired.
"Just don't say anything to D. or Rebekah, I don't want them to worry," Marcel said.
"I won't," Josh agreed.
Davina's Bedroom
"A moonlight ring? Josh, that would be very dangerous to vamps and witches. I could get in a lot of trouble," Davina hissed. Josh had explained the situation in the Bayou and his fears that Aiden and his friends were in danger.
"I know and I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Davina, you saw Modeste's body, what that siphoner did to her. I can't let that happen to Aiden. He is the sweetest, purest soul I've ever met. I have to protect him. The wolves have no protection on there. Hunters can come in and shoot them. Witches can just walk in and do whatever and vamps, we can drain them in seconds. I just don't even know what to do," Josh cried in frustration.
"I see your point, Josh. I can't believe my dad didn't even include them in the party today. That was wrong. It's like they are discriminated against because of their nature. The coven always taught us that witches were the guardians of nature. We were supposed to impose the natural balance. I guess it would only be fair to even out the playing field," Davina reasoned.
"Great! Then, let's do it," Josh said lightly.
"Josh, I need the spell. I'm going to have to call Bonnie in Mystic Falls. I don't want to lie to her, but I'm not sure she would help me if she knew the truth. I think she made something similar for Tyler Lockwood once. I'm not sure. I might even need hybrid blood. God, if Aunt Freya finds out, I did something like this without talking to her...," Davina fretted.
"Davina, I don't want you to get in trouble with your family. I'm sorry for asking. Maybe we should just forget it?" Josh said quietly.
"No, Josh. I am a guardian of nature. The wolves deserve to have equal protection. You said they were only use the rings to defend themselves, right?" Davina clarified.
Josh nodded, "Right. They promised. I trust them, Davina. They are kids, but they have been through a lot. All they have known their whole lives are loss, violence, and strife, yet they want peace."
"I'm calling Bonnie now..." Davina said. A few minutes later, she was able to have an idea of what they needed.
"Is this going to be a lot?" Josh asked.
"The spell is performed around a cluster of candles when the full moon reaches its apex. We need the stones, candles, drops of blood from a werewolf that does not need to turn, and salt. The incantation is Matere Lunare Tua Vi'rtuse.," Davina started.
"Okay, that doesn't sound too bad," Josh intoned.
"Bonnie said she could ask Tyler for his blood and fed ex it down here. It's the black kyanite stones. I think the closest source is in Natchez, Mississippi, about three hours away," Davina cringed.
"What's the problem? You're cringing," Josh said with alarm.
"Do you have a problem digging up burial grounds? There are rumors that the Natchez Indians held the kyanite sacred and buried them with their dead," Davina explained.
"Oh no, we're going to get haunted! Or cursed," Josh whined.
"We might already be cursed. Josh, if we want to help protect the wolves, we have to do this. No one said it was going to be easy," Davina lectured sternly.
"I like your brave front. Keep that up, we're going to need it. Did I mention that maybe this isn't such a good idea. Marcel is going to kill me if we get caught. He almost ripped my head off when I asked why he didn't invite the wolves today," Josh fretted.
"Josh, don't be a chicken. You're doing this for Aiden. I guess I am up for a challenge myself. Some of the kids at school are okay, but you're the only friend I wanna hang with and you're always at the Bayou now. Maybe this will give us a chance to spend some time together," Davina replied.
"I'm sorry, Davina. I just think of Aiden in that Bayou and I can't stand it. I tried to bring him to the city but Mary won't hear of it, after talking to Marcel, maybe she is right. Wolves really aren't wanted here," Josh scoffed.
Rebekah opened the door, "You two need to come downstairs. You are ignoring the guests. Davina, Josh, please?"
"Sorry," they both said exchanging a look.
"What are you doing up here? I hope nothing nefarious," Rebekah smiled.
"Us? Of course not, Josh was just telling me how safe the Bayou has been," Davina smirked.
Rebekah swatted her playfully on the thigh, "I can tell when you are lying, Davina! Now, go socialize. Mingle."
Davina laughed, "Owww, can I have wine?"
"It's 11 bloody o'clock!" Rebekah answered.
"Well, what are you drinking?" Davina pressed.
"Orange juice. Now get down there before your dad comes up to get you. I think he wants you to meet the new Regent, a guy from the Treme' coven," Rebekah started.
