Disclaimers: Elena Gilbert, Stefan Salvatore and any other names you recognize from the books, along with the Vampire Diaries I - IV belong to L.J. Smith. Everything else is mine. No harm intended or money made from this fic.
Notes:
~ Chapter ~
::Thoughts or telepathy::
_emphasis or italics_
* Author's Note(s)
Date posted: 10 May 2003
* See the Reviews area for my abject apologies.
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~ Forty Six ~
"Right. Yes. I know where that is. Okay. We'll be there soon."
The phone fell back into the cradle with a brief clatter and Elsa turned to meet Jason's enquiring gaze.
"That was Jerrick," she said without preamble. "He asked us to go by his place."
"Why?" the laconic archer asked sitting up straighter in the armchair. He tossed aside the magazine he had been idly leafing through.
Elsa's blue eyes rolled ceiling-ward. "Why do you think?" she turned the question back at him derisively. "Either he's lonely for old friends or he's going to ask if we want in on some action. I'll give you one guess," she smirked.
Jason's lip curled, but it was unclear if the expression was in response to her jibing or due to the lack of activity among the vampire hunters since the witches left. Rather than spring out of his seat, he eyed her measuringly.
One red-brown eyebrow arched in inquiry. "Yes?" she drawled, looking at him expectantly.
"You're not really thinking of going over there? You know Crystal won't tolerate us associating with Jerrick," he reminded.
Elsa snorted. "And what is she offering us in exchange? I haven't heard of a single lead in all this time. I'm not going to sit around doing nothing for weeks and months when there are vampires to be killed," she retorted.
"Newsflash, Maeven; Jerrick's _working_ with vampires," Jason returned sarcastically.
"Only a specific handful. And he's also working on exterminating the very first vampires ever," Elsa pointed out. She put her hands on her hips. "Enough with the petty arguments. Are you coming or not?" she demanded. "I have the address; I can get there with or without you."
Jason's movements were slow and deliberate, as if he was reluctant.
"Come on," she half-coaxed. "It can't hurt to go over there and hear what he has to say."
"It can hurt a whole lot if Crystal finds out about this," Jason muttered back. But Elsa could see the gleam on interest in his dark eyes. She nodded to herself and followed him out of the room and down the hall, barely noticing Peter Pearson as they passed him.
They didn't see the look of malicious glee he aimed after them either.
* * *
The wood was filled with the sound of activity.
Over to one side, the rhythmic crack of wood on wood sounded as Elena and Stefan faced each other with six-foot lances. The pair made it look like an elaborate and graceful dance as they traded blows, keeping up a running commentary. Elena was holding her own, although Samar suspected that Stefan was matching her pace and not pushing the exchange to his limits. Ten pairs of ex-vampires were sprawled on the ground or standing about the couple, watching intently, each holding a staff of their own.
Leon's voice drifted from another part of the woods. He was removed from the rest and hidden from view among the trees with the group he was brainwashing with his strategy and combat psychology. His words were not audible, merely the sound of his voice rising and falling as he illustrated his points.
Once in a while, Tristan felt that his students may know enough to point a gun and pull the trigger. Then gunshots would ring among the stately boughs. The shots never rang for very long as Tristan halted his ten pupils to lecture them some more on the proper use and respect for his weapon of choice. Thank goodness these guns had been provided by Jerrick. Had they been from Tristan's personal collection, no one would ever fire a shot.
Samar stood among her own group, watching pairs of Turned practicing basic strikes and blocks against each other. It had been difficult for her to teach the now-humans to fight because her own learning had been so unstructured.
However, she had to devise some simple yet effective exercises for them since there was only one of her and twenty of them; she could not have the one-on-one arrangement as she had had with Makoe.
Makoe.
Thinking of him made her eyes drift over to where the enigmatic, expressionless vampire was teaching another group of trainees blade-work. The metal knives and larger rapiers occasionally caught the light that filtered through the leaves. It was a picturesque scene; a group of young, uncommonly beautiful people standing amidst the stately trunks and lush greenery of lawn and leaves.
She had not had a chance to spend any time with Aodhan since the night of the race. They had been busy preparing for the Turning, then in the days following that unsettling night, they had been preoccupied with training the Turned.
And, Samar thought, frowning faintly, Tristan has not exactly made it easy for her to have a private word with Makoe either. The tall vampire was always hovering about one of them or the other. Samar didn't have to be a genius to figure out what her older brother was trying to do and she was _not_ amused.
Makoe himself was not helping. He didn't seem to be making any special effort to be with her either. In fact, he acted much like he always did, as if that incredible hunt and kiss had never happened.
Samar abruptly realized that she was ignoring her students and watching the dark-haired vampire absorbedly. At that moment, he looked up and caught her eye. The calm air about him made her think that he was fully aware that she had been watching him. Her heart did flip-flops, her earlier annoyance at him forgotten. He moved his head in the slightest inclination of acknowledgement and his expression seemed to turn sardonic without really changing.
Pursing her lip, Samar tore her gaze away from his and looked at the Turned who were exchanging awkward and tentative blows. "Put some heart into it, people. You're fighting, not playing tag," she barked the first thing that came to mind.
"A vampire. Teaching Turned to fight vampires," snorted an unfamiliar voice behind her. The derisive tone sparked her already frayed nerves to temper and she whirled to face the speaker. "Talk about working at cross purposes."
An impressively built woman stood beside a brooding, ascetic man who made her think of Robin Hood, even though he was dressed in a button-down shirt and jeans. Samar's eyes narrowed on them and some instinct screamed: 'Hunters!' She tensed, really to call for the others, then noticed Eiran and Jerrick with them and decided that they were non-hostile. The witch looked even more frail and helpless than usual, in contrast with the strangers.
"What's wrong with that?" Samar addressed the woman, who had obviously been the speaker.
The woman looked at her ironically. "Would you trust a hunter to teach a vampire to defend himself against other hunters?"
"If the hunter really wanted to make sure the vampire could defend himself against other hunters, yes," Samar said. She crossed her arms, as if daring the woman to refute her, and sent out an alert to the others. Nothing alarming, just to let them know there were visitors about.
"And why would a hunter try and protect a vampire? It makes no sense," the huntress pointed out. What was it with these mouthy female slayers? First Taura and now this hulking valkyrie.
"It's a matter of honor and pride, Elsa," Jerrick interjected smoothly. "The skill of their students reflects on their own abilities." He waved a hand at the vampires who had now gathered. Elena was with Stefan, holding her staff. She nodded greeting to the hunters, but Elsa had not taken her eyes off Samar and missed the gesture. Jason returned the acknowledgment then looked around.
"No archers," he said shortly, slanting Eiran a censorious look.
