A/N:

New chapter of THO! This one is a little long, but that's good right? Hope you enjoyed the last chapter, and happy reading!

~Erin

Chapter 34: The Gathering of Troops

"Great. I have to meet even more vampires than I already know. I am really starting to hate the supernatural world, you know." My mother groaned from inside her ensuite. I couldn't help but laugh at her complaint.

"That's unacceptable since you have a daughter that's a vampire." I scolded her as she exited the bathroom. She gave me a knowing look, and I laughed.

"What is thing anyway?" My mom asked, opening up her armoire.

"This 'thing', as you so graciously put, is a cocktail party to welcome Klaus's allies. No one is actually staying here, but this is battle headquarters. Basically this is the event where everybody gets acquainted." I explained what Klaus had told me.

The party had been a rash decision. Klaus realized last night that many of the people he called didn't know one another. In attempt to make the strategy planning less awkward, he pulled together a last minute event. Of course, I had to end up helping him. Poor Klaus didn't know the difference between a table cloth and a table runner. Thankfully, my event planning experience became a valuable thing to have.

The back garden patio had been cleaned of blood and cleared of dead bodies. We had heard no correspondence from Marcel. Only three of the attackers had been killed, and many had fled. Apparently, there had only been ten involved.

Now it was set rounded table draped in white linens, with dusted silver napkins and runners. Fine porcelain china along with ornate silverware made up the table settings. Every seat had a corresponding name plate, reading who should sit where. It truly was a miracle that we pulled everything off in time.

"These people and their social obligations."

"I'm going to go get dressed in my room, okay?" I told my mom, who nodded and sent me on my way. I opened her bedroom door, and closed it behind myself quietly. Making my way across the bridge that led to wing were my room was, I looked over the side.

The catering and serving staff Klaus had hired was scurrying about carrying random dishes through the foyer. Wonderful smells wafted up towards me, and my heightened senses were watering. Even as a vampire, I still craved a good steak every now and then. I smiled at my appetite and headed towards my room.

When I got into my room, I closed the door and threw my phone onto my already made bed. Every morning so far my bed had been made, my bathroom cleaned, and my laundry done. I opened my closet door, I selected a cocktail dress that I had previously planned. It was sheer pink metallic, printed with floral pattern. I didn't know the designer, but I loved the shape and screenprinting. Paring it with a set of rose-gold colored heels and a pair of crystal studs.

Shedding the clothes that I had previously been wearing, I changed into appropriate underwear so that my dress fit right. They were a simple set of gold lace, nothing fancy. Sliding the dress over my head, I realized that I couldn't zip up the zipper by myself. Shrugging, I just left the back open.

Putting on my heels, I went into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. Curling my hair, I simply pinned it back out of my face. My makeup I kept natural, as usual. I did add a touch of peach lipgloss, just to add a little sparkle. After my hair and makeup was in the way that I wanted it to be, I left my room, headed towards my mom's. But as I was heading there, I ran into Klaus himself.

"Don't you look sharp." I commented, approaching the Original hybrid. He was dressed in a charcoal colored suit, with a black collared shirt. Klaus smiled, and grasped me into a gentle hug.

"I hope you don't intend on exposing your entire back to our allies." Klaus laughed as he noticed the unzipped portion of my dress. I smiled against his shoulder, and shook my head.

"Here, love. Turn around." Klaus motioned for me to spin, which I did.

Klaus's hands traveled down the length of my spine as he zipped up the back of my dress. When he reached the top, he pressed a chaste kiss to the nape of my neck. It made me shiver, and I could feel Klaus smile. I turned around and placed my lips against his. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, then Klaus pulled away.

"We both need go get ready before everyone gets here." Klaus breathed, and I nodded.

"You look beautiful." he complimented me, before placing a small kiss on my cheek. Klaus left me standing there in awe. Sometimes Klaus amazed me in simple ways.

"Thank you?" I said to myself, before heading back towards my mom's room. When I got there, I found her staring at two dresses laid out on her bed. Both had been borrowed options from my wardrobe, since my mother had forgotten to pack any dress clothes in pursuit of finding me.

