A/N: Thanks for all who continue to read and especially those who review! Hopefully you all are enjoying it as much as I love writing the Mikaelsons!
Chapter 8:
Eloise put her arm around Olivia as she sat on the bed with the girls.
"Mr. Mikaelson talked to Social Services," Ella's voice was soothing. "We cannot allow you to stay here with Davina for longer than this weekend. But you will have all weekend with your sister to catch up and be together, before you have to move on."
"But..." Olivia's lip trembled, "I do not want to leave her."
"I know, sweetheart, but the thing is..." She paused, searching for the right words, "being with Davina right now isn't exactly safe for you."
"Because of the Harvest."
Eloise nodded. "Yes, and while we are doing everything in our power to continue to keep Davina safe, its really important that you are safe too. And that means being apart from Davina for just a little bit longer."
"Ms. Trahan is right," Davina crouched down to look at her sister in the eyes, her hand on her face, "It isn't safe here with me, longer than a few days." She wiped the tears off her sister's face. "I know you don't want to leave me, but this is for the best."
"I want Mama."
"I know, baby," Davina kissed her sister's forehead. "But I am sure Ms. Trahan will find someone nice for you to live with."
"Can I stay with you, Ms. Trahan?" Olivia asked.
"Honey, I would love for you to stay with me, but my apartment is way too small. I don't even have a bed right now."
"I can sleep on the floor."
"No," Eloise tightened her hold on her, "It would be a temporary solution and not a good one. I'm not a witch. You need to be with a family who will support and hone your magical ability. And protect you with their magic if need be. I'm far too ordinary to raise a special girl like you are."
"You aren't ordinary, Ms. Trahan," Olivia said. "You are the best!"
"Thank you, sweetheart. But still, I'm not sure staying with me is the safest either."
"Because you are dating Mr. Mikaelson?" Olivia asked, innocently.
Davina shot her a glance and Eloise blushed.
"That's complicated," Ella murmured.
"And none of your business, Liv," Davina gave her a look.
Eloise smiled at Olivia, reassuringly, to soothe Davina's censure, "Mr. Mikaelson is my friend...and he is a good one to have living in the quarter. He wants to help both you and your sister and having someone like him on your side... it is a really good thing. And when we figure out this mess with Davina and she comes of age, then you can totally go live with her."
"Promise."
"Of course, I promise."
"Social Services will allow that?" Davina asked.
Ella shrugged, "Mr. Mikaelson is very persuasive. And if he is not available to persuade then I am sure Marcel or Josh would be happy to. Father Kieran is working with Marcel and Elijah and Sophie Deveraux to find you the best place among the witches. We have to be careful of course, to make sure that the family we place you with is... " Eloise paused, "Well, there is alot of adult things going on in this city. Nothing for you to worry about. You were very brave yesterday."
"And has mama been consecrated?" Olivia asked.
"I think that is happening soon. Sophie is taking care of it."
"I should be the one doing that," Davina said.
"Too risky," Eloise said, softly. She let go of Olivia to pull up her duffel bag that she had thrown on the floor when she arrived, "Now, I know Marcel is handling everything with your meals and making sure you have enough to eat, but in case you ladies get bored, I bought a bit of stuff. Well, more than a bit." She pulled out a few children's dvds, "I have my stash of movies for you all to borrow. We have The Princess Diaries 1" she grinned, "and 2...Mary Poppins, Frozen...Beauty and the Beast, the live action one, not the animated one...Emma Watson is great in this movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," she smiled, "oh, my very favorite The Sound of Music," she held it up, "It's the best."
"Did you bring Enchanted?" Olivia asked.
"Well, you know, I did," Ella laid it out on the bed, "But Mr. Mikaelson promised to watch it with me later so I'll need this back."
Davina's eyebrow shot up, "Elijah Mikaelson? The Original Vampire, Elijah Mikaelson?"
"Yeah, I know it's shocking. So, I'll need it back, because he gave his word and we know how Elijah prides himself on his word," Ella said, dramatically. "though if you would happen to lose it strategically, I think he would be endlessly grateful to you," Ella laughed.
"He likes you, Ms. Trahan!" Olivia said, smiling widely. "He likes you alot."