The Turned shrugged a little, deprecatingly. "Jerrick has other duties for me so I haven't time to train anyone," he explained. Samar had to give him credit for not sounding sheepish. From the exchange, she guessed that this hunter had been his instructor. Her impression of 'Merry Men' increased with this tidbit.
"In any case, Jason, the bow is not a very practical weapon for the Turned," Jerrick commented, drawing a brooding look from the master archer. Jerrick, of course, didn't bat an eyelash. "They will be searching for vampires. They need to be able to defend themselves, not be seen as aggressive," the frail-looking witch explained mildly. "A bow slung over one shoulder would be too conspicuous and threatening."
Jason looked skeptical, as if challenging Jerrick's words but before he could speak, Samar's attention was pulled abruptly back to Elsa.
"If there's no issue with integrity, that only leaves one more concern," the female fighter all but purred, taking a step closer.
Samar had to tip her head back a little to gaze at her face and she was well aware of the concern/warning/aggression coming from the other vampires but she held her ground. "And what would be?" she asked, insolent and bored.
The fighter's blue eyes narrowed above the nasty smile that formed on her lips. "The question of competence," she stated. That was all the warning Samar got before the huntress struck. Her hand swung in a chopping motion, aiming for Samar's flank.
The petite vampire blocked the blow, rightly enough, but could not completely absorb the force and curvetted away, stumbling back two steps. Her hazel eyes were huge with outrage as Elsa continued to smile and motioned her to come closer.
Samar didn't see the looks the others exchanged, the sharp glances at Jerrick, or the bland expression he returned. She rubbed her stinging forearm unconsciously, staring back at the mocking huntress in front of her and hearing the cool voice in her head. ::Temper, temper.:: She took a deep, calming breath and thought about this fight.
They were about evenly matched, she supposed; vampiric strength against greater bulk. But given the advantage of momentum, Elsa's blows really could hurt, as Samar already found out. So. Negate that advantage by not giving her the opening for a full blow. Speed and guile.
::That's my girl.::
Samar's teeth flashed in a feral smile. She stepped back up to Elsa and tipped her head, inviting the next move, unobtrusively watching the play of muscles under the other's skin.
Around them, everyone seemed frozen. There was a tension-filled moment before Elsa moved, kicking out to sweep Samar's legs from under her. Taken by surprise, Samar found herself hopping, and then coming down _on_ Elsa's calf and knee as the woman's foot made its pass. Using that as a springboard, the vampire girl jumped and flipped backwards like a gymnast, aiming a heel at Elsa's chin on the way. Samar almost laughed; that was _too_ easy!
::Bad idea,:: came the thought just as her ankle was grabbed and she was yanked back towards the huntress. She sprawled unceremoniously on the ground at Elsa's feet. The huntress, she couldn't help but notice with some satisfaction, was favoring one leg. She lifted that foot, no doubt to plant it somewhere on Samar's anatomy but the vampire didn't give her the chance.
Quickly recovering her breath, Samar rolled away and smoothly stood up. Challenging stares were exchanged as the two fighters closed the distance. Elsa hit out again and Samar ducked this time, driving her small fist into the other's side. She followed up her advantage with a sharp, upward cut at the vulnerable joining of Elsa's shoulder then darted around the larger fighter and kicked at the back of her injured leg. The knee buckled and Elsa went down, further damaging that kneecap, perhaps.
::Don't get cocky, now,:: was the laconic advise.
::Killjoy,:: she returned, but fondly. Elsa got back on her feet relatively quickly, considering that she must be in some pain. She whirled to face her petite opponent and Samar noted the woman's flushed face. As the large huntress approached her, Samar observed impudently, "You almost walk like Jerrick now. Have I proven my competence yet, vampire hunter?" she asked.
"Not. Quite," the woman ground out and launched a series of blindingly quick blows. Samar, surprised, blocked each as they came. The woman had two hands and so did she; she could keep blocking them, surely!
But Elsa's hands were a blur of motion and the strikes came at unexpected angles and directions, aiming for different parts of her body. One blow got past her guard, and then a second, flustering Samar and distracting her. Makoe had taught her to defend herself but never prepared her for skilled and studied artistry like this!
A jab to her face, Samar twisted sideways; a downward stroke at her hand, the vampire deflected it, killing the momentum by moving with the blow and swinging about to bring both hands up again.
She found her wrist captured and grabbed the woman's hand in turn. She spun, intent on throwing Elsa over her shoulder as she once had Stefan but she had overestimated her strength. Or underestimated Elsa's superior size.
Instead of having her opponent sprawled gracelessly on the ground in front of her, the wind knocked out of her lungs by a blow from the back and Samar found herself in a merciless armlock. First one, and then the both arms were twisted behind her. She gasped in pain and tried to jerk out of the hold furiously but Elsa had too good a grip on her.
The slayer kicked out and kneed her in the back. Samar stumbled forward but was yanked pulled up short and fell to her knees. Elsa changed her hold, freeing one hand. Samar looked upwards and behind her when she felt fingers grasping her head.
Elsa was smirking. "Now, little vampire, you would die," she said cruelly. The fingers in her hair tightened meaningfully and Samar felt a flash of genuine fear. One swift jerk of her hand and Samar's neck would snap...
The smile on Elsa's face vanished abruptly and her eyes moved aside. A cold voice said quietly, "I think that's enough." The hold of Samar's head and hands loosened and she hastily got up, ignoring the twinges of pain from pulled and abused muscles.
Makoe was standing over the bending huntress. Oddly, all he was doing was holding a finger to a point on the side of the large woman's neck. "No sudden moves, now," he murmured. "We wouldn't want my finger to accidentally apply pressure in the wrong places?" Dark eyes glanced at Samar and she thought she saw a flash of concern in the impassive depths. Then they flicked to one side and she moved woodenly away a few steps.
A presence beside her and Leon asking if she was okay. She nodded, eyes still fixed on the pair in the middle of the field. She thought she heard Makoe's voice but couldn't make out any words. Then the vampire lowered his hand and came over to where she stood.
Samar began to tremble and when he stopped in front of her, she said inanely, "You shouldn't turn your back on your opponent." One dark eyebrow lifted sardonically. That was all she saw before she threw herself into his arms and began to shake.
Over her head, dark eyes met brown mockingly.
* * *
Neither Elsa nor Jason were happy campers as they followed Jerrick back to the house. They didn't say a word, but then, neither had to. Their expressions said it all.
Jerrick motioned to them to sit as he himself limped to an armchair set perpendicular to the fireplace.
"Now, then, to business," he began.
Jason shook his head. "Look, Jerrick, I don't see how this is going to work. There's no way we can cooperate with vampires. And certainly not that arrogant lot."
