A light began emitting from the Nemeton and enveloped Elexis. As her flesh began to heal, a lichtenberg scar appeared on her collarbone, spread across her left arm.

When her eyes fluttered open and she let out a shaky breath, the first one to run up to her was Hope. she threw herself on Elexis and started crying.

Elexis sat up with a wince and hugged her back.

"Thank you, Hope. thank you for bringing me back"

Hope nodded and moved out of the way, standing next to Elexis, as Marcel helped her get up and everyone wanted to hug her, or give her a piece of their mind.

Klaus took one look at her and disappeared.

Elexis looked crestfallen, but Elijah and Kol rolled their eyes and told her that he was probably having another temper tantrum and would meet them at the loft.

Marcel held Elexis as they started walking away from the Nemeton, the others behind them, glad that their problems had subsided, at least temporarily.

After a few minutes, a whoosh was heard and Klaus was standing in front of them.

Elexis straightened up and began, when Klaus cut her off, raising a hand, indicating her to stop.

He ran his hand through his hair and said, "I really wanted to do this in a better way, but since you don't like to tell me before going of on your crazy suicide missions, I'd like to do it before you die, permanently this time."

Gasps echoed throughout the woods when Klaus went down on one knee and brought out a red velvet box. Elexis looked dumbfounded.

"I remember the first time I saw you, when I came back to New Orleans. You stood next to Marcel, head held high, with his inner circle. I remember admiring your courage and bravery. It was only after you saved me from Genevieve and helped us protect Hope, that I truly realised the extent of your talents. You had me pegged from day one. As much as I enjoyed chasing you around, dating you was a far better experience. You have been my rock, my conscience and my best friend. You taught me unconditional love, and made me a good man, a man worthy of being Hope's father. You have fought with me and besides me, and now I want to stand by you, as long as you let me. I want to be your partner, for the good and the bad. Elexis Stilinski, will you marry me?"

Elexis had tears streaming down her face. She looked at Marcel, who beamed.

Klaus opened the box and she could see an elegant diamond ring, with an infinity band.

She nodded fervently and Klaus chuckled, before dropping the box and taking Elexis' hand, and sliding the ring on her finger.

He took her from Marcel's side and kissed his fiancee soundly. Elexis smiled against his lips and sounds of cheer could be heard around her. For the first time, Elexis thought that everything would work out, and really believed it.

The End