Eloise blushed more at Davina's look.
"She's right, you know," Davina said.
"Perhaps so. Let's see," She pulled out more, "I have some art pads and paints, coloring books and colored pencils and crayons," she pulled out, "oh, games. Apples to Apples, Monopoly, Sorry. Books for you to read, Olivia and Davina, plus some magazines," She shifted the bag, "And my favorite." She pulled out a pouch, "Fingernail polish. Tons of colors to choose from. And remover, so you can try a bunch of different colors...if you'd like. And hair brush and lots of twisty ties if you want to do hair."
"Everything we need for a sisters party!" Olivia exclaimed, her smile wide.
"Exactly, sweet one," Ella said.
Olivia launched herself at Eloise, "Thank you so much, Ms. Trahan!"
"You are so very welcome."
Marcel knocked on the door and then came in, "Hey Olivia, kiddo, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me for a few minutes. I was trying to figure out what candy and icecream you wanted for later and then I thought maybe you'd just like to help me pick it out. Sound good?"
"Sounds like fun, sweetheart," Ella said, smiling as Olivia nodded, shyly and took Marcel's outstretched hand. "Make sure you get popcorn too for your movies later."
"We will do that. I'll bring her back in a few minutes, D," Marcel said.
"Thank you, Marcel," Davina said as they left, Marcel shutting the door behind her.
Eloise put out her hand to rest on Davina's knee. "How are you?"
Davina let out a breath, "I don't know, Ella. I mean...she was going to sacrifice me in the Harvest. Kill me in the ritual. But she was still my mama, you know?"
"I know," Ella whispered. "Is Olivia okay?"
"She woke up in the middle of the night crying for Mama," Davina said.
"Poor baby," Ella closed her eyes, "That breaks my heart."
"She needs me."
"I know," Ella reached out for her hand, "We are going to figure all this out. Find a way to make it safe in New Orleans for you."
"Do you think Sophie will be able to find a place for her that is safe? The witches can't be trusted more than any other people in the quarter. Maybe the safest place for her is with you."
"I just don't know," Eloise said, "I would gladly take her, but with my association with Elijah and Klaus..."
"They are powerful enough to keep her safe."
"Yes, but there is also a supernatural exception of a baby being born in a few months," Eloise said, "And I don't know how the universe will respond to it. There is a reason why the witches are obsessed with this child and we don't know why. Even if I stayed away from Elijah to take Olivia...I mean, people know now...I've been seen too many places with him."
Davina nodded. "Do you still like him?"
"I like him alot," Ella said, quietly. "No matter what, I will still be here for you and for Olivia. I am still her teacher. And she will still be in my class. And I will find a way to take her out on dates...to see you, if you'd like."
"I'd like that alot."
"Klaus and Elijah believe in the importance of family. I can convince them to help me. And Marcel thinks the world of you, so I know he will work with us."
Davina nodded, "Thank you for everything you are doing for us."
"I wish I could do more...somehow make it better," Ella said, quietly.
Davina shrugged, "I'm not sure if it will ever be truly better...not anymore."
Eloise came downstairs from the tower later, her heart heavy after her chat with Davina.
"How are you?" Kieran asked from his spot in his library. Eloise stepped into his office.
"I'm hanging in there."
He shuffled through some books, "Elijah and Sophie are taking care of the consecration."
"Good."
She fingered the titles along the far side of the wall, "Do you know if you have any books about the history of the quarter? Like an actual accounting, not the human version of things?"
"Why?" Kieran looked up, abruptly.
"I just feel like..." Eloise shrugged, "the more I am informed, the more I understand, the safer I will be."
"You were always the analytical kind," Kieran said, "Those books are in the hideout. I can get them for you if you promise to keep them safe."
She nodded, "Of course." She wiped the dust of the shelf with her finger, "You know I always wondered why my grandparents were so adamant never to return to New Orleans."
"I'm pretty sure they knew the way of things if they were that adamant," Kieran offered.
Eloise sighed, "I think so too. Which means, they lied to me."
"No. They protected you."
"I was headed here for school. Some warning would have been nice. Some understanding of the challenges I might face."
"I think they thought you could be shielded from it. Knowing you, they most likely thought you would keep your head low and study, which isn't too far off from the truth."