"I'll point out that they were not the ones that started the fight," Jerrick said. His tone was mild but his words struck home anyway.
"But that's besides the point. I'm not asking you to work with them. They will remain here to train the Turned and neutralize any danger from the vampires that will be gathered." He bent them a direct look to emphasize his point. "You, I'm asking to come with me to retrieve the next Old One."
Elsa frowned. "Retrieve?" she repeated.
"Hm, yes. Bring him back here," Jerrick explained, sounding absent about it.
Both hunters expressed surprise in their own way; Elsa blinked, Jason scowled faintly.
"You're going to _capture_ the Old One and bring him back? That can't be easy to do since they're so powerful. Why would you want to do that?" Elsa asked disbelievingly.
Sighing, Jerrick explained how they used the Power of the Old One to Turn vampires. His explanation didn't seem to please either hunter.
"You're making more ex-vampires?"
"Essentially, yes." Jerrick eyed Jason for his flat words. "I suppose you're more inclined to killing them than saving them, but honestly, the end result is the same; a couple hundred fewer vampires in the world," he said urbanely.
"Unnatural," Jason muttered. Jerrick's expression at that pronouncement might have been one of amusement but in the flickering firelight, it was hard to tell.
"It might seem so to you, at least initially," the red-haired witch said with ease. "But all that needs to concern you is that we are going to hunt down and bring back an Old One. I'm offering you both a chance to be part of that hunt," he recapped.
The two hunters exchanged doubtful looks in the moment of silence that followed. Jerrick breathed another sigh and said abruptly, "I'm leaving this weekend. You have two days to consider your decision. Give me your answer by Friday evening." His tone was touched with impatience and clearly indicated a dismissal.
Looking faintly annoyed, the pair got up and left. Neither said much on the way back to Crystal's but both sat still, looking through the windscreen thoughtfully when they had arrived and Jason had parked the car and turned off the engine.
"So what do you think?" Elsa asked. " Worth it?"
Jason merely shook his head and got out of the car.
"It would be different this time, you know? Elena isn't going along, so there'll be more to be done. And from what Jerrick said about this particular Old One, he has his own underlings. Just like the one in Turkey," Elsa pointed out, following him out of the garage and into the mansion.
"Are you saying you want to go?" Jason asked bluntly as he shrugged out of his jacket and hung it up.
Elsa shut the door behind her with an absent nudge of a foot while taking of her own wrap. "I'm just saying we might want to seriously think about it. I mean, look at our options, weigh all factors, not just go on gut-feel on this," she explained.
"Yes, Jason, you can't make important decisions based on pure emotion, you know?" came a velvety voice from the sitting room just off the main hall.
Both hunters jerked about to see Crystal standing in the threshold, watching them with hooded eyes. Their postures went tense and defensive. She let them stew for a moment, then beckoned them. She turned and preceded them into the room. They exchanged another glance before obeying her summons.
"Sit down, you two," she invited, taking her own seat. She somehow managed to look like a queen on a throne and a feline curled up in a chair at one and the same time.
They sat, keeping their eyes on her warily the entire time.
She eyed them. "Where have you been?" she asked.
She's testing us, Elsa thought. She already knows. "Jerrick's," she said flatly, not liking the probing. Beside her, Jason stiffened in shock.
Crystal nodded slightly, as if in approval. "And what were you doing there?" she prompted.
"Jerrick called. He asked if we wanted to join him in capturing an Old One," Elsa said in clipped tones. Might as well come clean.
Green eyes flashed in outrage. "Still trying to steal my people, is he?" she asked rhetorically. Neither hunter had an answer for her. After the initial anger passed, Crystal reacted much like they had, latching onto the odd phrase. "Capturing? You mean they won't be killing the Old One right off?" she asked with some surprise. And then, Elsa saw calculation slip into her emerald eyes.
"No, Jerrick intends to catch him - he's in England - and bring him back here. Elena will used the power from unmaking the Old One to change vampires back into humans," Jason put in. He added, a tad hastily, "We've more or less decided that we aren't -"
"You will," Crystal cut in abruptly. Jason fell silent. The hunter leader looked thoughtful. Elsa and Jason watched her mutely. Presently, she stirred and got out of her chair.
"Join Jerrick and bring back the Original," she stated, pacing languidly without looking at either of them. Neither Elsa nor Jason mistook her words for anything other than an order. She stopped in front of them and green eyes caught theirs.
"And when the opportunity presents itself, bring the Old One here."
Elsa felt a chill go through her at the red-head's daring - or suicidal? - plan.
"It's about time we hunters chalked up an Old One's death for ourselves." Crystal settled back in her chair with a satisfied air, as if the deed was already done.
"Crystal, we can't kill the Old One. They can't be killed. Only Elena has the ability to unmake them," Elsa said cautiously.
A wry smile curved Crystal's lips. "Do you know that for a fact? Have you tried jabbing a wooden knife through his heart? Or decapitated him yourself and watched him continue to live?"
Elsa didn't reply but her answer was plain on her face as well as Jason's. Well... no.
"What if those are just lies Jerrick spun to keep us from going after the Old Ones ourselves?" Crystal demanded. "It would be just his style to mislead and manipulate us into doing what he wants. The point is, we don't know for sure that Old Ones aren't anything more than powerful and ancient vampires." Her expression hardened warningly. "Do we?" she challenged.
Jason looked nonplussed, then his frown returned with a vengeance as he considered this possibility. Unwillingly, Elsa found herself turning it around in her mind as well. Sure, Jerrick seemed to know a lot, but what if? What if? He had shown more than once that he was expedient about anything else. So what if he had lied for his own purposes?
Crystal watched their expressions ripple and shift, doubt and intrigue and skepticism and suspicion. "Have you actually told him that you're not interested?" she asked.
Jason and Elsa both shook their heads. "Good. Call him tomorrow and tell him you've accepted his offer. Join that hunt. And when you get the chance, grab the Old One and bring him here." Crystal smiled in anticipation, not only in getting her hands on an Old One but also at getting back at Jerrick for his playing her for a fool.
"What if the witch had been telling the truth?" Elsa asked, caution and good sense prevailing momentarily.
"Well, then, we'll know for sure and return the Old One to him with no harm done," Crystal responded easily.
"What if we can't control him? What if Jerrick puts him under some kind of restraint and has to keep it up all the time?" Elsa probed.
Crystal's eyes narrowed, warning that her tolerance for questions was low. "That lame half-man is nothing but an arrogant witch. I can always find another," she snarled. "You just worry about getting the Old One here!"
* * *
"So I'll be going with Jerrick. To England to get the Old One," Eiran said.