"Neither of these is anything like I'd wear. Don't you have a simple pair of slacks and a blouse, or something in similar nature?" My mom sighed. She never wore dresses, but pantsuits were not appropriate for a formal cocktail party.

"No, I don't have slacks and a blouse. And I wouldn't let wear that to this event anyway. This is a formal party, so you are going to go out there and look fabulous in one of these very beautiful dresses." I told her, pointing to the two dresses.

"Oh fine." My mom gave in.

"I like this one." I selected a traditional black suit dress that belted at the waist, and had a flirty paneled hem. It was a Marc by Marc Jacobs, and was so pretty.

"I guess that could work." She agreed, and slipped the dress over her head. When the dress fell onto her shoulders, I zipped up the back. It fit my mom well, and she thought so also.

"You look great." I told my mother, who nodded at herself in the mirror.

"You don't have any shoes to go with this." I realized. My mom motioned to pair of worn leather loafers, and I shook my head. Vamp speeded to my room, I grabbed an appropriate pair of heels and zoomed back.

"Here you go." I handed my mom the pair of three inch black leather Manolo pumps.

"This outfit is worth more than half my monthly paycheck." My mom grumbled as she pulled on a pair of hose, and then slipped on the designer heels.

"It's part of the lifestyle." I laughed, and my mom rolled her eyes.

A knock sounded at the door, interrupting our conversation. I turned to answer the door.

"Guests are arriving, ladies, Klaus wished for me to retrieve you. Caroline, you look wonderful. As do you Sheriff Forbes." Elijah spoke, and my mother smiled at the Original brother.

"Thank you, Elijah. And please, call me Liz." My mom responded. Elijah nodded, and moved so that Mom and I could exit her room.

Elijah led us to the middle of the bridge, where Klaus stood waiting on us.

"Sheriff Forbes, wonderful to have you joining us for this celebration." Klaus spoke to my mother, who just turned her nose up at him.

"Well then, shall we great our guests?" Klaus asked me, and nodded eagerly.

"Presenting Lord Niklaus Mikaelson escorting Miss Caroline Forbes." A voice which I did not recognize announced Klaus and I.

"Lord Niklaus?" I whispered to Klaus before we descended down the stairs.

"It's formal, and how many of our guests know me." Klaus responded, and soon we were walking arm in arm down the west staircase.

As we walked down the stairs, I soon became aware of the large crowd of people that had gathered in the plantation's foyer. They were all dressed in unique dresses and suits varying in colors.

"Presenting Lord Elijah Mikaelson, escorting Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes." A man dressed in a white shirt and khaki slacks announced the entrance of my mom and Elijah.

"This is insane." I whispered to Klaus as I observed the sea of people, and he chuckled at my reaction.

"Welcome to my world, love." Klaus responded, before leading me over to where Elijah and my mother stood.

"Welcome to all. I invite you to join me in the back garden patio, where dinner is being served. After the meal, we will discuss the issue for why you are in attendance. Thank you." Klaus announced to the awaiting group of people.

We all made our way through the patio's French doors, and walked down the steps to where the tables were set up. I, Klaus, Elijah, and my mother were going to be seated at a table at the base of the gazebo. I could smell the delicious smells of dinner, and I could not wait to dig into dinner.

Klaus and I seated ourselves at the table, Klaus pulling my chair out for me like a gentleman as we sat down. My mom was on my left, Klaus on my right. Soon everyone else had found their assigned seat, and then only a trickle of people were left standing, majority wait staff.

"Lord Niklaus, what an honor to be in your presence again. It has been too long." A deep voice spoke, and I looked up to see who the owner was. It belonged to a burly looking man, with chin length black hair and a significant beard. On his arm was a petite blonde, who was dressed in a skin-tight plum dress.

"Fernando Buliste, it has been a long time." Klaus spoke, and extended his hand in friendship, but instead, Fernando bowed deeply. Old habits die hard, I guess.

"Fernando, this is Miss Caroline Forbes. Caroline, Fernando Buliste. Fernando and I met in Bulgaria in 1563. He was a loyal comrade, and a descendant of my bloodline." Klaus introduced me to his old friend, who greeted me with another bow and a kiss on my hand. It was old fashioned, but I didn't mind.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Forbes. May I present the love of my life, Natalia Bultise. She is my wife of 126 years." Fernando introduced Klaus and I to the leggy blonde that was clinging to his forearm.