"And they never thought I would fall in love with the city and want to stay. And teach."
"I suspect not."
Ella gave him a smile, "Are we okay?"
"Of course," Kieran nodded, "But Ella, if you ever need anything, I hope you know you can come to me."
"Of course," Ella said as Elijah poked his head in.
"There you are. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes. Everything sorted with the consecration?"
"According to Sophie, she should be with the ancestors now."
Ella sighed, "Okay then." She turned back towards Kieran, "Don't forget about the stuff."
"I won't. Take care, Ella."
She smiled at him, "You too."
Elijah led her by the elbow down the stairs, "What stuff?"
"I'm going to read up on the history of the quarter."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"I know, it's such a nerdy move on my part."
Elijah put his arm around her once they got downstairs, "No, it's a very intelligent move on your part."
"Some say ignorance is bliss. I'm sure my grandparents agreed with that."
"How did that work out for you?"
"Not so well, all things considering," Eloise said, "I lost my best friend to a witch's curse."
"Do you miss Sean?"
Eloise smiled sadly, "Yes."
"I think Father Kieran was grooming him to lead the human faction...at least according to Marcellus."
"I'm not surprised." She paused, turning to Elijah, "My mom died in this city."
"Did she?"
Ella put her hand on her stomach, "Could she had died of supernatural causes? I was Olivia's age. I don't remember exactly what happened...only she was there and then she wasn't."
Elijah turned towards her. He studied her, his hand reaching out to grasp her chin, "Is this something you need to explore further?" his voice was gentle. "We could ask Marcellus if he knew your mom. He hasn't said, but I'm not sure he would all things considered. And there is the matter of the graveyard. We could explore your family history, see if they are buried there. There are ways to find information."
Ella looked at him, wearily, "I'm not sure I want to face the hurt...of the lies, of the truth. Does that make me a complete coward?"
"No. Sometimes it is best to let past be. But I cannot make that decision for you. All I can tell you, is that if and when you decide that you need to know more about your past, I will help you."
She leaned over to kiss his cheek, right above his small birthmark. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"You cannot be serious," Elijah said to his brother.
Eloise looked up. She was sitting on the couch, marking up spelling tests while chatting with Hayley who was next to her talking about her time in the Bayou.
Klaus had directed a large tv in the corner of the sitting room and was compelling a young man to set up cable and the dvd player.
Hayley laughed, "I never thought I would see the day that the Mikaelsons enter the 21st century."
Ella looked at Elijah who was scowling disapprovingly, "It's an eyesore, brother," he drawled. "And entertainment these days is so drab."
"Not like the good old days," Eloise smirked at Hayley.
"Hush you," Elijah pointed at her, "This is entirely your fault. I blame you for my brother's newest obsession."
Eloise laughed, delighted, "And that is probably fair. Come on, Elijah. It's better than blood letting for entertainment...and you somewhat enjoy watching tv at my apartment."
"Do you think it is big enough, little teacher?" Klaus asked Ella.
"God, yes," Eloise said, "It's huge." She winced as she marked a paper, marking several words wrong.
"What do you do when it is like that?" Hayley asked.
"Ah, reteach it again," Ella put her cap in her pen, "just in a different way. I'll figure it out."
"When Marcellus was young, we would never blame his tutor for such a failing," Klaus commented and then gestured to the guy to position over a bit, "Perhaps, I should have gotten a wall mount."
"Heavens no. It's a monstrosity enough lying on the table," Elijah commented. "You couldn't have used restrain in picking it...a smaller version perhaps that can blend in with the décor?"
"The décor hasn't been updated in a hundred years, Elijah," Eloise said, "Hence how this all started. It needs an upgrade. This one is the king of the quarter and all, he has a look to maintain," she gave Niklaus a sassy look. "And spelling is more than about rote memorization these days, Niklaus."
"Ah, my sweet little human teacher," Niklaus leaned down to grip her hand, kissing her hand and then flipping it over and giving her a deliberate nip across her wrist causing her to yelp.
"jest you may, at things beyond your comprehension, but you are not wrong. I am the king." He straightened, dropping her hand.