The quiet of evening and the setting sun found him seated with Elena on one of the few benches placed along the pathways. After the confrontation between the vampires and the hunters, Jerrick had taken the hunters off to the main lodge. Eiran had stayed behind, watching the vampires take the squabbling siblings back to their cabin. Elena, too, hung back as the Turned drifted off to their rooms or to seek their new brethren.
Finding themselves alone, the pair had exchanged smiles of acknowledgement, then greetings. By unspoken mutual consent, they began walking aimlessly, exchanging slightly awkward comments as they tried to regain the easy camaraderie they had once shared. It took a while but eventually, words flowed and they caught up on each other's news.
Now, Elena sat sideways on the bench, facing him with one leg curled in and tucked under her. She had her arm draped across the back of the bench, bent at the elbow and fist supporting her temple. "Why you?"
Eiran shrugged deprecatingly. "Why not me?" he returned. "I've worked the longest and most closely with Jerrick, at the same time, I'm the ideal coordinator of the mixed team of Turned and hunters. I've worked with both."
Elena pursed her lips. "Well, I guess when you put it that way..." she said wryly. "It does sound pretty logical."
"Why did you think?" Eiran asked curiously.
Now it was Elena who shrugged. "I guess I'm just a bit paranoid about Jerrick's motives for doing anything," she sighed. "I haven't spoken to you in a while, not since you left with the rest to look for vampires. It just felt like I was missing something somehow." She looked at him and smiled. "Silly, huh?"
Eiran returned her smile but didn't comment. His eyes lifted to a point over her shoulder and he nodded slightly. Elena looked back to see who it was and smiled welcomingly at Stefan. "Hi," she said. She twisted a little, head no longer pressed against one hand and reached the other hand to take his and draw him onto the bench beside her.
"I'd wondered where you'd disappeared off to once the fireworks ended," Stefan quipped. "Eiran," he greeted, "How are you?"
"Well enough, thanks," the Turned replied and stood. "Sorry, I sort of abducted Elena, I guess," he smiled faintly.
The blonde pretended outrage at that comment but Eiran only smiled a little wider. "I return her to your hands safely," he told Stefan. "I think Jerrick will have finished with Jason and Elsa by now. I'll go see how that talk went, if you'll excuse me."
"What were the hunters doing here anyway?" Stefan asked, manner going serious. "Elsa might have seriously injured Samar, or even killed her, if Makoe hadn't intervened."
Eiran bowed his head. "I rather doubt it would have come to that," he murmured before raising his voice and his face again to answer Stefan's question. "Jerrick called the hunters here. He's going to ask them to go with him to England."
Eiran watched Stefan carefully as he said this and saw the faint line form on the vampire's brow. "Jerrick told us that _we_ would hunt the Old One. That's why the other vampires stayed." Elena seemed to come more alert and began to look suspicious.
The ex-vampire nodded. "I know. Jerrick says that the vampires will get their turn, never fear. For now, he needs the hunters."
Elena's bewitching eyes fastened on his face searchingly and Eiran felt his expression go mask-like in instinctive defensive. "Since when did you become Jerrick's mouthpiece?" she asked softly, with only a tinge of humor softening the question.
Eiran smiled and didn't answer. He simply ducked his head in a pseudo-bow and walked down the path towards the main building.
Stefan watched him go, then looked at Elena to find her doing the same. "Damn Jerrick," she said suddenly. "He's turning Eiran into a creature of shadows and secrets." She bit her lip, her eyes still on the faraway point where the Turned had disappeared.
Stefan fought a stab of jealousy, reminding himself that Eiran had been a very good friend and confidant to Elena during that lonely and frightening month while he had been held prisoner.
"He's hiding something from me, Stefan. Jerrick's got some kind of hold on him and is using him, I'm sure of it," she went on.
The Italian vampire had no answer for her and after a while, merely said, "Eiran would probably agree with me that he can take care of himself, although he would doubtlessly appreciate your care."
Elena shrugged. "I really do hope he's all right. He's been such a good friend and a help..." she trailed off
Stefan nodded understandingly and slipped his arms around her. He commented lightly, "He seems quite devoted to you. Sets a great example."
Her lapis eyes shifted to his face and brightened gratifyingly at him, although her expression reflected exasperation. "Stefan!" she chided.
He raised his eyebrows although he rather thought his green eyes might hold a spark of laughter. "I only speak the truth! I think if I didn't treat you well, he would make me see the error of my ways right away."
She made a sound of annoyance and scoffing and faced away, looking slightly uncomfortable. He tightened his hold on her in conciliation. "Well, I'll just have to make sure I don't give him any reason to, then, hm?" he murmured tenderly, leaning towards her.
She turned her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye and her smile rivaled the sunset.
* * *
Samar wasn't spying. She just happened to be up in a tree, practicing the high way when she spotted Elena and Stefan walking back to the cabin. She froze and peered down at them, watching how they talked and laughed, the simple ease with which they kept pace, their interlocked fingers, the peaceful smiles on their faces.
For the first time, she didn't want to hurl, watching a sugary sweet couple. In fact, she felt wistful for the same closeness and loving care that showed in every line of their face and body, the tone of every word they spoke.
Her mind began dreamily conjuring images of her and Makoe...like that. For a handful of delicious moments, imagination bore her away. And then practicality reasserted itself and her rosy pictures shattered.
She draped herself lengthwise on a branch, feeling the rough surface against her cheek. Samar and Makoe, walking through a forest at dusk, fingers and hearts entwined and laughter ringing out. That was so not happening.
After the brush with Elsa and her fear had worn off, she had thrilled in being held by him, even in front of everyone - _especially_ in front of everyone. It was the first public demonstration of their relationship. And then Tristan had to come and ruin it all.
Her older brother had blown up after the incident with the hunter; he called her rash and reckless, she asked why he hadn't _done_ something before Elsa had gotten her good, he said she was incompetent, she named him a useless bloodbag - and a leaky one at that! - and it went downhill from there.
So she had stormed off to her room - and climbed out the window when she got too bored of staring at the same four walls and ceiling.
She dangled arms and legs down the branch and brooded over how to further her burgeoning romance with Makoe. What she needed, she decided, was for them to _do_ something. Something fun, something social. The cold-blooded, thickheaded goon didn't seem about to ask her out, so she would just have to instigate an outing, herself. A group outing, to save some face.
Her mind fell to planning where and when and how while simultaneously offering her images of being in Makoe's arms on a dimly lit dance floor, swaying to a lazy tune, with tiny pinpricks of light moving dreamily over the floor and the dancing couples. The more she thought about it, the better she felt.
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* There are various pressure points in the human body. Applying particular amounts of force to different points create different effects. In this case, if Makoe had actually jabbed Elsa on that spot, it would have stopped the flow of blood to her brain, causing brain hemorrhage and death. There are others points that can immobilize someone, or heal, or cause pain, or give pleasure.