"It is truly an honor to meet you, my lord. My husband has said nothing but noble things about your brother and yourself. We are honored to be your ally." Natalia spoke, her accent heavy. Klaus nodded, and Fernando greeted us farewell, returning to his table.

Klaus and Elijah, and I greeted many more guests through the course of the first part of the evening. Some were descendants of Rebekah and Elijah, and some Klaus. Many were older than the hills, dating back to the 15th century. Many were married to other vampires, and they had been with one another for centuries. It gave new meaning to the term 'eternal love.' Though many also came alone.

During the meal of braised steak sirloin and delectable sides of red garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus did the most interesting of the guests to me arrive. She was a petite young woman, with a light complexion and stark grey ringlets that reached her mid-back. She had on an olive green chiffon sheath dress, which matched her eyes perfectly. When she came to greet Klaus and myself, Klaus immediately recognized her.

"Liliana. I thought you weren't able to make it. Something about dealing with Henry's affairs." Klaus spoke, and the mysterious woman gave him a sad smile.

"I was able to sort out everything so that I could assist here. It is my pleasure to be in your service again, Lord Niklaus." Liliana performed a small curtsy, which seemed odd in the modern attire she was wearing.

"Caroline, this is Liliana Devon. She was Rebekah's hand maiden through most of the 17th and 18th century. Rebekah turned her in desperation, after Liliana was left for dead after a mauling by a wolf in the woods by my family's estate in London. Rebekah rescued her, and in turn, she offered her service in gratitude. She was under Rebekah's employment until she met her husband Henry in 1749." Klaus explained the origin of Liliana herself.

"Where is your husband?" I asked, and Liliana's eyes showed a pained expression.

"Henry was killed by a vampire hunter in Chicago a few months ago. Lord Niklaus was kind enough to help me settle the last of Henry's affairs. I thought I was going to be unable to come help with this situation, but some things cleared up at the last minute, and here I am." Liliana sighed after reciting the story of how she was able to come at the last minute.

"I'm sorry to about your husband. But Klaus and I both are so thankful for your assistance." I thanked her.

"It is an honor to help your husband and yourself, Lady Mikaelson." Liliana extended herself into another curtsy, but I stopped her.

"Oh, we're not married. Klaus and I are just together." I told her, trying to keep myself from laughing. I didn't where she would get the idea that we were married.

"My apologies, miss. Everyone is referring to you as the Lady Mikaelson, Lord Niklaus's wife, so I only assumed that you and Lord Niklaus were wed. What do you wish to be called, miss?" Liliana asked me. I smiled graciously, and answered her question.

"Just call me Caroline." I told her, and she nodded.

"It was lovely meeting you, Caroline. Good night, Lord Niklaus." Liliana nodded to me, but bowed to Klaus. Turning on her heel, she left us.

"Oh my god." I sighed, and Klaus looked at me in concern, before asking me what was wrong.

"They think we're married. This whole courtyard filled with centuries old vampires think that you decided to marry me. They probably are judging you for picking a commoner." I ranted.

"Sweetheart, I am honored that they think that I am worthy enough to be married at all. And especially honored that they think I am worthy of being married to you. That means they respect both of us, together, and that is all that I could ever ask for." Klaus reassured me. At those words, the return of the flutter of heart made Klaus smile. He could hear my heartbeat, and he knew how he made me feel.

"I love you, Caroline Forbes, and the no matter the opinion that these vampires hold, I will not change my mind."

"Brother, I hate to interrupt this tender moment, but it is time for the speech you have written." Elijah always had a way of interrupting precious moments.

"I almost forgot. Thank you Elijah." Klaus rose from his seat, taking his crystal champagne flute into his hand. Silence filled the patio, as the vampires awaited Klaus's speech.