"God, Klaus," Eloise squealed, rubbing her wrist.
"Niklaus, if you give her a bite mark, I will be seriously displeased," Elijah countered. "King or not. Did you break her skin?"
"I did not. That's only reserved for you, eh?" Niklaus looked positively gleeful. "Very well. Show some respect, love."
She stuck out her tongue at him and he laughed, "There were days one would do that to me and I would cut the tongue off."
She rolled her eyes.
"Or gouge their eyes out."
"Niklaus," Elijah drawled.
"I'm fine," Eloise's face flushed, "Maybe we should move it over there," Ella suggested to Klaus, trying to change the subject, "At this angle, you have to crane your neck to see."
"That does provide us an advantage for future guests," Niklaus winked at her. "Good access to the neck and all. I'm sure you understand after your tutelage with Elijah last night. He did say you are an excellent pupil."
"Oh God, just stop," Eloise's face reddened. "He said no such thing."
"Well, he would have if he wasn't so tightlipped about the experience."
"Wait," Hayley looked at her, aghast, "Did you let Elijah feed on you?"
"It isn't as..." Eloise searched for an appropriate word as she twisted a tendril of her hair. "It wasn't like that."
"I believe the word you are looking for is unseemly, dearest," Elijah said, quietly.
"Pretty sure I meant something stronger," Eloise raised an eyebrow, "maybe f-uped?"
Hayley and Niklaus both burst out laughing.
"But you cannot deny," Niklaus's eyes were full of mirth, "There is something intimate about sharing blood, is there not?"
"If you say, Niklaus..." She finally looked at Elijah who gave her a small smile, his eyes showing his amusement. She pulled out her phone, "I'm snapping a picture for Rebekah. She has to see this. Get out of the way, Niklaus. I know how your vamp aversion to pics."
Klaus moved and Eloise took a picture and texted Rebekah.
She laughed and texted more.
"What did she say?" Klaus asked.
"She said the cable guy is hot," Ella grinned. She texted more.
"What did you say?" Klaus pressed.
"Not as hot as her brothers. Upside down emoji. Fire emoji"
Hayley began to laugh at that response. "Oh God, Ella."
"What? You made a baby with him. You must have thought so too at the time."
"There was alcohol involved," Hayley admitted. "Lots and lots of alcohol."
"You think I'm hot," Klaus gave Eloise a lopsided grin.
"Yes, but don't let it go to your head. I also think you are adorable...in that mad artist, creative sort of way."
"Lord, I have never been called adorable before," Klaus looked perturbed.
"Maybe you should stop being so menacingly and paranoid and just chill," Eloise shot back.
Elijah titled his head at her, "Eloise, please do not encourage all of this." he offered a light reprimand, but he could tell he was enjoying all the interplay.
"I said you were hot too, darling Elijah," Eloise's eyes were positively sparkling with mischief.
"I'm delighted by your assessment," he drawled.
Eloise looked down at her phone which had buzzed. She picked it up and then giggled. "Rebekah says I'm being gross. Vomit emoji"
"Rebekah does not use emojis with me," Klaus said, frowning.
"Perhaps, she knows you would take it the wrong way," Eloise shot back.
Klaus gave her a smile, "Perhaps you are right, little teacher."
"I'm always right, Niklaus."
Hayley laughed, "You should stay more often, Ella. I never seen these two like this before. It almost seems normal, whatever that means."
"Not so dark and twisty?" Ella asked.
"Yeah, that's it," Hayley smiled.
"Now, now, little wolf, we are quite normal," Klaus went over to sit down across from them.
"I do suppose lots of families have dysfunction," Eloise shot back. "And special daggers to stab each other in the back for a few years slumber."
"Elijah, brother, how many of your girlfriends have I murdered in the past thousand years?" Klaus tapped his chin, "I do not seem to recall."
"The ones you have murdered and turned or just murdered...?" Elijah asked, dryly. "Quite a few I'd say. It's been very bothersome."
"Indeed." Klaus shot Eloise a menacing scowl.
"Well, if you are going to off me, Niklaus, I would prefer you just do it straight out, okay?" Eloise gave him a grin.