Notes:
~ Chapter ~
::Thoughts or telepathy::
_emphasis or italics_
* Author's Note(s)
Date posted: 10 May 2003
* See the Reviews area for my abject apologies.
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~ Forty Six ~
"Right. Yes. I know where that is. Okay. We'll be there soon."
The phone fell back into the cradle with a brief clatter and Elsa turned to meet Jason's enquiring gaze.
"That was Jerrick," she said without preamble. "He asked us to go by his place."
"Why?" the laconic archer asked sitting up straighter in the armchair. He tossed aside the magazine he had been idly leafing through.
Elsa's blue eyes rolled ceiling-ward. "Why do you think?" she turned the question back at him derisively. "Either he's lonely for old friends or he's going to ask if we want in on some action. I'll give you one guess," she smirked.
Jason's lip curled, but it was unclear if the expression was in response to her jibing or due to the lack of activity among the vampire hunters since the witches left. Rather than spring out of his seat, he eyed her measuringly.
One red-brown eyebrow arched in inquiry. "Yes?" she drawled, looking at him expectantly.
"You're not really thinking of going over there? You know Crystal won't tolerate us associating with Jerrick," he reminded.
Elsa snorted. "And what is she offering us in exchange? I haven't heard of a single lead in all this time. I'm not going to sit around doing nothing for weeks and months when there are vampires to be killed," she retorted.
"Newsflash, Maeven; Jerrick's _working_ with vampires," Jason returned sarcastically.
"Only a specific handful. And he's also working on exterminating the very first vampires ever," Elsa pointed out. She put her hands on her hips. "Enough with the petty arguments. Are you coming or not?" she demanded. "I have the address; I can get there with or without you."
Jason's movements were slow and deliberate, as if he was reluctant.
"Come on," she half-coaxed. "It can't hurt to go over there and hear what he has to say."
"It can hurt a whole lot if Crystal finds out about this," Jason muttered back. But Elsa could see the gleam on interest in his dark eyes. She nodded to herself and followed him out of the room and down the hall, barely noticing Peter Pearson as they passed him.
They didn't see the look of malicious glee he aimed after them either.
* * *
The wood was filled with the sound of activity.
Over to one side, the rhythmic crack of wood on wood sounded as Elena and Stefan faced each other with six-foot lances. The pair made it look like an elaborate and graceful dance as they traded blows, keeping up a running commentary. Elena was holding her own, although Samar suspected that Stefan was matching her pace and not pushing the exchange to his limits. Ten pairs of ex-vampires were sprawled on the ground or standing about the couple, watching intently, each holding a staff of their own.
Leon's voice drifted from another part of the woods. He was removed from the rest and hidden from view among the trees with the group he was brainwashing with his strategy and combat psychology. His words were not audible, merely the sound of his voice rising and falling as he illustrated his points.
Once in a while, Tristan felt that his students may know enough to point a gun and pull the trigger. Then gunshots would ring among the stately boughs. The shots never rang for very long as Tristan halted his ten pupils to lecture them some more on the proper use and respect for his weapon of choice. Thank goodness these guns had been provided by Jerrick. Had they been from Tristan's personal collection, no one would ever fire a shot.
Samar stood among her own group, watching pairs of Turned practicing basic strikes and blocks against each other. It had been difficult for her to teach the now-humans to fight because her own learning had been so unstructured.
However, she had to devise some simple yet effective exercises for them since there was only one of her and twenty of them; she could not have the one-on-one arrangement as she had had with Makoe.
Makoe.
Thinking of him made her eyes drift over to where the enigmatic, expressionless vampire was teaching another group of trainees blade-work. The metal knives and larger rapiers occasionally caught the light that filtered through the leaves. It was a picturesque scene; a group of young, uncommonly beautiful people standing amidst the stately trunks and lush greenery of lawn and leaves.
She had not had a chance to spend any time with Aodhan since the night of the race. They had been busy preparing for the Turning, then in the days following that unsettling night, they had been preoccupied with training the Turned.
And, Samar thought, frowning faintly, Tristan has not exactly made it easy for her to have a private word with Makoe either. The tall vampire was always hovering about one of them or the other. Samar didn't have to be a genius to figure out what her older brother was trying to do and she was _not_ amused.
Makoe himself was not helping. He didn't seem to be making any special effort to be with her either. In fact, he acted much like he always did, as if that incredible hunt and kiss had never happened.
Samar abruptly realized that she was ignoring her students and watching the dark-haired vampire absorbedly. At that moment, he looked up and caught her eye. The calm air about him made her think that he was fully aware that she had been watching him. Her heart did flip-flops, her earlier annoyance at him forgotten. He moved his head in the slightest inclination of acknowledgement and his expression seemed to turn sardonic without really changing.
Pursing her lip, Samar tore her gaze away from his and looked at the Turned who were exchanging awkward and tentative blows. "Put some heart into it, people. You're fighting, not playing tag," she barked the first thing that came to mind.
"A vampire. Teaching Turned to fight vampires," snorted an unfamiliar voice behind her. The derisive tone sparked her already frayed nerves to temper and she whirled to face the speaker. "Talk about working at cross purposes."
An impressively built woman stood beside a brooding, ascetic man who made her think of Robin Hood, even though he was dressed in a button-down shirt and jeans. Samar's eyes narrowed on them and some instinct screamed: 'Hunters!' She tensed, really to call for the others, then noticed Eiran and Jerrick with them and decided that they were non-hostile. The witch looked even more frail and helpless than usual, in contrast with the strangers.
"What's wrong with that?" Samar addressed the woman, who had obviously been the speaker.
The woman looked at her ironically. "Would you trust a hunter to teach a vampire to defend himself against other hunters?"
"If the hunter really wanted to make sure the vampire could defend himself against other hunters, yes," Samar said. She crossed her arms, as if daring the woman to refute her, and sent out an alert to the others. Nothing alarming, just to let them know there were visitors about.
"And why would a hunter try and protect a vampire? It makes no sense," the huntress pointed out. What was it with these mouthy female slayers? First Taura and now this hulking valkyrie.
"It's a matter of honor and pride, Elsa," Jerrick interjected smoothly. "The skill of their students reflects on their own abilities." He waved a hand at the vampires who had now gathered. Elena was with Stefan, holding her staff. She nodded greeting to the hunters, but Elsa had not taken her eyes off Samar and missed the gesture. Jason returned the acknowledgment then looked around.
"No archers," he said shortly, slanting Eiran a censorious look.