Louisiana Bayou
Later that night
Josh went back to the Bayou after the brunch that lasted into late afternoon. The missing vampires had not been found and Marcel was still tense.
Josh was not expecting to be confronted by Mary.
"I heard there was some shindig at your bosses' place today. For all the factions, guess he lost our number?" Mary said flatly.
"I'm sorry about that. I talked to Marcel and he is going to talk to you. I didn't know about it until I got there," Josh pointed out.
"No, I understand. We don't have the fancy clothes and manners as the city folk. As the vampires got richer and more powerful, they picked off more and more of our packs. Didn't like it that one night of the month they weren't the top of the food chain," Mary noted.
"I agree. It's not right. Believe me, I'm trying to make it right," Josh said softly.
"I can see how much you care for Aiden. He's a good boy, and a heart of gold. He's a lamb among wolves. I fear for him out here. Wolves, by our nature, are pack creatures. We're predators. We enjoy the hunt, the kill. But our sweet Aiden, he is himself, an individual...Here, that is dangerous. I know you think you can keep him safe in the city, but there is no true safety for our kind. The weakest vamp can snap our necks on a whim. If you really love him, I think you know what you should do," Mary said walking back into the house.
Josh was stunned. She wanted him to leave Aiden in this swamp alone. Josh did love him, maybe she was right? Josh slowly trudged back to his car not even noticing as the gnats got in his hair.
Later
Tommy asked, "What's wrong, Aiden? Wasn't Josh stopping by?"
"Yeah, I guess he got busy with work," Aiden frowned. He had waited all night for Josh.
Mary had told them they had to go back to school tomorrow. Oliver was arguing that there was no point.
"Boy, the lady from the parish come out and say y'all had to go or the law was coming. Now, go get them things ready I bought for you, cause you wearing them tomorrow," Mary shouted.
"We ain't been to school in years. We don't know nothin'. Them kids is just gonna laugh at us," Oliver said glumly.
Mary realized that Oliver was nervous about going.
"Honey, y'all is just as smart as them other kids. It ain't your fault you missed them years. Listen to me, if any of them little bastards gives you trouble, you tell them to go to hell. But no fightin', ya hear me. We don't need the law brought down on us. You might even meet some new girls," Mary offered.
Jackson laughed, "Grandma, the chances of Ollie not starting a fight on day one is zero. Can you give him one free one? Just to show the others we ain't going be targets?"
Mary agreed, "Okay, you knock one of them bullies out. One! Then, you gotta walk away from the rest. This ain't the worst thing in the world. Kids shouldn't be out there working all day. Get you some book learning and maybe y'all can get out of this swamp someday."
"Mary, do I have to go? I'm just wanting on Mr. Gerald to tell me what I need to know on my family. I mean, isn't it a waste for me to start school here and then leave?" Hayley asked with big eyes.
"Honey, you need to go, too. Please, help the boys figure out what to do. It's been two or three years and they've never been at a high school below. Jack, your daddy even played football for a time. Look, the truth is if you don't go, that lady said I'm getting hauled off to jail. I can't say you've been wolves for years because of the curse," Mary admitted.
"They ain't taking you no where!" Jackson roared.
"No boy, if y'all go, they won't," Mary said.
"Fine, Grandma. We'll go, but I ain't gonna like it. Do I really gotta wear them pants?" Ollie growled.
"Yes, sir. They will look real nice on you. I swear, y'all can't wear these rags in public or they would arrest me. Now start taking your baths so everybody don't have to do it in the morn. I'm gonna start supper," Mary suggested.
"Baths! Come on, this is bullshit!" Ollie whined.
"Get in that bathroom or you're gettin' a licking!" Mary warned. Ollie just turned his back and went the other direction.
Mary's patience snapped and she moved faster than they realized she could. She grabbed her fly swatter and chased Ollie with it until he got in the shower while the rest of them tried not to laugh. Whap!
"Ouch! I said I was going! Dammit!" Ollie cried. Whap!
"I shouldn't have to tell you twice, Oliver. *Whap! That's for making me chase you! *Whap* Now go," Mary stormed. Whap!
"Owww! Grandma!" Ollie wailed. Whap!
Aiden and Tommy were doubled over giggling as Oliver sound four years old.
Oliver's troubles as least took his mind off of Josh.
Hayley and Jack took the opportunity to make out and hold hands. Then, Hayley forced Jackson to get up and set the table when she started dinner. She knew Mary had her hands full.