Niklaus laughed at that, "And miss an eternity of this banter? I wouldn't dare. You do liven things up, Eloise. From how you act here, no one would believe you are so awkward and introverted at a party...but you are horribly so...absolutely wretched company."
"Wow, thanks, Niklaus," Eloise drawled, wincing slightly as Elijah came to sit next to her, moving her papers to his other side, before settling next to her, his hand on her leg.
She smiled at him, "Do you think I'm awkward?"
"Only in the best way," Elijah didn't miss a beat.
"Hum," Eloise grinned, "Hand me those papers, would you please?"
"God," Elijah frowned, looking at the top paper, "What word is that supposed to be?"
"Ah, that's drink," Eloise looked over at the paper.
"How hard is it to spell drink?" Elijah asked, aghast.
"Well," Eloise took her pen back from Elijah and popped off the cap with her teeth, "For your information, children have a hard time pronouncing the dr blend sound and the i in ink sounds like an e. And the nasal sound is hard to hear as well."
"That's why we teach them to memorize it," Klaus retorted.
"Well, we kind of do, by teaching them the rime ending," Eloise flipped the paper, "This is more of a pre-test, to figure out next steps. Then, I have to work on cutting out my sorts and then I have to figure out how I am going to teach my books for the week. Lots to do. And I have like 30 kids in my class and 5 different groups." She groaned, "Don't get me started."
"Perhaps, she needs a drink," Hayley said to Klaus.
"Ah, yes," Elijah said, "Spelled j-r-e-k."
Eloise elbowed him into his side. "Coming from the one who says Nee-klaus."
Elijah practically pounced on her, his movement abrupt as she found herself on her back on the couch.
Eloise immediately squealed, her papers flying to the ground.
"Do you like teasing, Eloise?" Elijah said, his voice low in her ear.
His voice was absolutely seductive.
"Um, yes."
"Do you choose wisely who you tease?"
"Nope. I can't say I do."
"We must work on that," He kissed her earlobe and then said softly, "I like to tease too. Did you know?"
Niklaus snorted, "Get a room, brother."
"I don't need one," he began to tickle her mercilessly as she thrashed in his arms, trying to get away from his relentless fingers. She was laughing until her belly hurt. "Okay, okay. Stop. I'm going to get pen on your shirt, it's not capped. I would hate to ruin it."
"I've had worse things staining my shirt," Elijah plopped her back up, his arm around her waist and pulling her tight against his side.
"God, that's an understatement," Ella giggled. "Um, the cable guy looks like we are insane. Nee-klaus, be a dear and compel him not to remember this." she said, as Elijah slid the pen and cap out of Ella's hand and capped it for her.
"Behave yourself, my darling," Elijah kissed the side of her head.
"Feisty one, isn't she?" Klaus said. "Somehow I thought you would be more subdued today."
"I guess I like being unpredictable," Ella said, "since Elijah told me I am hopelessly predictable in my unpredictability."
Klaus nodded at the cable guy who cleaned up and left. "You will show me how to work this thing, right little teacher?"
"Of course," Ella said, popping her pen behind her ear and then eased out of Elijah's grasp to pick up her papers. "So...I have a question before I do."
"Yes?"
"If Father Kieran was grooming Sean to lead the human faction, then he is looking for a replacement, yes? So maybe..." she sat back with Elijah, his hand returning to her leg.
"Don't even finish that thought, Eloise," Elijah's pressure on her leg grew. "That is not a position that you would be suitable for."
"Why not?" Ella asked, lightly.
"You are not devious enough to position yourself amongst supernatural creatures who are more powerful than you," Klaus said, quietly. "Your morality is too strong."
"But I could do so much good, because I do care," Ella said, softly. "At least, I could talk to Kieran about taking me to meetings and such."
"They would think you are a spy with your association to myself and my family," Elijah squeezed her knee.
"But everyone is doing their bit to help things. Hayley is queen of her pack or she will be one day. And you and Niklaus...even Davina, everyone has a part to play. And maybe I do as well. There is a reason why I became involved in all of this. What is my purpose?"
Klaus abruptly rose to crouch down beside her, so she was eye to eye with him, "Eloise, you would be destroyed by it. I do not say this lightly because there would be certain advantages for us if you would position yourself well with the humans. But, you have a specialness that needs to be preserved. I will not be the one to cause your demise."