The Turned shrugged a little, deprecatingly. "Jerrick has other duties for me so I haven't time to train anyone," he explained. Samar had to give him credit for not sounding sheepish. From the exchange, she guessed that this hunter had been his instructor. Her impression of 'Merry Men' increased with this tidbit.
"In any case, Jason, the bow is not a very practical weapon for the Turned," Jerrick commented, drawing a brooding look from the master archer. Jerrick, of course, didn't bat an eyelash. "They will be searching for vampires. They need to be able to defend themselves, not be seen as aggressive," the frail-looking witch explained mildly. "A bow slung over one shoulder would be too conspicuous and threatening."
Jason looked skeptical, as if challenging Jerrick's words but before he could speak, Samar's attention was pulled abruptly back to Elsa.
"If there's no issue with integrity, that only leaves one more concern," the female fighter all but purred, taking a step closer.
Samar had to tip her head back a little to gaze at her face and she was well aware of the concern/warning/aggression coming from the other vampires but she held her ground. "And what would be?" she asked, insolent and bored.
The fighter's blue eyes narrowed above the nasty smile that formed on her lips. "The question of competence," she stated. That was all the warning Samar got before the huntress struck. Her hand swung in a chopping motion, aiming for Samar's flank.
The petite vampire blocked the blow, rightly enough, but could not completely absorb the force and curvetted away, stumbling back two steps. Her hazel eyes were huge with outrage as Elsa continued to smile and motioned her to come closer.
Samar didn't see the looks the others exchanged, the sharp glances at Jerrick, or the bland expression he returned. She rubbed her stinging forearm unconsciously, staring back at the mocking huntress in front of her and hearing the cool voice in her head. ::Temper, temper.:: She took a deep, calming breath and thought about this fight.
They were about evenly matched, she supposed; vampiric strength against greater bulk. But given the advantage of momentum, Elsa's blows really could hurt, as Samar already found out. So. Negate that advantage by not giving her the opening for a full blow. Speed and guile.
::That's my girl.::
Samar's teeth flashed in a feral smile. She stepped back up to Elsa and tipped her head, inviting the next move, unobtrusively watching the play of muscles under the other's skin.
Around them, everyone seemed frozen. There was a tension-filled moment before Elsa moved, kicking out to sweep Samar's legs from under her. Taken by surprise, Samar found herself hopping, and then coming down _on_ Elsa's calf and knee as the woman's foot made its pass. Using that as a springboard, the vampire girl jumped and flipped backwards like a gymnast, aiming a heel at Elsa's chin on the way. Samar almost laughed; that was _too_ easy!
::Bad idea,:: came the thought just as her ankle was grabbed and she was yanked back towards the huntress. She sprawled unceremoniously on the ground at Elsa's feet. The huntress, she couldn't help but notice with some satisfaction, was favoring one leg. She lifted that foot, no doubt to plant it somewhere on Samar's anatomy but the vampire didn't give her the chance.
Quickly recovering her breath, Samar rolled away and smoothly stood up. Challenging stares were exchanged as the two fighters closed the distance. Elsa hit out again and Samar ducked this time, driving her small fist into the other's side. She followed up her advantage with a sharp, upward cut at the vulnerable joining of Elsa's shoulder then darted around the larger fighter and kicked at the back of her injured leg. The knee buckled and Elsa went down, further damaging that kneecap, perhaps.
::Don't get cocky, now,:: was the laconic advise.
::Killjoy,:: she returned, but fondly. Elsa got back on her feet relatively quickly, considering that she must be in some pain. She whirled to face her petite opponent and Samar noted the woman's flushed face. As the large huntress approached her, Samar observed impudently, "You almost walk like Jerrick now. Have I proven my competence yet, vampire hunter?" she asked.
"Not. Quite," the woman ground out and launched a series of blindingly quick blows. Samar, surprised, blocked each as they came. The woman had two hands and so did she; she could keep blocking them, surely!
But Elsa's hands were a blur of motion and the strikes came at unexpected angles and directions, aiming for different parts of her body. One blow got past her guard, and then a second, flustering Samar and distracting her. Makoe had taught her to defend herself but never prepared her for skilled and studied artistry like this!
A jab to her face, Samar twisted sideways; a downward stroke at her hand, the vampire deflected it, killing the momentum by moving with the blow and swinging about to bring both hands up again.
She found her wrist captured and grabbed the woman's hand in turn. She spun, intent on throwing Elsa over her shoulder as she once had Stefan but she had overestimated her strength. Or underestimated Elsa's superior size.
Instead of having her opponent sprawled gracelessly on the ground in front of her, the wind knocked out of her lungs by a blow from the back and Samar found herself in a merciless armlock. First one, and then the both arms were twisted behind her. She gasped in pain and tried to jerk out of the hold furiously but Elsa had too good a grip on her.
The slayer kicked out and kneed her in the back. Samar stumbled forward but was yanked pulled up short and fell to her knees. Elsa changed her hold, freeing one hand. Samar looked upwards and behind her when she felt fingers grasping her head.
Elsa was smirking. "Now, little vampire, you would die," she said cruelly. The fingers in her hair tightened meaningfully and Samar felt a flash of genuine fear. One swift jerk of her hand and Samar's neck would snap...
The smile on Elsa's face vanished abruptly and her eyes moved aside. A cold voice said quietly, "I think that's enough." The hold of Samar's head and hands loosened and she hastily got up, ignoring the twinges of pain from pulled and abused muscles.
Makoe was standing over the bending huntress. Oddly, all he was doing was holding a finger to a point on the side of the large woman's neck. "No sudden moves, now," he murmured. "We wouldn't want my finger to accidentally apply pressure in the wrong places?" Dark eyes glanced at Samar and she thought she saw a flash of concern in the impassive depths. Then they flicked to one side and she moved woodenly away a few steps.
A presence beside her and Leon asking if she was okay. She nodded, eyes still fixed on the pair in the middle of the field. She thought she heard Makoe's voice but couldn't make out any words. Then the vampire lowered his hand and came over to where she stood.
Samar began to tremble and when he stopped in front of her, she said inanely, "You shouldn't turn your back on your opponent." One dark eyebrow lifted sardonically. That was all she saw before she threw herself into his arms and began to shake.
Over her head, dark eyes met brown mockingly.
* * *
Neither Elsa nor Jason were happy campers as they followed Jerrick back to the house. They didn't say a word, but then, neither had to. Their expressions said it all.
Jerrick motioned to them to sit as he himself limped to an armchair set perpendicular to the fireplace.
"Now, then, to business," he began.
Jason shook his head. "Look, Jerrick, I don't see how this is going to work. There's no way we can cooperate with vampires. And certainly not that arrogant lot."
"I'll point out that they were not the ones that started the fight," Jerrick said. His tone was mild but his words struck home anyway.