"First off, I would like to say welcome to all. Unfortunately, your arrival here in New Orleans is not for leisure, but for war. I thank you for your assistance in this matter. My ultimate promise to myself is to keep my family safe, no matter the cost. So that is what I have asked you here to do. If it was just Marcellus and a few of his associates, I am sure that my brother and I could eliminate the threat solitarily. But that cannot be so, seeing as Marcellus Gerard has built an army. He is set on destroying everything that I have built for myself, and for others. His tyranny must be ended. So I ask you one simple question: are you willing to fight?" Klaus's last words rang clear throughout the audience.

At first, only dead silence filled the crowd of people before us. It worried me, but then that was instantly washed away by the scene that soon unfolded. One by one, each vampire rose from their seats with a round of thunderous applause. Klaus had been victorious in convincing these people to become our allies.

After talking to some of the new comrades when dinner was finished, and when the lasts of the guests had trickled out the front door, I was finally able to take off my heels and snatch a glass of red merlot from the decanter in the library. Pouring the liquid in one of the crystal wine glasses, and sat myself down on one of the many leather couches. But I wasn't alone for along.

"Well I think we can say tonight was very successful." Klaus poured himself a glass of scotch from another decanter, sitting himself down next to me when he was done.

"I think that we're going to win this war." I said.

"And when we do, I am going to take you wherever you want to go." Klaus said, and I gave him a strange look.

"What about the twins? You need to be here for when they're born. Plus, you've already taken me to Rome. I think I've done enough international travel for one year." I reminded him. Traveling to Italy and all the drama that pursued there was enough to drive anyone away from randomly jet setting to anywhere in the world.

"The twins are being watched over by Georgiana. But I understand if you do not wish to travel. Maybe we can find adventure here. But I do believe we have something to finishing discussing." Klaus sat up in his seat, and leaned forward to face me.

"What?" I asked, now alert.

"Earlier, when Liliana assumed we were wed, you reacted unlike yourself. Caroline, I need to know if you don't see a future with us. Because as I have told you before, I love you. But if don't see an actual future, then I need to know. I don't expect you tell me you love me now, but I need to know if you want to be with me. " Klaus sighed.

"I just don't want to think about marriage right now, okay? I see a future with you, but only as a relationship right now." I answered, and Klaus nodded.

"Well, for now that answer suffices my question. But it is getting late. Good night, love." Klaus got up from his seat on the couch, and placed a light kiss on the crown of my head as he exited the library.

Getting up, with my glass of merlot in hand, I left the library. Needing some fresh air, I headed towards the back patio where I had spent the last four hours. But now, once again, it was cleared of everything that had previously inhabited it. The tables and chairs had been cleared, and the cement rinsed. The smell of steak still lingered, but was fading into the scents of the New Orleans summer night.

Walking towards the gazebo, I stopped at the base. Sitting down on the worn steps, I let myself sink into my thoughts. Humid air brushed against the skin on my arm, raising the hair on it. But the peace didn't last long. A sudden noise in a nearby bush startled me, and I jolted up.

"Hello?" I called in to muggy night. There was only the chirping of crickets in response. But then I heard a twig snap behind me. Whipping my head around, I surveyed the area for anything.

"Caroline, you are such an idiot. Why did you come out here alone? And without a guard." I thought to myself.

Once again there was a noise. This time it was the crunching of leaves. Now I was getting paranoid. Walking towards the plantation's French doors, I attempted to hurry inside.

"Caroline." A hauntingly familiar voice called. Turning around slowly, I came face to face with it's owner.

"Tyler." I made eye contact with him. He was dressed in a tight black shirt, paired with a pair of low-riding jeans and combat boots. So unlike his old self.

"You look nice. I hope you enjoyed the party." Tyler approached me. Hopefully Klaus could smell or hear him, because I knew I couldn't take him on myself.

"What are you doing here?" I asked through clenched teeth.

"Just taking revenge for the deaths of Marcel's family members. Someone has to pay the retribution." Tyler took a few steps closer, and I continued to back up. But that's when Tyler attacked.

"KLAUS!" I screamed as Tyler jabbed the syringe of vervain into my neck.

"I'm sorry, Caroline." Tyler whispered into my ear as the vervain filled my veins.

The last thing I heard was the crashing of my crystal wine glass against the cement of the patio.

A/N:

So that's a cliffhanger if I ever saw one. Hope you liked it!

~Erin