"I thought you always used and discarded people to your advantage."
"Since meeting you and Camille, I find myself wanting to be different...at least with a select few people." He straightened. "I have decided that you are one of those people. Besides my family, I can truly count them on one hand, Eloise."
Eloise's eyes widened, her eyes on Klaus. She didn't quite know what to say.
Elijah cleared his throat, "Do not question it, Eloise. It is a good thing that Niklaus is trying to evolve before becoming a father."
Ella glanced at Hayley, who had her hands on her stomach as the baby kicked.
"I wouldn't dare," Ella said, her voice soft. "Hey, hand me that remote and I'll show you what to." she told Klaus.
She caught it when Klaus tossed it towards her.
The next morning, Eloise leaned against the doorframe, watching and listening to Elijah play her grandmother's piano.
The music was beautiful, so passionately played and soulful. And yet there was a sadness to it...a haunting that couldn't be denied...it was the music played by a man who was plagued by some sort of inner demons...who needed to pour out his anxiety and troubles into creating something beautiful.
Niklaus painted his tortured soul into his works of art, but Elijah...he played.
Eloise watched and listened, stunned and captivated. So enthralled, she did not even notice the tears that began to fall down her face.
Elijah stopped abruptly. "I have made you sad."
"No. I have never heard anything more beautiful," Eloise wiped at her tears, "I don't know why I'm crying. I suppose it is what beautiful music should do...reach into the depths of your soul...and squeeze."
"Indeed, come and sit with me, lovely Eloise."
"Lovely Eloise," Ella repeated, giving him a wide smile under his praise, "I am in sweats and a t-shirt and I haven't showered yet or had my coffee."
"Just like a piece of music, it's the soul that drives the loveliness, although I cannot deny you are a beautiful woman," He inclined his head and continued his playing.
"Messy bun and all?"
"Yes, I think so." He slid over to one end of the bench to make room for Eloise. "Come. Get yourself over here, my lovely girl. What does your shirt say this morning?"
She adjusted it as she came to sit next to him on the bench so he could see.
"First I drink the coffee, then I do the things." He laughed. "Fitting, yes?"
"Yes." She dropped her head on his shoulder and just listened.
They had a late night, Hayley and Eloise deciding to counter the dysfunctionality of the Mikaelsons with a very normal movie night. Elijah and her had snuggled on the couch, watching the extended versions of Lord of the Rings trilogy. His hands had moved underneath the blanket to caress various places on her body...stirring her up even under the knowing eye of Klaus. And yet, he was mindful that certain body parts were off limits for now. It was that delicate balance that Elijah was determined to navigate...slowly becoming more physical with her, enough to leave her knowing that there was far more to be explored, but also leaving it clear that it was where they were headed...in due time.
"You are blushing."
"Am I?" Eloise commented.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing important," Eloise blushed more.
"I really enjoyed the movies last night, Eloise," He laughed.
"Elijah Mikaelson, cannot I not hide anything from you?" Eloise asked, softly. "This is when I feel hopelessly awkward."
"It isn't entirely your fault. With my heightened senses, it is hard for you to hide your physiological reactions."
"Do you ever wonder that I am just not sophisticated enough for you?"
He continued playing, the music soulful and beautiful, "Absolutely not. Your charms are endless. And you are so very funny at times. You enter a room and bring so much...joy."
"Except when I am around a big crowd and then according to Niklaus, I bring awkwardness."
"You don't have to be the life of the party, Eloise, to shine." He finished his song. "Would you like to try?"
She nodded.
"Give me your hand."
She put his hand in his and he positioned it over the piano. "Thumb on Middle C. Each finger on a key. There you are." He put his fingers over hers and pressed down her fingers to play Mary Had a little lamb causing her to laugh.
"I didn't take you for one who knew nursery rhymes," Eloise said, her eyes full of mirth.
"Hum," Elijah grinned at her, "Usually not my forte, but I know that one." He paused for a moment, "How about this? I'll teach you the right hand melody and I will play with the left."
"Ambitious, Mr. Mikaelson...and all before my coffee," Eloise said, teasingly.
"How about Tetris Theme? You have heard of it?"