"But that's besides the point. I'm not asking you to work with them. They will remain here to train the Turned and neutralize any danger from the vampires that will be gathered." He bent them a direct look to emphasize his point. "You, I'm asking to come with me to retrieve the next Old One."
Elsa frowned. "Retrieve?" she repeated.
"Hm, yes. Bring him back here," Jerrick explained, sounding absent about it.
Both hunters expressed surprise in their own way; Elsa blinked, Jason scowled faintly.
"You're going to _capture_ the Old One and bring him back? That can't be easy to do since they're so powerful. Why would you want to do that?" Elsa asked disbelievingly.
Sighing, Jerrick explained how they used the Power of the Old One to Turn vampires. His explanation didn't seem to please either hunter.
"You're making more ex-vampires?"
"Essentially, yes." Jerrick eyed Jason for his flat words. "I suppose you're more inclined to killing them than saving them, but honestly, the end result is the same; a couple hundred fewer vampires in the world," he said urbanely.
"Unnatural," Jason muttered. Jerrick's expression at that pronouncement might have been one of amusement but in the flickering firelight, it was hard to tell.
"It might seem so to you, at least initially," the red-haired witch said with ease. "But all that needs to concern you is that we are going to hunt down and bring back an Old One. I'm offering you both a chance to be part of that hunt," he recapped.
The two hunters exchanged doubtful looks in the moment of silence that followed. Jerrick breathed another sigh and said abruptly, "I'm leaving this weekend. You have two days to consider your decision. Give me your answer by Friday evening." His tone was touched with impatience and clearly indicated a dismissal.
Looking faintly annoyed, the pair got up and left. Neither said much on the way back to Crystal's but both sat still, looking through the windscreen thoughtfully when they had arrived and Jason had parked the car and turned off the engine.
"So what do you think?" Elsa asked. " Worth it?"
Jason merely shook his head and got out of the car.
"It would be different this time, you know? Elena isn't going along, so there'll be more to be done. And from what Jerrick said about this particular Old One, he has his own underlings. Just like the one in Turkey," Elsa pointed out, following him out of the garage and into the mansion.
"Are you saying you want to go?" Jason asked bluntly as he shrugged out of his jacket and hung it up.
Elsa shut the door behind her with an absent nudge of a foot while taking of her own wrap. "I'm just saying we might want to seriously think about it. I mean, look at our options, weigh all factors, not just go on gut-feel on this," she explained.
"Yes, Jason, you can't make important decisions based on pure emotion, you know?" came a velvety voice from the sitting room just off the main hall.
Both hunters jerked about to see Crystal standing in the threshold, watching them with hooded eyes. Their postures went tense and defensive. She let them stew for a moment, then beckoned them. She turned and preceded them into the room. They exchanged another glance before obeying her summons.
"Sit down, you two," she invited, taking her own seat. She somehow managed to look like a queen on a throne and a feline curled up in a chair at one and the same time.
They sat, keeping their eyes on her warily the entire time.
She eyed them. "Where have you been?" she asked.
She's testing us, Elsa thought. She already knows. "Jerrick's," she said flatly, not liking the probing. Beside her, Jason stiffened in shock.
Crystal nodded slightly, as if in approval. "And what were you doing there?" she prompted.
"Jerrick called. He asked if we wanted to join him in capturing an Old One," Elsa said in clipped tones. Might as well come clean.
Green eyes flashed in outrage. "Still trying to steal my people, is he?" she asked rhetorically. Neither hunter had an answer for her. After the initial anger passed, Crystal reacted much like they had, latching onto the odd phrase. "Capturing? You mean they won't be killing the Old One right off?" she asked with some surprise. And then, Elsa saw calculation slip into her emerald eyes.
"No, Jerrick intends to catch him - he's in England - and bring him back here. Elena will used the power from unmaking the Old One to change vampires back into humans," Jason put in. He added, a tad hastily, "We've more or less decided that we aren't -"
"You will," Crystal cut in abruptly. Jason fell silent. The hunter leader looked thoughtful. Elsa and Jason watched her mutely. Presently, she stirred and got out of her chair.
"Join Jerrick and bring back the Original," she stated, pacing languidly without looking at either of them. Neither Elsa nor Jason mistook her words for anything other than an order. She stopped in front of them and green eyes caught theirs.
"And when the opportunity presents itself, bring the Old One here."
Elsa felt a chill go through her at the red-head's daring - or suicidal? - plan.
"It's about time we hunters chalked up an Old One's death for ourselves." Crystal settled back in her chair with a satisfied air, as if the deed was already done.
"Crystal, we can't kill the Old One. They can't be killed. Only Elena has the ability to unmake them," Elsa said cautiously.
A wry smile curved Crystal's lips. "Do you know that for a fact? Have you tried jabbing a wooden knife through his heart? Or decapitated him yourself and watched him continue to live?"
Elsa didn't reply but her answer was plain on her face as well as Jason's. Well... no.
"What if those are just lies Jerrick spun to keep us from going after the Old Ones ourselves?" Crystal demanded. "It would be just his style to mislead and manipulate us into doing what he wants. The point is, we don't know for sure that Old Ones aren't anything more than powerful and ancient vampires." Her expression hardened warningly. "Do we?" she challenged.
Jason looked nonplussed, then his frown returned with a vengeance as he considered this possibility. Unwillingly, Elsa found herself turning it around in her mind as well. Sure, Jerrick seemed to know a lot, but what if? What if? He had shown more than once that he was expedient about anything else. So what if he had lied for his own purposes?
Crystal watched their expressions ripple and shift, doubt and intrigue and skepticism and suspicion. "Have you actually told him that you're not interested?" she asked.
Jason and Elsa both shook their heads. "Good. Call him tomorrow and tell him you've accepted his offer. Join that hunt. And when you get the chance, grab the Old One and bring him here." Crystal smiled in anticipation, not only in getting her hands on an Old One but also at getting back at Jerrick for his playing her for a fool.
"What if the witch had been telling the truth?" Elsa asked, caution and good sense prevailing momentarily.
"Well, then, we'll know for sure and return the Old One to him with no harm done," Crystal responded easily.
"What if we can't control him? What if Jerrick puts him under some kind of restraint and has to keep it up all the time?" Elsa probed.
Crystal's eyes narrowed, warning that her tolerance for questions was low. "That lame half-man is nothing but an arrogant witch. I can always find another," she snarled. "You just worry about getting the Old One here!"
* * *
"So I'll be going with Jerrick. To England to get the Old One," Eiran said.
The quiet of evening and the setting sun found him seated with Elena on one of the few benches placed along the pathways. After the confrontation between the vampires and the hunters, Jerrick had taken the hunters off to the main lodge. Eiran had stayed behind, watching the vampires take the squabbling siblings back to their cabin. Elena, too, hung back as the Turned drifted off to their rooms or to seek their new brethren.
Finding themselves alone, the pair had exchanged smiles of acknowledgement, then greetings. By unspoken mutual consent, they began walking aimlessly, exchanging slightly awkward comments as they tried to regain the easy camaraderie they had once shared. It took a while but eventually, words flowed and they caught up on each other's news.
Now, Elena sat sideways on the bench, facing him with one leg curled in and tucked under her. She had her arm draped across the back of the bench, bent at the elbow and fist supporting her temple. "Why you?"
Eiran shrugged deprecatingly. "Why not me?" he returned. "I've worked the longest and most closely with Jerrick, at the same time, I'm the ideal coordinator of the mixed team of Turned and hunters. I've worked with both."
Elena pursed her lips. "Well, I guess when you put it that way..." she said wryly. "It does sound pretty logical."
"Why did you think?" Eiran asked curiously.
Now it was Elena who shrugged. "I guess I'm just a bit paranoid about Jerrick's motives for doing anything," she sighed. "I haven't spoken to you in a while, not since you left with the rest to look for vampires. It just felt like I was missing something somehow." She looked at him and smiled. "Silly, huh?"
Eiran returned her smile but didn't comment. His eyes lifted to a point over her shoulder and he nodded slightly. Elena looked back to see who it was and smiled welcomingly at Stefan. "Hi," she said. She twisted a little, head no longer pressed against one hand and reached the other hand to take his and draw him onto the bench beside her.
"I'd wondered where you'd disappeared off to once the fireworks ended," Stefan quipped. "Eiran," he greeted, "How are you?"
"Well enough, thanks," the Turned replied and stood. "Sorry, I sort of abducted Elena, I guess," he smiled faintly.
The blonde pretended outrage at that comment but Eiran only smiled a little wider. "I return her to your hands safely," he told Stefan. "I think Jerrick will have finished with Jason and Elsa by now. I'll go see how that talk went, if you'll excuse me."
"What were the hunters doing here anyway?" Stefan asked, manner going serious. "Elsa might have seriously injured Samar, or even killed her, if Makoe hadn't intervened."
Eiran bowed his head. "I rather doubt it would have come to that," he murmured before raising his voice and his face again to answer Stefan's question. "Jerrick called the hunters here. He's going to ask them to go with him to England."
Eiran watched Stefan carefully as he said this and saw the faint line form on the vampire's brow. "Jerrick told us that _we_ would hunt the Old One. That's why the other vampires stayed." Elena seemed to come more alert and began to look suspicious.
The ex-vampire nodded. "I know. Jerrick says that the vampires will get their turn, never fear. For now, he needs the hunters."
Elena's bewitching eyes fastened on his face searchingly and Eiran felt his expression go mask-like in instinctive defensive. "Since when did you become Jerrick's mouthpiece?" she asked softly, with only a tinge of humor softening the question.
Eiran smiled and didn't answer. He simply ducked his head in a pseudo-bow and walked down the path towards the main building.
Stefan watched him go, then looked at Elena to find her doing the same. "Damn Jerrick," she said suddenly. "He's turning Eiran into a creature of shadows and secrets." She bit her lip, her eyes still on the faraway point where the Turned had disappeared.
Stefan fought a stab of jealousy, reminding himself that Eiran had been a very good friend and confidant to Elena during that lonely and frightening month while he had been held prisoner.
"He's hiding something from me, Stefan. Jerrick's got some kind of hold on him and is using him, I'm sure of it," she went on.
The Italian vampire had no answer for her and after a while, merely said, "Eiran would probably agree with me that he can take care of himself, although he would doubtlessly appreciate your care."
Elena shrugged. "I really do hope he's all right. He's been such a good friend and a help..." she trailed off
Stefan nodded understandingly and slipped his arms around her. He commented lightly, "He seems quite devoted to you. Sets a great example."
Her lapis eyes shifted to his face and brightened gratifyingly at him, although her expression reflected exasperation. "Stefan!" she chided.
He raised his eyebrows although he rather thought his green eyes might hold a spark of laughter. "I only speak the truth! I think if I didn't treat you well, he would make me see the error of my ways right away."
She made a sound of annoyance and scoffing and faced away, looking slightly uncomfortable. He tightened his hold on her in conciliation. "Well, I'll just have to make sure I don't give him any reason to, then, hm?" he murmured tenderly, leaning towards her.
She turned her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye and her smile rivaled the sunset.
* * *
Samar wasn't spying. She just happened to be up in a tree, practicing the high way when she spotted Elena and Stefan walking back to the cabin. She froze and peered down at them, watching how they talked and laughed, the simple ease with which they kept pace, their interlocked fingers, the peaceful smiles on their faces.
For the first time, she didn't want to hurl, watching a sugary sweet couple. In fact, she felt wistful for the same closeness and loving care that showed in every line of their face and body, the tone of every word they spoke.
Her mind began dreamily conjuring images of her and Makoe...like that. For a handful of delicious moments, imagination bore her away. And then practicality reasserted itself and her rosy pictures shattered.
She draped herself lengthwise on a branch, feeling the rough surface against her cheek. Samar and Makoe, walking through a forest at dusk, fingers and hearts entwined and laughter ringing out. That was so not happening.
After the brush with Elsa and her fear had worn off, she had thrilled in being held by him, even in front of everyone - _especially_ in front of everyone. It was the first public demonstration of their relationship. And then Tristan had to come and ruin it all.
Her older brother had blown up after the incident with the hunter; he called her rash and reckless, she asked why he hadn't _done_ something before Elsa had gotten her good, he said she was incompetent, she named him a useless bloodbag - and a leaky one at that! - and it went downhill from there.
So she had stormed off to her room - and climbed out the window when she got too bored of staring at the same four walls and ceiling.
She dangled arms and legs down the branch and brooded over how to further her burgeoning romance with Makoe. What she needed, she decided, was for them to _do_ something. Something fun, something social. The cold-blooded, thickheaded goon didn't seem about to ask her out, so she would just have to instigate an outing, herself. A group outing, to save some face.
Her mind fell to planning where and when and how while simultaneously offering her images of being in Makoe's arms on a dimly lit dance floor, swaying to a lazy tune, with tiny pinpricks of light moving dreamily over the floor and the dancing couples. The more she thought about it, the better she felt.
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* There are various pressure points in the human body. Applying particular amounts of force to different points create different effects. In this case, if Makoe had actually jabbed Elsa on that spot, it would have stopped the flow of blood to her brain, causing brain hemorrhage and death. There are others points that can immobilize someone, or heal, or cause pain, or give pleasure.