"Not sure," Eloise admitted. He played her it and then she nodded, "Oh yes. I never knew what it was called."
"Now you do," Elijah said, "We will take it bit by bit." He moved her hand, teaching her a some of the melody, once showing her, once covering her fingers and once having her try. She managed it with only a bit of a flub.
"Wait, I got it." Eloise did it again, this time with no mistakes. "I can feel the rhythm of it...I hear it in my head."
"That is because I dare say, you probably have much untapped talent, Eloise. Musical abilities can run in families."
They took it bit by bit before Elijah added his own part, them playing the song as a duet.
"That was fun," Ella smiled at him.
"You should really take lessons, Eloise, with a proper teacher." He said as he began to play another beautiful tune.
She ducked her head down on his shoulder again, "When would I ever have time for that?"
"You should make time...there is always time to do things you love."
She lifted her head and he turned his towards her to look at her. They were close and his eyes were studying hers. Suddenly, he stopped playing.
He looked deep into her eyes as he moved his hand up to her face, rubbing against her cheek with his fingers. And then his hand moved to the back of her head, guiding her face towards him.
She closed her eyes, her heart hammering through it's chest. And right when their lips were about to touch for the first time, the room began to shake.
Elijah jerked back.
Pictures started to slide of the wall, items on furniture disrupting and Eloise felt Elijah's arms around her and carry her in a rush downstairs to the courtyard.
"What is happening?" Eloise yelled over the noise. "This is New Orleans! We don't have earthquakes!"
"Here," Elijah lifted her up again and tucked her in a safe spot behind a bench sealed by concrete. "Stay here. If it gets worse, crawl under the bench. I'm going to find Hayley."
"I have her," Klaus yelled. He sat her near Eloise.
Elijah's phone began to buzz. He pulled it out, read the message and handed it to Klaus, who groaned loudly.
"What is it?" Hayley asked.
Elijah took the phone back came and crouched down, "Read this, Eloise."
D's magic out of control. Come quickly.
"Oh crap! Olivia is still there!" Eloise shot up. "We have to go."
"I'll go to her." Elijah said, calmly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her to his side.
"No, let me come too. They both need me. I have to be there. I promised them!"
"It is far too dangerous," Elijah gripped her face with his other hand, "You must stay here."
"But I should be there. To protect them."
"I'm not sure we are at the point we can," Elijah said, quietly.
"Elijah, what are you going to do?" She tried to tug her wrist away from Elijah's grasp, but he held her fast, keeping her steady as the ground still shook. "Klaus?"
"We will figure it out, little teacher. Don't you worry." Klaus said, "Brother."
"Yes. Here I come. I need one moment with Eloise," Elijah pulled her towards him, "Do I need to compel you or tie you to the bench?" he asked, and she could tell that he was completely serious. He would do either-without a moment's hesitation.
"Neither!"
"Then you promise you will stay here?"
The earth stopped shaking, as suddenly as it started.
"Yes, I'll stay here."
"I have your word, Eloise?" Elijah said, his voice low.
"Yes, just take care of the girls. Please."
He nodded.
Hayley stood and wrapped her arm around Eloise. "It's going to be fine."
Elijah leaned to kiss Ella's head, "Don't let her out of your sight, Hayley. I will be back as soon as I can. I will bring both girls here."
The sob caught in Ella's throat, "Alive, right?"
"Yes," Elijah said.
"For now at least," Klaus said, quietly. "Let's go."
Eloise's heart dropped at Klaus's words. But all she could do was watch the Mikaelson brothers leave as she leaned against Hayley.
"Will they kill Davina?"
"I think the will do everything in their power not to go there," Hayley said. "I think what Elijah is saying there may not be a choice."
"That's not okay!"
"That's life in the Quarter and with the Mikaelsons." Hayley inclined her head, "Come, let's go clean up. It will keep us occupied."
"Should I go?" Eloise frowned. "It stopped shaking."
Hayley reached out and gripped her arm, "If you go, Elijah will never trust you again. You promised him."
Eloise groaned, "Fine. Let's go clean up the compound. And I need coffee."
But even as Eloise worked, her heart was with the girls, never stopped worrying about them...and what was to come.